A vigorous Pacific trough was accompanied by very strong winds that resulted in blizzard conditions for some areas in western Colorado during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Blizzard in ROAN AND TAVAPUTS PLATEAUS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 16:00:00 to 25-NOV-10 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Widespread blizzard conditions were reported above the 8000 foot level where winds gusted 30 to 50 mph.  Snowfall measurements were problematic due to the strong winds.

Winter Storm in ELKHEAD AND PARK MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 18:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 07:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was a high impact event since it impeded travel just before the Thanksgiving holiday.  Snowfall of 3 to 9 inches was measured, as well as wind gusts in excess of 40 mph that produced local blizzard conditions.

Winter Storm in GORE AND ELK MOUNTAINS/CENTRAL MOUNTAIN VALLEYS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 14:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was a high impact event since it impeded travel just before the Thanksgiving holiday.  Snowfall of 5 to 8 inches was measured, as well as wind gusts of 20 to 35 mph that produced areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Storm in WEST ELK AND SAWATCH MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 15:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was a high impact event since it impeded travel just before the Thanksgiving holiday.  Snowfall of 5 to 12 inches was measured, as well as wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph that produced areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Storm in FLATTOP MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 21:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

This was a high impact event since it impeded travel just before the Thanksgiving holiday.  Snowfall of 4 to 12 inches was measured, as well as wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph that produced areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Blizzard in NORTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 16:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions occurred due to wind gusts of 30 to 60 mph that produced 2 to 3 foot deep snow drifts.  Locally stronger winds included 76 mph at the top of Telluride Ski Area.  Measurements of new snowfall were problematic due to the strong winds, but were estimated at 4 to 8 inches.

Blizzard in SOUTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 16:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard conditions occurred due to wind gusts of 35 to 75 mph that produced 3 to 5 foot deep snow drifts.  Locally stronger winds included 90 mph at the top of Eagle Mountain.  Measurements of new snowfall were problematic due to the strong winds, but were estimated at 5 to 12 inches.

Winter Storm in CENTRAL COLORADO RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 24-NOV-10 00:00:00 to 24-NOV-10 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall of 6 to 8 inches was measured across much of the area.

Winter Weather in UPPER GUNNISON RIVER VALLEY, COLORADO
From 23-NOV-10 05:00:00 to 23-NOV-10 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall up to 4 inches was measured across much of the zone area.  Locally higher amounts included 7 inches at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph produced areas of blowing and drifting snow.