As predicted, a potent cold front dropped southward through the Rockies and Northern Plains last night. Following yesterday's warm, sunny weather, snow developed overnight and continues along the Front Range this morning; up to six inches of accumulation is expected.
While our spring, upslope storms are usually triggered by Pacific storms that move eastward along the Colorado-New Mexico line, autumn and winter snowstorms most often result from cold fronts that plunge down from Canada. Driven by cold high pressure, clockwise winds along the leading edge of this dome sweep moisture in from the Great Plains, producing the snowstorms. As the dome moves eastward or southward, the Front Range upslope breaks down, the snow subsides and clear, cold high pressure grips the region. Eventually, on the backside of the dome, southerly winds sweep warmer air across the Front Range urban corridor and mild conditions persist until the next cold front arrives.
Such undulating weather is common here throughout the colder months, as warm, sunny periods alternate with snowstorms. It is an invigorating climate and those who live here welcome the snow; after all, it is primarily responsible for keeping our semiarid environment from becoming a desert.
While our spring, upslope storms are usually triggered by Pacific storms that move eastward along the Colorado-New Mexico line, autumn and winter snowstorms most often result from cold fronts that plunge down from Canada. Driven by cold high pressure, clockwise winds along the leading edge of this dome sweep moisture in from the Great Plains, producing the snowstorms. As the dome moves eastward or southward, the Front Range upslope breaks down, the snow subsides and clear, cold high pressure grips the region. Eventually, on the backside of the dome, southerly winds sweep warmer air across the Front Range urban corridor and mild conditions persist until the next cold front arrives.
Such undulating weather is common here throughout the colder months, as warm, sunny periods alternate with snowstorms. It is an invigorating climate and those who live here welcome the snow; after all, it is primarily responsible for keeping our semiarid environment from becoming a desert.
