Wintry pattern this week, wet snow, icy roads, and cold air

A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for the region from 5 pm tonight until 5 pm Wednesday. The snowfall amounts will more likely be closer to the low end of the forecast range.

The summer feel that we experienced last week is a distant memory as a wintry pattern sets up for the rest of the week and into the weekend. 

A robust area of low pressure is migrating toward the region and will bring with it snow to the mountains and a wintry mix to the high desert.

In the High Desert:

A wintry mix of rain and snow will impact the area tonight. Mostly rain to start but the transition to snow is likely near sunrise as the temps dip near freezing. Due to the warm ground (not frozen) we should see the snow melt once it hits the ground an after a period of time start to accumulate.  Expect to see some snow on grassy areas and elevated locations (back deck, cars, etc.) but mainly wet roads. The main concern is the possible flash freeze of the wet roads overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Icy conditions may be problematic on area roads and dangerous. The heavy, wet snow may crack off some limbs since most leafy trees have yet to shed their leaves.

In the Mountains:

The snow level is going to be around 3500 feet, so that will include all our mountain locations and passes.  The lower the elevation the longer it will take for the snow to accumulate as it too will melt initially on the unfrozen ground. Then higher elevations will see some robust totals. The snow will be wet and heavy and there may be some Aspen tree that are still leafed up to bend and break with the weight of the snow.
Our mountain passes will be slick and dangerous with the mix of wet snow and melting snow then cold air.  Icy spots are likely to go unnoticed under some of the snow.

Bitter cold air to follow the precipitation. The rest of the week will be dry, but very cold for October. Highs will only hit the low 40s or even only upper 30s while overnight lows will be in the teens and 20s.

Best get your sprinkler systems blown out and cover up your outdoor pipes.

Stay Safe

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