For 3/06/09: The persistent high winds that we have seen have given the western weather pattern a pretty good shuffle through the last 24 hours and it looks like we will finally see the snow we have been looking for. Regional radar shows a few solid bands pushing in our direction that will be on us early with a couple more pockets set to keep us in snow through Saturday morning. High gusting winds will continue to be a factor with squally snow showers offering pockets of heavy snowfall.

Temperatures have remained warm with overnight lows at elevation significantly warmer than the lower valleys with Crested Butte reporting 27 degrees while Gunnison reported 15 degrees. Daytime highs will climb to the mid to high 30’s but the high winds will offer windchill values in the teens and low 20’s. The wind combined with blowing snow will make for conditions that feel a whole lot colder than the temperature so bundle up as you head out.

These waves of pacific moisture cued up to offer us this shot of snow are by no means a real snowmaker but it will be a good shot in the arm for conditions with a couple inches of high moisture content snow softening things up for tomorrow. We are probably in the 3-5” category as far as expected accumulation but we could see a little more if the wind slows for a bit. Think snow and do that snow dance. 

Look for a complete Crested Butte and Gunnison weather report, 24 hour trends and real time weather information now available at WWW.CBTV.TV.