Largest snowstorm of season on its way?
The mild start to the week will soon be a distant memory in the Denver area.
Another winter storm is targeting the Front Range for Wednesday and Thursday. This storm will likely be more significant than the other systems this month.
In fact, this storm could bring Denver its largest snowfall of the season so far. The storm that set the current benchmark was the Nov. 24-25 system, when 5 inches fell in Denver and 6- to 10-inch amounts were common along and west of Interstate 25.
All of the forecast guidance brings light to moderate snowfall to the urban corridor, at the very least. Some of the computer models have been hinting at the possibility of double-digit snowfall totals near the Denver metro by the time the storm wraps up on Thursday.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center currently gives the Mile High City a near certainty for at least an inch of snow, a 70% chance of 4 inches, and a 40% chance of 6 inches.
Given the upslope component to this system, the best chance for the higher snow totals, which could approach or exceed 10 inches, would be west of the I-25 corridor and into the foothills.
Regardless of the exact amounts, the entire area should start to prepare for a disruptive snowfall that gets underway Wednesday afternoon.
The height of the storm looks to be Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. During this time, the snow could fall heavily at times with temperatures plunging into the 10s and 20s.
The combination of steady snow and cold air will create poor travel conditions. Slick, snow-packed roads are possible for the Wednesday evening commute and are likely for the Thursday morning commute.
This snowstorm could also raise Denver’s February snow total above normal. The city has tallied around 4 inches of snow this month, which is about half of the typical 8-inch monthly total for February.
It could also bring the seasonal snowfall in the metro close to average again. The 24 inches measured at Denver International Airport so far is approximately 8 inches below normal for the season. The upcoming storm could certainly wipe out most or all of that deficit.