What could turn out to be Colorado’s most significant snowstorm of the season thus far is set to take place over upcoming days, likely to drop double-digit snow totals across the state’s western half with two feet of accumulation possible on numerous peaks.

Pivotal Weather forecasting indicates that flakes start falling on Tuesday morning in Colorado’s mountainous region with consistent snow then expected around western Colorado through Thursday afternoon. After a slight Thursday pause, more snow should hit between Friday morning and Saturday morning. There should then be a lull in snow until Wednesday, February 25, which should then bring snow into the night of February 26. Another quick blast of snow may then close out the month. In fewer words, expect on-and-off snow and colder mountain temperatures until March hits with a few dry days scattered in between.

When it comes to this first storm that’s expected to hit through Thursday this week, most peaks should benefit. Southwestern peaks, peaks near Aspen, and peaks near Steamboat Springs are favored to get the most snow, with certain high-elevation peaks in each of these regions looking at totals between 24 and 30 inches. As noted by the National Weather Service, double-digit snow totals should be widespread in high-elevation areas.

See the National Weather Service’s ‘expected’ snowfall scenario (80% chance) below and keep scrolling for a look at their ‘high-end’ snowfall scenario (10% chance):

While even the more conservative ‘expected’ snowfall scenario would mean significant snow, the ‘high-end’ snowfall scenario from the National Weather Service is even more impressive. In this scenario, totals of two feet or more through Thursday morning become much more widespread. Southwest Colorado gets absolutely hammered, as do the Elks. Mountain travel becomes extremely difficult, too, with a foot of snow possible in the area of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial tunnels. Some portions of I-70 could get even more.

See that map below:

As might be expected, the National Weather Service has put much of western Colorado under either a winter weather warning or winter weather advisory due to the incoming snow (see specifics on those alerts here), with snow squalls said to be a possibility in this mountainous region on Tuesday evening and Wednesday. Snow squalls can drastically limit visibility and make safe driving impossible.

It is also noting, however, that much of the Front Range gets mostly missed with this initial round of snow. Even in the high-end scenario, Denver, Boulder, Castle Rock, and Fort Collins get about an inch or less.

As of February 16, Colorado’s snowpack is at 55 percent of the norm for the date – another record low.

Find additional forecasting information on the National Weather Service website.

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