Updated snowfall map for impending storm through Sat pm

04/17/25 8:15pm: Alright here is a final snowfall forecast update for the current storm system which is already getting underway now over parts of the front-range and western CO. We have covered much of the details already so I'll keep it short.

Below is my updated total snowfall map through Sat night. I did make a few changes as models show more of true upslope event with east to west flow at the surface to mid-levels and coldest air east of the Divide, over the front-range.

So less snow west of Vail Pass and over parts of northwest CO (not a great wind-flow direction there). On the flip-side more snowfall from BV to Salida to the northern Sangres....that area could be in the bullseye for heavy amounts (possible > 24" for upper parts of Sangres). Also looks like areas near Wolf Creek could get up to 24".

Otherwise for the north-central mountains amounts remain on track with heaviest amounts expected from Summit Co east and along/east of the Cont. Divide, Front Range mountains and foothills: 7-14" in those areas generally speaking.

For Den/Bou and the front-range looking like a classic April snow event with models still showing around 0.60-0.90" of liquid precip with 2-8" of snow for lower elevations and 7-14" for the foothills. As mentioned earlier, just a bit of snow by 8am Fri (1-5" in spots), then much more accumulation from 3pm Fri to 6am Sat (that is when it will pile up some and road conditions will be bad Fri night)

That is all for now. Refer to map and high-res model snowfall for all the details.

Second image shows current radar over CO with the rain/snow getting going on front-range. Image 3 and 4 compare forecast total snowfall through 6pm Sat from very latest HRRR (3km) and CAIC WRF 2km models...these high-res models do well within 24-48hrs and can resolve the terrain correctly but still take with grain of salt.

This is going to be fun! How are conditions in you area?