A deep Pacific trough infiltrated the western U.S. and pushed across the Great Basin. A quick moving shortwave trough was ejected out ahead of the main system and into western Colorado and the resulting combination of ample moisture, orographic lift, and additional upper level support from a 90 to 100 knot jet led to widespread precipitation across the region. The passage of a secondary shortwave kept showers going along the Continental Divide through Wednesday, January 16th. Moderate snow fell across the mountains and the southwest flow allowed the southern valleys to receive some good snowfall.

Winter Weather in GRAND AND BATTLEMENT MESAS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 16:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Generally 5 to 10 inches of snow fell across the area with an estimated 13 inches at the Park Reservoir SNOTEL site. Winds gusted up to 45 MPH.

Winter Weather in WEST ELK AND SAWATCH MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 21:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Generally 6 to 9 inches of snow fell across the area with up to 14 inches estimated at the Schofield Pass SNOTEL site.

Winter Weather in FLATTOP MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 19:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Generally 5 to 12 inches of snow fell across the area with up to 13.2 inches estimated at the Ripple Creek SNOTEL site.

Winter Weather in UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU AND DALLAS DIVIDE, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 20:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Generally 6 to 12 inches of snow fell across the higher elevations.

Winter Weather in NORTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 20:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Generally 5 to 9 inches of snow fell across the higher elevations with 2 to 5 inches in the lower elevations.

Winter Weather in SOUTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 18:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Generally 6 to 12 inches of snow fell across the area with some locally higher amounts of 15 to 17 inches.

Winter Weather in FOUR CORNERS / UPPER DOLORES RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 18:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Elevations above 6,500 feet saw 3 to 3.5 inches of snow.

Winter Weather in SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 21:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Generally 4 to 7 inches of snow fell across the area.

Winter Weather in ANIMAS RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 21:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Generally 3 to 6 inches of snow fell across the area with up to 8 inches reported in the surrounding foothills. Snow showers produced difficult driving conditions which led to Durango School District 9-R cancelling all school and school-related activities Wednesday morning, January 16th. Additionally, the La Plata County government closed their offices for the day. The wet, heavy snow also resulted in power outages for 700 La Plata Electric customers in the Hermosa area.

Winter Weather in ROAN AND TAVAPUTS PLATEAUS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 19:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Around 6 inches of snow fell across the area.

Winter Weather in ELKHEAD AND PARK MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 15-JAN-19 23:00:00 to 16-JAN-19 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Generally 6 to 10 inches of snow fell across the area with locally higher amounts exceeding a foot at the Tower SNOTEL site.