Snowstorm strikes Colorado mountains, leaving Front Range in chaos

On the evening of December 9, 2024, weather conditions in Colorado experienced a significant shift as a quick burst of snow accumulated across various regions, particularly affecting the Denver metro area and the Front Range. This snow event led to varying accumulation levels, where some locations recorded between half an inch to six inches of snowfall. As a result, icy conditions were anticipated for the Tuesday morning commute, prompting concerns regarding drivability and safety on the roads. The snowfall lasted into the early morning hours of December 10 and was especially concentrated in the foothills, with areas such as Golden seeing up to three inches of snow, while Conifer received up to seven inches. The Palmer Divide and southern portions of I-25 were under Winter Weather Advisories, expecting between two to seven inches of snow. Consequently, travel impacts were reported, notably for commuters who needed to navigate this weather-related disruption. Despite the snowfall coming to an end by Tuesday morning, temperatures were predicted to remain low throughout the day. Highs were expected to reach the upper 30s and low 40s, accompanied by strong winds forecasted to gust between 20 to 35 mph across the Denver metro area and even higher in the mountains. The weather staff, including Chief Meteorologist Dave Aguilera, provided forecasts suggesting gradual improvement by late morning with a warming trend anticipated starting Wednesday with the possibility of reaching 50 degrees. As the weather conditions improved later in the day, the impact of the Monday snow burst continued to remind residents of the potential risks associated with winter driving. The burst of snow may have been brief, but its effects lingered, emphasizing the importance of staying prepared and informed about changing weather patterns during the winter months in Colorado.