Colorado Gets Hit
Colorado Skiers in for Early Season Runs
By Bob Berwyn, 10-27-06
The October storm that rolled through the Rockies cleared out of the area as quickly as it arrived, the Denver Post reported, and it left behind up to two feet of snow in some mountain locations. The storm has allowed Colorado's Wolf Creek Ski Area, which as received a total of 65 inches in September and October, to open today, its earliest opening ever. And Keystone has moved up its opening date by a week to Friday, Nov. 3. Many other ski areas in Colorado are slated to open in the next few weeks.
The big dump has also heightened short-term concern about backcountry avalanches, although warmer weather forecast in the next few days should help stabilize the snowpack. The first slide death last winter happened early in the season, Nov. 6 near Berthoud Pass, also after an unusually powerful storm hit the Colorado Front Range.
The heavy October snows could be consistent with a developing El Niño, according to Klaus Wolter, a researcher with NOAA's Climate Diagnostic Center. Past El Niños have brought copious early season moisture, then a dry spell in mid-winter and vigorous storms once again in the spring.
Wolter gave a seasonal weather outlook to avalanche experts from around Colorado at a one-day snow workshop at Copper Mountain recently. If the El Niño strengthens, it could lead to a split jet stream flow much of the season, a scenario that can leave Colorado sitting between storm tracks. The Summit Daily News reported on potential avalanche dangers and the outlook for the upcoming season.
Snows in Colorado have been widespread. The San Juans have picked up several feet in the last few weeks, too. It's enough to make skiers and riders give thanks to Ullr.
Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.
Comments
Add your comment below
Be the first to comment on this article. Please complete the form below.