Heavy Snow — Grand & Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet, Colorado

2006-10-25 to 2006-10-26 · Grand & Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet, Colorado

Event narrative

A trained spotter near Fraser reported 13 inches of snow, with 9 inches reported at Williams Fork Dam.

Wider weather episode

A potent early season storm system brought heavy snow to the high country of North Central Colorado, the Interstate 25 Corridor and Palmer Divide. Storm totals generally ranged from 12 to 23 inches over the higher terrain, with amounts from 6 to 12 inches elsewhere. Strong northerly winds gusting to around 45 mph caused areas of blowing and drifting snow, with snowdrifts up to 4 feet deep.

The heavy wet snow caused extensive tree damage as well. Tree limbs snapped under the weight of the snow and downed power lines. Thousands of residents were left without power. In Lincoln County, extensive ice buildups from the snow and strong wind caused damage to power lines and poles. Over 200 poles were damaged and had to be replaced near Karval. Power outages also affected the towns of Limon, Genoa and Arriba.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 7393. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.