Alert archive / Colorado / Winter Storm Watches in 2021

Winter Storm Watch 13, NWS Pueblo, CO

December 25, 20216 counties in Colorado

NWS Pueblo, CO issued this winter storm watch at Dec 25, 2021, 3:28 AM MST for 6 counties in Colorado. It took effect at Dec 26, 2021, 2:00 AM MST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 25, 2021, 3:28 AM MST (10:28 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 26, 2021, 2:00 AM MST
Expired
Dec 25, 2021, 2:56 PM MST
In force
Issued by
NWS Pueblo, CO

Counties Chaffee County, CO, Conejos County, CO, Lake County, CO, Mineral County, CO, Rio Grande County, CO, Saguache County, CO

The radar

The Grand Junction radar (KGJX), 193 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:28 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Grand Junction, CO (KGJT), launched 00:00Z, 10.5 hours before the alert went out and 218 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Grand Junction, CO at 00:00Z on 2021-12-25Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Grand Junction, CO at 00:00Z on 2021-12-25The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 70 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
767 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
80 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
70 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
111 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

794 
WWUS45 KPUB 251028
WSWPUB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
328 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

COZ058-060-068-260000-
/O.NEW.KPUB.WS.A.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.WS.W.0012.000000T0000Z-211225T1800Z/
Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Feet-
Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
328 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of up to three inches. Winds gusting as high as 50
  mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches possible higher elevations,
  with total snow accumulations of 2 to 10 inches possible lower 
  elevations. Winds could gust as high as 70 mph producing 
  significant blowing and drifting snow, along with whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Western Mosquito Range and East Lake County Above 11000
  Feet, Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet, and Eastern 
  San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 11 AM MST this 
  morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late tonight through 
  late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Very strong 
  winds could cause extensive tree damage. The cold wind chills as
  low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in 
  as little as 30 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the eastern San Juan Mountains,
  additional heavy-snow accumulations and strong winds may 
  continue into the early and middle parts of the upcoming week, 
  prolonging significant impacts beyond this weekend.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

COZ059-061-066-067-260000-
/O.NEW.KPUB.WS.A.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.WW.Y.0033.000000T0000Z-211225T1800Z/
Leadville Vicinity/Lake County Below 11000 Feet-
Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet-
La Garita Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below
10000 Feet-
328 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 40
  mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow
  accumulations of 4 to 8 inches possible higher elevations, with
  total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches possible lower 
  elevations.

* WHERE...Leadville Vicinity and Lake County Below 11000 Feet,
  Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet, La Garita
  Mountains Above 10000 Feet, and Upper Rio Grande Valley and Eastern
  San Juan Mountains Below 10000 Feet.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 11 AM MST this 
  morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late tonight through 
  late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...For the Winter Weather Advisory, plan on slippery road
  conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. Strong winds could cause tree damage. And for the 
  Winter Storm Watch, travel could be very difficult to 
  impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce 
  visibility. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.
  The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the eastern San Juan Mountains,
  additional heavy-snow accumulations and strong winds may 
  continue into the early and middle parts of the upcoming week, 
  prolonging significant impacts beyond this weekend.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

COZ064-251800-
/O.CON.KPUB.WW.Y.0033.000000T0000Z-211225T1800Z/
Saguache County West of Continental Divide Below 10000 Feet-
328 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
  Winds gusting as high as 35 mph producing blowing and drifting
  snow.

* WHERE...Saguache County West of Continental Divide Below 10000 
  Feet County.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Cohen
2 follow-up statements
997 
WWUS45 KPUB 251658
WSWPUB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
958 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

COZ058-060-068-260100-
/O.CAN.KPUB.WS.W.0012.000000T0000Z-211225T1800Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.WS.A.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Feet-
Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
958 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
LATE SUNDAY NIGHT...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20
  inches possible at higher elevations, with total snow
  accumulations of 2 to 10 inches at lower elevations. Winds 
  could gust as high as 70 mph producing significant blowing and 
  drifting snow, along with whiteout conditions at times.

* WHERE...Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet, Western
  Mosquito Range and East Lake County Above 11000 Feet and Eastern
  Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet.

* WHEN...From late tonight through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The cold wind 
  chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed 
  skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

COZ059-061-066-067-260100-
/O.CAN.KPUB.WW.Y.0033.000000T0000Z-211225T1800Z/
/O.CON.KPUB.WS.A.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
Leadville Vicinity/Lake County Below 11000 Feet-
Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet-
La Garita Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below
10000 Feet-
958 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
LATE SUNDAY NIGHT...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 8
  inches possible higher elevations, with total snow accumulations
  of 1 to 4 inches at lower elevations. Strong winds will produce
  widespread blowing and drifting snow. 

* WHERE...Leadville Vicinity and Lake County Below 11000 Feet, La
  Garita Mountains Above 10000 Feet, Upper Rio Grande Valley and
  Eastern San Juan Mountains Below 10000 Feet and Western 
  Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet. 

* WHEN...From late tonight through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow could 
  significantly reduce visibility. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

COZ064-251800-
/O.CAN.KPUB.WW.Y.0033.000000T0000Z-211225T1800Z/
Saguache County West of Continental Divide Below 10000 Feet-
958 AM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Only snow showers and flurries are expected for the remainder of
the day. 

$$
091 
WWUS45 KPUB 252156
WSWPUB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
256 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

COZ060-068-260600-
/O.UPG.KPUB.WS.A.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.WS.W.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
256 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM SUNDAY TO 5 AM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and widespread blowing and drifting snow
  expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 15 inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 75 mph.

* WHERE...Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet and Eastern 
  San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet Counties.

* WHEN...From 2 AM Sunday to 5 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The cold wind 
  chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed 
  skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

COZ058-059-061-066-067-260600-
/O.UPG.KPUB.WS.A.0013.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KPUB.WW.Y.0034.211226T0900Z-211227T1200Z/
Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Feet-
Leadville Vicinity/Lake County Below 11000 Feet-
Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet-
La Garita Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below
10000 Feet-
256 PM MST Sat Dec 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM SUNDAY TO 5 AM MST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected, with widespread blowing and drifting snow.
  Total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as 
  high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Western Mosquito Range and East Lake County Above 11000
  Feet, Leadville Vicinity and Lake County Below 11000 Feet, 
  Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet, La Garita 
  Mountains Above 10000 Feet and Upper Rio Grande Valley and 
  Eastern San Juan Mountains Below 10000 Feet Counties.

* WHEN...From 2 AM Sunday to 5 AM MST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow could
  significantly reduce visibility. The cold wind chills as low as
  20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as 
  little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Pueblo, CO issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 24, 5:05 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso10 min
Dec 25, 3:32 AM MSTHigh Wind WatchPUBAlamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Fremont and 6 more12 hr
Dec 25, 3:39 AM MSTRed Flag WarningPUBEl Paso, Fremont, Pueblo13 hr
Dec 25, 2:52 PM MSTRed Flag WarningPUBBaca, Bent, Crowley, El Paso, Huerfano, Kiowa and 4 more26 hr
Dec 25, 2:56 PM MSTWinter Storm WarningPUBChaffee, Conejos, Lake, Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache4 days
Dec 25, 2:56 PM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryPUBChaffee, Conejos, Lake, Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache4 days
Dec 25, 3:02 PM MSTHigh Wind WarningPUBAlamosa, Bent, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley and 10 more27 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in Colorado, 2021Every winter storm watch in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.