Colorado Buried Under 2 Feet of Snow: Here’s Where the Most Fell

Winter has officially unleashed its fury across Colorado, with some areas seeing nearly 2 feet of snow over the past two days. The storm, which swept through the region on February 14 and 15, left behind impressive snow totals and a picturesque winter wonderland. But for many residents, it also meant shoveling driveways, navigating icy roads, and braving the cold.

Key Snowfall Totals Across Colorado

Here’s a breakdown of where the heaviest snowfall occurred:

• Mountains: The high-elevation areas saw the most accumulation, with some locations reporting up to 24 inches of snow. Popular ski resorts like Breckenridge and Vail were blanketed in fresh powder, much to the delight of winter sports enthusiasts.
• Front Range: Cities like Boulder and Fort Collins received between 10 to 15 inches, while Denver saw a more modest 6 to 8 inches. The variability in snow totals was due to the storm’s shifting intensity and localized bands of heavy snowfall.
• Eastern Plains: Areas like Limon and Burlington saw lighter totals, ranging from 2 to 5 inches. However, strong winds created near-blizzard conditions in some spots, making travel treacherous.

Impacts of the Winter Storm

The storm brought more than just snow. Here are some of the key impacts:

• Travel Disruptions: Major highways, including I-70 and I-25, experienced significant delays and closures due to icy conditions and poor visibility. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) urged drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
• School Closures: Dozens of school districts across the state canceled classes or delayed start times to ensure student safety.
• Power Outages: Heavy snow and strong winds caused power outages in some areas, with utility crews working around the clock to restore electricity.

What’s Next for Colorado?

While the storm has passed, cold temperatures remain. Residents are advised to stay cautious as melting snow refreezes overnight, creating icy patches on roads and sidewalks. Additionally, another weather system is expected to move in later this week, bringing the potential for more snow and wintery conditions.

What Do You Think?

• Should cities invest more in snow removal infrastructure to handle storms like this?
• Is it time for Colorado to reconsider its reliance on fossil fuels, given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events?
• How do you think this storm will impact Colorado’s ski industry in the short and long term?
• Do you believe climate change is playing a role in these intense winter storms, or is this just a normal weather pattern?