Crazy Colorado storm system expected to bring extreme avalanche danger, high fire danger

December 29, 2024

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Buckle up Colorado, as the forecast calls for a crazy weather ride over the next three days with extreme avalanche conditions in the mountains and elevated fire danger along the I-25 corridor out to the Eastern Plains thanks to strong wind.

Multiple rounds of snow and strong, gusty wind will create havoc for mountain travelers into Monday and enhance fire danger at lower elevations.

Here is a look at the timing and impacts created by the strong storm system, according to the National Weather Service.

Winter storm warning for mountains, advisory for lower elevations

Winter storm warning: 11 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday. Centered in the Rabbit Ears area near Steamboat Springs. Eight to 18 inches of snow with winds gusting to 55 mph are expected to make travel very difficult in places such as U.S. Highway 40 and Colorado Highway 14.
Winter weather advisory: 11 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday. Areas impacted include the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park, western Larimer and Boulder counties and Jackson, Park, Summit and Grand counties. Four to 11 inches of snow with wind gusting to 60 mph will make travel hazardous, including on Colorado 14 and Interstate 70.

As of Saturday, statewide snowpack was at 90%.

Feet of snow and strong wind create dangerous avalanche conditions

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center:

Avalanche warning: Through Monday for portions of the Front Range Mountains including the Indian Peaks Wilderness, James Peak Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. This includes portions of Jackson, Larimer, Grand and Boulder counties above 9,000 feet. Feet of snow and strong, gusty winds are creating dangerous avalanches easily triggered by backcountry users that will run naturally and long distances. Travel in backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended in the warned area.
Avalanche watch: Through Monday for portions of the Front Range mountains, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Heavy snow and strong winds will result in dangerous avalanche conditions with large avalanches easily triggered in many places by backcountry users and naturally. Travel in backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended in the mentioned areas Sunday and Monday.

Colorado has not recorded an avalanche death and only one injury this year, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Monday winds usher in dangerous fire risk for I-25 corridor, Eastern Plains

Strong, gusty winds will become more widespread Monday, leading to elevated and possible critical fire weather conditions, potential for blowing dust and hazardous travel, according to the National Weather Service.

There is a high percentage of wind gusts reaching 50 mph or more from Fort Collins to the Eastern Plains and in the foothills from Fort Collins to south of Denver.

Larimer County is the driest in Colorado with the latest drought monitor map showing the entire county in severe drought and the northeast tip in extreme drought.

Fort Collins forecast warm but windy through New Years Day

According to the National Weather Service:

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Breezy, with a west- northwest wind 7 to 16 mph becoming east- southeast in the morning and gusting to as high as 25 mph. Low around 27.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53 and south-southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. A 20% chance of rain showers after 11 p.m., mixing with snow after 3 a.m. Low around 30.
Monday: 20% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Sunny, with a high near 47 and west-northwest wind 21 to 30 mph, gusting to as high as 46 mph. Low around 17 degrees.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 36 and low around 13.
Wednesday (New Year’s Day): Mostly sunny, with a high near 37 and low around 19.