Moderate to heavy snow is expected in Southwest Colorado’s high country beginning Sunday evening and lasting through early Tuesday, with the potential for rain in Durango and Cortez.
Megan Stackhouse, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, said a winter storm warning is in effect for elevations above 9,500 feet, starting at 6 p.m. Sunday and lasting until 11 a.m. Tuesday. Eight to 16 inches of snow are expected in the southwest San Juan Mountains, and 6 to 12 inches are expected in the northwest San Juan, Elk and Sawatch mountains.
Amounts totaling up to 20 inches are possible on favored southwest-facing slopes, she said.
“This is a warm system, so for now it’s looking like things are going to stay as rain at lower elevations,” she said, “down in Durango and Cortez until Monday night.”
The NWS forecast gives Durango an 80% chance of rain Sunday night through Monday, with a 60% chance of rain or snow Monday night. Chances of precipitation in Cortez vary between 40% Sunday and Monday night and 50% during the day on Monday.
ngonzales@durangoherald.com