Winter Weather — Grand & Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet, Colorado

2008-02-07 to 2008-02-08 · Grand & Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet, Colorado

Event narrative

In Grand County, storm totals included 8 inches at Fraser, with 6 inches at William's Fork Dam.

Wider weather episode

A winter storm system brought heavy snow, very strong winds and whiteout conditions to the North-Central Mountains. Storms totals generally ranged from 8 to 15 inches. Peak wind gusts above timberline approached 100 mph. The whiteout conditions forced the closure of several roadways, including the I-70 corridor between Vail and Clear Creek County. The Red Cross provided temporary shelters for approximately 160 travelers.

The increased avalanche danger also forced the closure of Berthoud, Loveland and Rabbit Ear's Passes. Peak wind gusts included: 94 mph at Loveland Pass, 85 mph at Berthoud Pass, 74 mph atop Niwot Ridge, with 68 mph at Copper Mountain and Gunsight. Storm totals included: 15 inches at the Eisenhower Tunnel, 12 inches at Breckenridge Ski Area, 11 inches at Tower Snotel and Winter Park Ski Area, 10 inches at St. Mary's Glacier, 9.5 inches at Berthoud Pass, 9 inches at Arapahoe Ridge and Lake Irene, with 8 inches at Fraser.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 68771. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.