Date: 02/27/2016

The high pressure ridge that has been steering our warm, dry weather flattens today, kicking off a more progressive pattern that will bring a series of shortwave disturbances through next week. The first wave is weak and steers too far north for any snowfall, but we will see winds increase and cloud cover build this afternoon into tonight on the southern edge of this fast moving system. Any lingering clouds should quickly clear out on Sunday morning in its dry and cool wake. Monday’s wave pushes better moisture further south, but lacks the oomph from frontal and dynamic lift. We could see 3-6″ of orographic snowfall in the typical favored locations, and light accumulations elsewhere by Tuesday.

Date: 2/26/16

High pressure strengthens over Colorado today, bringing our warmest day yet this week. Mountain temperatures will climb from the low 20’s this morning into the mid-30’s under sunny skies. A more progressive pattern develops this weekend into next week. The first shortwave system passes to our north late Saturday, bringing nothing more than increased winds and cloud cover. A stronger wave approaches on Monday, bringing a better chance for snowfall to the Elk Mountains.

Date: 02/25/2016

Northwest flow downstream of the stubborn high pressure ridge over the West Coast will bring mostly clear skies and a cool alpine breeze today. The ridge moves east on Friday, which should warm temperatures and ease winds a little. The ridge sags enough to allow a fast-moving shortwave system to bring increasing winds on Saturday and the chance for a few flurries on Saturday night. We look to be too far south for any good snowfall accumulation.

Date: 02/24/2016

Our persistent slab problem has found a worthy persistent opponent in the high pressure ridge stuck over the West Coast. Clear skies and a gradual warming trend is in store for this week as the high pressure slowly advances into the Great Basin through the rest of the work week. The ridge breaks down enough to allow a weak disturbance to push through on Saturday, but we are too far south to see any snow accumulate from this one.

Date: 02/23/2016

Well, we got skunked. Despite modern forecasting, sophisticated weather models and interpretation…sometimes there are still surprises. The 120 knot jet stayed to our west, bringing north to northeast flow aloft, not ideal orographics for snow production. Monarch however, is reporting 15” new this morning, an example of an area that does well with easterly winds. Look for clearing skies today and an increase of wind this afternoon as the tail end of the jet streak slides overhead. Looking ahead, Sunny skies from now until forever…or at least until March.