Date: 11/29/2019
A digging low-pressure system that has stalled longer than forecast across the desert southwest will lift across our forecast area around noon, shifting from a strong southwest flow to a more favorable (and prolonged) westerly wind direction aloft after lunchtime. This shift of flow direction will kick our orographic (terrain enhanced) snow machine into action and should create some decent snowfall rates and accumulation. This system is accompanied by strong winds and we will see gusts into the 50-60mph range above treeline creating nasty near whiteout conditions at times this afternoon. Temperatures should drop throughout the afternoon when the cold front passes and snow kicks off. Accumulations will all depend on the timing and how long the moisture and favorable westerly winds continue overnight and into Saturday, but as of 6am, looking like a solid 4-8″ for much of the forecast area, with amounts closer to 16″ west and north of Crested Butte. Today’s system will progress into Saturday morning before cold, drier northwest flow kicks the system eastward and sunny skies return for Sunday.
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Today
High Temperature: 33
Winds/Direction: 30-40/S > W
Sky Cover: Increasing clouds
Irwin Snow: 4-8″
Elkton Snow: 3-6″
Friend’s Hut Snow: 2-5″ -
Tonight
Low Temperature: 0-5
Winds/Direction: 15-25/W
Sky Cover: Mostly Cloudy
Irwin Snow: 4-8″
Elkton Snow: 3-6″
Friend’s Hut Snow: 2-4″ -
Tomorrow
High Temperature: 15
Winds/Direction: 10-20/WNW
Sky Cover: Decreasing clouds
Irwin Snow: 1-3″ AM
Elkton Snow: 1-3″ AM
Friend’s Hut Snow: 0-2″ AM