Winter Storm — Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado

1998-03-27 to 1998-03-29 · Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado

Wider weather episode

A moist southwest flow produced 10 to 20 inches of snow over most central and southern mountain areas of western Colorado. Some heavier amounts included 36 inches at Purgatory Ski Area, 31 inches at Coal Bank Pass, and 29 inches at Chattanooga near Red Mountain Pass. Wind gusts of 45 to 65 MPH were common in the mountains. Mount Abrams in the northwest San Juan Mountains had a peak gust of 86 MPH. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds resulted in over 50 known avalanches in the San Juan Mountains. The heavy snow and avalanches caused many road closures.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5638484. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.