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Sunday, February 7, 2021

Heavy snow, high winds, avalanche danger all in forecast throughout Colorado - OutThere Colorado

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A powerful storm moved into Colorado Saturday brought heavy snowfall and high winds in some areas, prompting multiple alerts and weather warnings across the state Sunday.

A high wind warning is in effect Sunday until 5 p.m. for Jackson, Jefferson, Larimer, Grand, and Boulder counties. The warning is also issued in parts of Clear Creek, Summit, Douglas, and Park counties. Winds are expected to blow between 30 and 50 mph during the warning period. Gusts up to 80 mph are possible in these areas.

In central Colorado, the high wind warning reports 30 to 40 mph winds are expected with gusts up to 75 mph in the Pikes Peak and Rampart Range regions. The warning also covers the Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountains, Huerfano County, and the higher terrain in western Chaffee and western Lake counties. The warning is set to expire at 11 a.m.

A red flag warning goes into effect for Fremont County,El Paso County, and Pueblo County and noon and is set to expire at 5 p.m. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are are likely. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The National Weather Service reported an 82 mph gust of wind in Westcliffe about 1:30 am Sunday.

The National Weather Service advises people should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center issued an avalanche warning for Vail and Summit counties, as well as the Steamboat and Flat Top zones. The avalanche danger is high, with levels 4 and 5 in the areas.

The Steamboat and Flat Top zones include the Williams Fork mountains, Ten Mile Range, Gore Range, Vail, Park Range, Elk Head mountains, Rabbit Ears Pass, and the Flat Top mountains.

The avalanche warning was initiated at 7 a.m. Saturday and expires at 7 p.m. Sunday.

According to the avalanche information center, snow and wind are adding weight to a weak snowpack in these areas. Avalanches large enough to bury a person will be easily triggered during the warning period, the avalanche information said. Natural avalanches may also run a long distance.

The avalanche danger is high due to the large amount of new snow and strong winds that overloaded the snowpack.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Visit www.colorado.gov/avalanche for an avalanche forecast and more information.

Between Thursday and Saturday, northern and central mountains of Colorado reported heavy snow. Cameron Pass received 15 inches and Rabbit Ears Pass got 16.5 inches of snow during that time. The area around Longs Peak recorded 19.5 inches of heavy snow between Thursday and Saturday. 

Winter Park Ski Resort paused some lift operations early Sunday amid high winds. Check here for updated lift closures.

US Highway 6 - Loveland Pass, west of Denver, has been closed since early Saturday for dangerous road conditions amid the snow storm. Colorado Department of Transportation updated the Travel Center about 8:30 p.m. Saturday with an alert that Loveland Pass remained closed with no estimated time of reopening. Check here for updated road conditions. 

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"danger" - Google News
February 07, 2021 at 11:29PM
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Heavy snow, high winds, avalanche danger all in forecast throughout Colorado - OutThere Colorado
"danger" - Google News
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