Colorado Snowstorm Forecast: Thursday–Friday System Brings Uncertain but Potentially Significant Snow to Mountains, Foothills, and Metro Areas
COLORADO — A developing winter storm system expected to impact Colorado from Thursday into Friday is drawing close attention from forecasters, as snowfall amounts will depend heavily on storm track, strength, and timing. While confidence remains low, current data suggests mountain and foothill communities stand the best chance of meaningful accumulation, with lighter but still impactful snowfall possible across the Front Range and nearby plains.
This system is expected to arrive as part of a one-two weather punch late in the week, bringing changing conditions across multiple elevations. Forecasters caution that small shifts in the storm’s path could significantly alter snowfall totals, making ongoing updates critical.
Why Forecast Confidence Remains Low
Meteorologists emphasize that this is a high-variable setup, meaning forecast details are likely to evolve as the storm draws closer. Several factors are influencing uncertainty, including:
- Storm track direction
- Overall storm strength
- Duration of precipitation
- Timing of upslope flow, which plays a major role in Colorado snow events
Because of these variables, snowfall totals may shift higher or lower with only minor changes in atmospheric conditions.
Expected Snowfall by Region
Based on the latest projections, snowfall probabilities vary widely depending on location and elevation.
Lower Elevations and Plains
- Northern Front Range and Northeast Plains (including Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley):
Trace to 3 inches - Wyoming and Nebraska border regions:
1 to 4 inches
Snow in these areas is expected to be more scattered, with totals decreasing farther north.
Denver Metro Area
- Denver and surrounding suburbs:
2 to 5 inches - There is a low probability of totals exceeding 5 inches
- Higher amounts are more likely in southern and western suburbs, particularly near the foothills and Palmer Divide
Foothills and Higher Terrain Most Likely to See Heavier Snow
The best chance for impactful snowfall lies west of I-25 and across elevated terrain, where upslope conditions could enhance totals.
- Foothills west of I-25 (Estes Park, Nederland, Evergreen, Conifer):
3 to 8 inches- Medium chance of exceeding 8 inches
- Highest odds in Boulder, Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties
- Palmer Divide (Castle Rock, Monument):
4 to 8 inches, with a medium chance of higher totals - Southern Colorado mountain and foothill regions:
4 to 8 inches, with locally higher amounts possible
Southern and Southeastern Colorado
- El Paso and Teller counties (including Falcon, Woodland Park, Black Forest):
4 to 8 inches - Southern and southeastern plains (including Pueblo County and Raton Mesa):
3 to 7 inches - San Luis Valley:
2 to 5 inches
These areas sit closer to the storm’s projected periphery, meaning totals could shift quickly depending on storm movement.
What Residents Should Know Now
Forecasters stress that snowfall totals are highly dependent on temperature profiles and storm placement, and confidence will improve as the system approaches. Residents are encouraged to prepare for winter travel conditions, particularly in foothill and mountain communities, and to monitor updated forecasts through Thursday.
While details remain uncertain, this system has the potential to deliver a solid winter event for higher elevations, with lighter but still disruptive snowfall possible for metro and plains locations. As always, conditions may change rapidly, and updated forecasts will refine expected impacts in the days ahead.
