Colorado, 2020Winter Weather in Colorado, February 23 to 25, 2020
February 23 to 25, 2020 · NWS GJT · 3 events in 3 counties and zones
A strong cold front combined with a tight pressure gradient, instability aloft, and favorable upper level dynamics moved across western Colorado. This system produced moderate snow over the northern and central mountains as well as gusty winds.
Every event with a place to put it; 3 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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- Tropical storms and surge
- Floods
- Wind
- Hail
- Winter weather
- Heat and drought
- Cold
- Fire, smoke and dust
- Marine and coastal
- Other
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- Deaths
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Property damage
- None recorded
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 3
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
A strong cold front combined with a tight pressure gradient, instability aloft, and favorable upper level dynamics moved across western Colorado. This system produced moderate snow over the northern and central mountains as well as gusty winds.
Winter Weather, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys
- When
- February 23, 7:00 PM MST to February 25, 3:00 PM MST
- Where
- Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys forecast zone
- Reported by
- RAWS
- Coordinates
- 39.481, -107.172 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Generally 4 to 8 inches of snow fell across the area. Wind gusted from 55 to 65 MPH for several hours which led to reduced visibility in blowing snow. This resulted in severe travel impacts along Interstate 70 with Vail Pass being closed for a couple of hours due to whiteout conditions as a snow squall moved overhead. The Aspen Airport recorded visibility of 1/4 mile and a peak wind gust of 55 MPH with this squall.
Winter Weather, Elkhead and Park Mountains
- When
- February 23, 10:00 PM MST to February 25, 2:00 PM MST
- Where
- Elkhead and Park Mountains forecast zone
- Reported by
- SNOTEL
- Coordinates
- 40.552, -107.599 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Generally 6 to 12 inches of snow fell across the area with locally higher amounts up to 16.5 inches estimated at the Tower SNOTEL site. Sustained wind speeds exceeded 20 to 30 MPH for several hours which led to reduced visibility in blowing snow. This resulted in severe travel impacts along Colorado Highway 40 with Rabbit Ears Pass being closed for at least an hour.
Winter Weather, Flattop Mountains
- When
- February 23, 11:00 PM MST to February 25, 2:00 PM MST
- Where
- Flattop Mountains forecast zone
- Reported by
- RAWS
- Coordinates
- 40.062, -107.603 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Generally 4 to 8 inches of snow fell across the area. Winds gusted up to 62 MPH at times.
- Winter Weather
- Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
- Dust Storm in Washington, February 23, 20205 injured · 1 event
- Flash Flood in Arizona, February 23, 2020$20,000 · 1 event
- High Wind in Wyoming, February 23 to 24, 202064 kt wind · 7 events
- Damaging Winds in Texas, February 23 to 24, 202052 kt wind · 4 events
- High Wind in Texas, February 23 to 24, 202066 kt wind · 3 events
- High Wind in Oregon, February 23, 202064 kt wind · 3 events
- Winter Weather in Idaho, February 23, 20203 events
- Winter Weather in Montana, February 23, 20203 events
- Heavy Rain in Kansas, February 23 to 24, 20202 events
- High Wind in Idaho, February 23, 202058 kt wind · 2 events
- High Wind in Montana, February 23 to 24, 202055 kt wind · 2 events
- Dense Fog in Nevada, February 23, 20201 event
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 870128, 870127, 870129.