Winter Storm Will Impact Rockies and High Plains This Week, Blizzard Watches Issued

Linda Lam
Published: November 15,2015
A southward dip in the jet stream will intensify as it slides eastward through the Rockies and into the central Plains early this week. As this happens, snow and will spread throughout the Rockies and into the High Plains.
(MORE: Heavy Rain, Flood Threat Targets Pacific Northwest)

Current Radar

Snow has already fallen from this system from the Washington Cascades to California's Sierra Nevada and even the mountains of Southern California.
Increasing winds from the strengthening storm could lead to blizzard or near-blizzard conditions in the High Plains Monday night into Tuesday. Blizzard watches have been issued for portions of eastern Colorado, northwestern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska for late Monday into Tuesday evening.
In fact, this system has some potential to become the first named winter storm of the season and it would be given the name Ajax.
(MORE: The Science Behind Naming Winter Storms)

Snowfall Forecast

Recent forecast model runs, including ensembles of models used to diagnose uncertainty, are now moving this bullish upper-level system a bit faster across the High Plains, which would cut down the duration of snow, and, thus, the total accumulations.
That said, some heavy snow will fall along the Front Range and High Plains of eastern Colorado, western Kansas, possibly into parts of northeast New Mexico, the Oklahoma panhandle and far northern Texas panhandle.
Total snowfall in Denver and Cheyenne now looks increasingly light to moderate, as opposed to earlier concerns for heavier snow.
Despite this, strong north to northwest winds will increase Monday night, which will lead to reduced visibility and blizzard conditions, in parts of the High Plains into Tuesday.
This may prompt roads to close for a time in the High Plains. Plan ahead if you have travel plans in this area from Monday night into early Wednesday.
(MAPS: Weekly Planner)

Winter Weather Alerts

Snowy Forecast

Here's a timeline of this snowy forecast.
Into Early Monday
Snow will continue in the Sierra Nevada as the low pressure system aloft and cold front slides ashore. Close to a foot of snow is possible on some of the higher peaks, while generally 5 to 8 inches of snow is expected near pass levels in the northern Sierra.
As of Sunday evening Kingvale, California, at an elevation of 6,100 feet, measured 10 inches of snow.
Snowflakes will start to fly in the Intermountain West as the low pressure system moves east.
Strong winds will also both lead and trail the cold front in the Desert Southwest and Great Basin, leading to areas of blowing dust and reduced visibility. This includes the mountains, canyons and passes of Southern California through Sunday night. The National Weather Service has posted high wind warnings and advisories for parts of that region. Trees could be blown down in the mountains of Southern California given that many have been weakened by the ongoing long-term drought.
Interstate 5 near the Grapevine in Southern California will be impacted by accumulating snow and strong winds Sunday night into Monday. Travel is discouraged through that corridor.
Behind the cold front, colder air will filter into the region, and the wind will make it feel even colder.

Monday's Forecast

Monday
The higher elevations of Utah, southeastern Idaho, southwestern Montana, Wyoming, central and western Colorado, northern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico will likely see snow during the day. Snow will be heaviest in the Rockies of Colorado and the Wasatch Range in Utah. Strong wind gusts are likely from southern Idaho, Nevada and the Colorado River Valley to the High Plains of New Mexico, west Texas and western Kansas.
(FORECAST: Salt Lake City | Flagstaff, Arizona)

Monday Night's Forecast

Monday Night
Snow will push east overnight into eastern Colorado, northern New Mexico, western Nebraska, southwest South Dakota and northwestern Kansas. Heavy snow is possible in the mountains of Colorado and High Plains of southern and central Colorado. Winds will increase with gusts over 40 mph possible in the High Plains, leading to poor visibility and dangerous travel conditions. This includes parts of I-80, I-70 and I-25.
Denver may see the snow start as rain, but it is expected to change over early in the night. Gusty winds will continue in the area overnight as well. Snowfall amounts in the Denver metro area are forecast to be in the 3-5 inch range at this time.
(FORECAST: Colorado Springs | Santa Fe, New Mexico)

Tuesday's Forecast

Tuesday
Snow, possibly heavy, persists in parts of eastern Colorado, western Kansas, western Nebraska and far northeastern New Mexico. Some light mixed precipitation may impact the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas.
Strong north to northwest winds may continue to produce areas of blowing snow, reduced visibility and perhaps blizzard conditions in some parts of the High Plains much of Tuesday. Dangerous travel conditions are likely in the region, including on portions of I-70 and I-80.
Snow finally winds down across the High Plains Tuesday night.
(FORECAST: North Platte, Nebraska | Pueblo, Colorado)
This strong low pressure system will also bring the threat of flooding from the Gulf Coast to the mid-Mississippi Valley and severe thunderstorms in the South, especially toward Texas and the Gulf Coast states.
(MORE: Potential Severe Weather Outbreak | Major Flash Flood Threat)
This winter storm event is still evolving so check back for updates and for the latest forecast.
MORE: Western Snow Nov. 10-11, 2015 (PHOTOS)