Atmospheric River in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies this Weekend

A Pacific storm and atmospheric river will impact the Pacific Northwest states and northern Rockies this weekend, bringing locally heavy low elevations rain and heavy high elevation snow in the mountains. By Sunday over the Interior Northwest, rain combined with snowmelt will increase the risk of flood hazards. Flood Watches are in effect. Read More >

Overview

A prolonged period of strong northwest flow carried sufficient moisture from a decaying atmospheric river and produced significant snow over the mountains of western Colorado, as well as some northern and central valleys. Snow favored the northwestern and western slopes across the northern and central portions of the forecast area with over 3 feet of snow falling in some areas. Showers began in earnest on Wednesday night, February 5 and into Thursday with heavy snow continuing through Friday before activity diminished Friday night, February 7.

Wind gusts with this storm exceeded 50 MPH, resulting in hazardous travel with reduced visibility in blowing snow. Additionally, snow rates approached 2 inches per hour at times. This severely impacted travel, particularly along I-70 with Vail Pass closing several times throughout the event, often for an extended period of time. Additionally, the heavy snow led to treacherous backcountry conditions and the increased threat for avalanches with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) having to issue numerous Avalanche Warnings during the event.

Storm Total Snowfall: February 4-7, 2020


Rabbit Ears Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)	Vail Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)	Gore Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)

Photos & Video
Storm Reports

Photos & Video

Heavy snow fell across the Upper Yampa River Basin


Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)