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

2018-11-22 to 2018-11-25 · Grand & Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet, Colorado

Wider weather episode

Heavy mountain snow developed in the northern mountain over the Thanksgiving weekend, impacting the Interstate 70 corridor the most on the 23rd and 24th. Significant travel impacts occurred due to the adverse conditions and multiple accidents. Both east and westbound lanes at Loveland Pass were closed due to adverse conditions on the 23rd. Several multi-car crashes forced the closure of the I-70 west of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on the 24th. Two emergency shelters for motorists were opened in Summit County, where 80 people sought refuge.

Storm totals included: 28 inches at Mount Audobon; 26 inches near Rabbit Ears Pass; 23.5 inches, 9 miles south-southeast of Spicer; 21 inches near Loveland Pass and 6 miles west of Arapahoe Peak; 19.5 inches, 7 miles south-southeast of Cameron Pass and near Climax; 18 inches near Longs Peak; 17 inches, 9 miles east of Glendevy; 15.5 inches near Berthoud Pass and 9 miles south-southeast of Gould; 13 inches near Copper Mountain, Mout Zirkel and Winter Park; with 8 to 12 inches elsewhere.

Strong winds gusts in the high country spilled over across the northeast plains. Peak wind gusts generally ranged from 55 to 65 mph across the foothills and adjacent plains. Thousands of people in the Denver area are without power late in the evening of the 24th as the strong storm delivered powerful winds to the Front Range. According to Xcel Energy, roughly 8,100 customers were without power in Denver and the surrounding metro area. There were 43 outages in all, with most affecting fewer than 500 people. Peak wind reports included: 61 mph at Limon Municipal Airport, 60 mph at Centennial and Denver International Airport; 58 mph near Bennett, Buckley AFB and Natural Fort Rest Area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 794363. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.