Blizzard — Leadville and Vicinity, Colorado

1999-02-17 to 1999-02-18 · Leadville and Vicinity, Colorado

Wider weather episode

Strong winds and heavy snow combined to produce blizzard conditions in some mountain areas of west-central Colorado. Interstate 70 was closed from the Minturn exit eastward beyond Vail Pass. Colorado Highway 24 between Minturn and Leadville as well as Colorado Highway 91 between Copper Mountain Ski Area and Leadville were also closed. Snow drifts of 2 to 3 feet deep developed in some areas. A peak wind gust to 57 MPH occurred at the Leadville airport, while higher gusts were estimated at other locations.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5688497. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.