Snow, smaller weather disturbances predicted for weekend

MONTROSE —  Snow storms that have hit Montrose in recent weeks may be replaced by a wave-like series of smaller weather disturbances, local meteorologists predicted.

Though another weather disturbance will move through the area beginning tonight into Monday, it is expected to be weaker than recent storms — like the one responsible for Montrose's white Christmas.

"It's not going to be like the big upper level troughs we've seen. There will be more waves instead of one big loop," said meteorologist Ellen Heffernan of the National Weather Service in Grand Junction. She said the state is experiencing an "unsettled, energetic pattern," meaning the weather pattern is ongoing. A stronger weather system did pass through Northwestern Colorado over the weekend.

"We'll see a series of weather disturbances — each one not real strong," said Heffernan. "(But) it is (expected) to remain cold through the first of the year."

The National Weather Service forecasted a 30 percent chance of snow today, with snow likely in the evening and the possibility of less than an inch of snow. Chance of snow is predicted to decrease to 20 percent on Monday. Conditions are expected to be mostly cloudy, with west and southwest winds between 10 and 15 miles per hour.

Local ski resorts are reporting good conditions for hitting the slopes. Telluride's Ski Resort's slopes received about 25 inches over the last nine days, said Maryhelyn Kirwan, Telluride Ski Resort communications director. The December snow total is now 82 inches, the largest in resort history for the month.

“With the abundance of snow, the mountain has had one of the best openings ever. The conditions are incredible all over the mountain, and Gold Hill, Bald Mountain and the new Black Iron Bowl all opened earlier than expected,” said Dave Riley, CEO of the resort.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort reported Saturday packed powder conditions with a base of 45 inches at the top of the mountain and 33 inches midway. Currently, 100 percent of its beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain is open; and 97 percent of its extreme terrain is open.

Powderhorn Resort is expecting three inches of new snow by the end of Sunday, with a reported base of 50 inches. All its lifts and terrain parks are open.

Road alerts are still in effect for U.S. Highway 550 at Red Mountain Pass. Icy and snow pack spots are noted as road alerts; and restrictions calling for chains, snow tires or four-wheel drive vehicles are still in place by the Colorado Dept. of Transportation.

Contact Lisa Huynh via email at lisah@montrosepress.com