Two storms are expected to bring rain and snow to Southwest Colorado in the upcoming week with the first, weaker storm expected to move in Monday afternoon and a stronger storm expected Thursday.
Monday’s storm is expected to bring only 2 to 4 inches to the San Juan Mountains, with Durango and Cortez expected to see isolated rain showers with perhaps a dusting of snow as the precipitation extends into the colder early hours of Tuesday morning.
Pagosa Springs could see snow or a rain-snow mix on Monday.
“This storm on Monday will move pretty quickly,” said Scott Stearns, meteorologist with the National Weather Service,
A second, stronger storm moving in from the Pacific Northwest is expected to arrive early Thursday morning and could bring between 8 inches to 1 foot of snow to the San Juan Mountains, Stearns said.
“Thursday morning, we should see more significant snowfall, perhaps even see some accumulations in the valleys, Durango, Dolores and Mancos. The higher elevations could see a foot.” Stearns said.
Thursday’s storm appears to be slower-moving, which will likely increase the amount of snow it brings, Stearns said.
“Everybody at high elevations is going to see a good amount of snow from this one. It does look to be slow-moving, but things could change by Thursday.
The snowpack in Southwest Colorado was listed at 101% of the 30-year average by Colorado SNOTEL on Sunday.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center lists the risk for avalanches in the San Juan Mountains at moderate on Sunday.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
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