An anomalously strong and unseasonably cold Pacific trough progressed inland across the western United States. Strong southwest winds occurred out ahead of the trough and along the cold front across all of western Colorado. Winds gusted in the 40 to 50 mph range for the valleys with gusts of 60 mph or more in the mountains. This led to widespread blowing snow in the higher elevations which, when paired with moderate to heavy snow, resulted in near blizzard conditions.

Heavy Snow in WEST ELK AND SAWATCH MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-OCT-22 01:00:00 to 23-OCT-22 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Generally 3 to 6 inches of snow fell across the area with locally higher amounts of up to 12 inches estimated at the Schofield Pass SNOTEL site.

Heavy Snow in FLATTOP MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 22-OCT-22 22:00:00 to 23-OCT-22 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Generally 8 to 11 inches of snow fell across the area at elevations above 10,000 feet. Lesser amounts of 4 to 7 inches fell at the lower elevations.

Winter Storm in SOUTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 22-OCT-22 12:00:00 to 24-OCT-22 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Generally 5 to 8 inches of snow fell across the area with locally higher amounts of up to 11 inches estimated at the Beartown SNOTEL site. Winds gusted up to 60 mph at times.

Winter Weather in ROAN AND TAVAPUTS PLATEAUS, COLORADO
From 22-OCT-22 14:30:00 to 23-OCT-22 17:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Generally 5 to 10 inches of snow fell across the area at elevations above 8000 feet.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 23-OCT-22 03:00:00 to 24-OCT-22 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Generally 5 to 10 inches of snow fell on the northern side of the zone with locally higher amounts of up to 12 inches reported in the Uncompahgre Gorge. Lesser amounts of 3 to 4 inches of snow fell on the southern side of the zone.

Heavy Snow in ELKHEAD AND PARK MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 22-OCT-22 21:00:00 to 23-OCT-22 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Generally 8 to 14 inches of snow fell across the area at elevations above 9000 feet.

Heavy Snow in GRAND AND BATTLEMENT MESAS, COLORADO
From 23-OCT-22 00:00:00 to 23-OCT-22 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Generally 8 to 16 inches of snow fell across the area.

Heavy Snow in GORE AND ELK MOUNTAINS/CENTRAL MOUNTAIN VALLEYS, COLORADO
From 23-OCT-22 02:00:00 to 24-OCT-22 00:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Generally 4 to 6 inches of snow fell across the area with locally higher amounts of up to 8 inches estimated at the Vail Mountain SNOTEL site. Significant travel impacts occurred along Interstate 70 as a result of the hazardous driving conditions.

Winter Weather in UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU AND DALLAS DIVIDE, COLORADO
From 23-OCT-22 04:00:00 to 23-OCT-22 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

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