Other than some choppiness on Hatcher Lake and few clouds forming over Coyote Hill, it’s hard to imagine how dramatically our weather will change in the next 12-18 hours!
4-11-22 1:30pm update…
The low this morning at Stevens Field was 29 degrees, and the high so far today has been 51. There was no precipitation recorded in our area yet…but that will be changing soon!
First, let’s look at the latest watches and advisories…
For elevations of 9000 feet and above (Wolf Creek Pass):
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph. * WHERE…Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet and Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet Counties. * WHEN…From 6 PM this evening to noon MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult due to extensive blowing snow. Very strong winds could cause tree damage. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
For Pagosa Springs:
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 6 AM MDT TUESDAY… * WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph in the valleys and up to 60 mph in the mountains expected. * WHERE…Valleys of eastern Utah and western Colorado, and the La Sal and Abajo Mountains of southeast Utah. * WHEN…From 3 PM Monday to 6 AM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult. Tree limbs could be blown down. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. People, especially those with respiratory illnesses, heart disease, the elderly, and children are recommended to stay indoors and avoid prolonged outdoor exercise or heavy exertion due to wind-blown dust.
So far today we’ve seen a few scattered clouds drift by and winds already gusting to 30mph at the airport as of post time. Winds will be on the increase this afternoon as a strong low-pressure system continues to move east into Idaho by tonight. This storm will not only give us a good chance for a rain-snow combo (and a few thunderstorms) on Tuesday, but will also usher in some very cold air for this time of the year along with continued windy days for at least three more days.
I didn’t see much chance for snow for Pagosa Springs yesterday, but some of the latest model runs are looking more and more bullish for snow to fall tomorrow in the valley as our snow level drops to 6000 feet in the morning just as the brunt of the moisture moves in. I think 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow in Pagosa Springs is possible and with winds gusting to over 40mph, travel could be tricky in town and almost impossible up Wolf Creek Pass. My scheduled doctor’s appointment at 9am can also be blamed on the better odds for snow. Our nearby mountains could see a foot or more of snow from Monday night through Tuesday night. By Wednesday, the moisture will have exited our area, but we will continue to see below normal highs and lows throughout the work week.
My forecast…
For those of you who like to “hear” our forecast, call 877-841-0247.
-Mark Langford
Check out my Pagosa Peak Cam (myearthcam.com) for watching hikers, bikers and of course, the weather.
Pagosa Springs historical data for April 11th.
| Average High | Record High / Year | Average Low | Record Low / Year |
| 58 | 77/ 1907 | 23 | 2/ 1991 |
