Snow a Beautiful Sight in Colorado

Alex Sosnowski
By , Expert Senior Meteorologist
October 01, 2012; 6:11 AM
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Snow a Beautiful Sight in Colorado

Snow has fallen over some of the passes during the middle of the week as a weak storm system in the upper atmosphere moved slowly through the region.

Storified by Accu Weather · Wed, Sep 26 2012 10:06:38

It's exactly 1/2way between #autumn & #winter at @Breckenridgemtn @Colorado. #Snow on the peaks yellow #foliage below! http://pic.twitter.com/0NC0U4MaKieran Cain
Snow has fallen over some of the passes during the middle of the week as a weak storm system in the upper atmosphere moved slowly through the region. Snow in the high country of Colorado is not all that unusual in late September.

Heavy snow fell for a brief time at an elevation around 12,000 feet Wednesday morning, including Wolf Creek Pass. A coating of snow was observed at Fremont Pass.

According to Expert Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews, "The region, especially along the Front Range, foothills and eastern slopes in Colorado typically have a two-pronged snowfall pulse."

One pulse occurs in October and the other in March.

"This is because of the proximity of the storm track during these months and it is also a time when the air is cold enough and winds from the Gulf of Mexico tend to bring the most moisture," Andrews said, "As these winds blow uphill, the air cools and the moisture condenses, sometimes in the form of heavy snow."

Denver receives, on average, an inch or two of snow during September. However, this average is based on some years with no snow and other years with several inches. On Sept. 13, 1993, Denver received 5.5 inches. On Sept. 28, 1999, 2.0 inches of snow fell. During the past 10 years or so, there has been no measurable snowfall in Denver during September.

"While the climate and snowfall are complex in the West, over much of the high country of Colorado and Utah there is more of a winter to early spring maximum of snowfall," Andrews stated, "This is when the upper atmosphere is typically the coldest and the peaks and ridges tend to capture moisture from a variety of sources."
Snow in Colorado! Here's a shot from Monarch. #skiing http://twitpic.com/ay8d3xLiberty Skis
Seeing snow at Keystone always brings a smile to our face! #colorado #winteriscoming #snow http://pic.twitter.com/369UcjunKeystone Resort
Snow in Aspen, Colorado. #skiing http://twitpic.com/avziw0Liberty Skis
Not a bad view from North Peak today! http://instagr.am/p/QA2vKFn8I9/ #snow #colorado #winterisbackKeystone Resort

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