Two Mid‑February Storms Dump Heavy Snow on Dolores County, Raise Avalanche Risk

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center called the mid‑February event the “biggest” of the season after “several feet of snow accumulated on top of weak snowpack” in the San Juan Mountains, triggering an avalanche warning and advising backcountry recreators to avoid avalanche terrain through the week. CAIC set the danger at 4 on a 1–5 scale from 6 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Friday and said the rating was “high” on Friday before an expected drop to “considerable” on Saturday.

CAIC issued the avalanche warning on Tuesday morning ahead of the most intense rounds of snowfall during the Feb. 17–18 storm period. Local National Weather Service observers and meteorologists tracked two waves of storm energy that brought heavy precipitation and high winds, with forecasts and operational updates issued across Southwest Colorado through the week.

Cortez recorded measurable valley snow from the system; NWS observer Jim Andrus measured 5.1 inches between 11 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday and said, “We got 5 inches in nine hours,” calling the snowfall “impressive.” The storms closed schools and businesses across Southwest Colorado Thursday and Friday and forced the Colorado Department of Transportation to close Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork while six plows worked to clear U.S. 160 between Durango and Cortez Friday morning because of patchy blowing snow and slick roads.

Forecasts diverged across outlets and models. OpenSnow projected resort totals including Purgatory 32 inches, Silverton 26 inches, Telluride 21 inches, and Wolf Creek 44 inches. CBS Colorado’s Feb. 17 update warned 3 to 4 feet could be possible in the hardest‑hit areas including Wolf Creek Pass and the San Juan Mountains, with the San Juans broadly expected to see 12 to 20 inches and localized spots approaching 36 to 48 inches. San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office forecast up to 18 inches for the northwestern San Juans and Lizard Head Pass while warning of near zero visibility in Telluride at times.

Wind compounded the hazard. NWS meteorologist Braeden Winters warned, “We’re expecting up to 50 mph gusts in the valleys,” and said mountain gusts would be “anywhere from 50 to 70 mph.” Winters added, “Snow is tough to travel in, wind is tough to travel in. You get them both together, and it’s a nasty combination.” CBS and Colorado Sun products noted gusts up to 60 to 70 mph in some mountain corridors, increasing the likelihood of whiteout conditions on Vail Pass, near the Eisenhower Tunnel, and other high routes.

Residents and travelers should heed official advisories: the NWS winter weather advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Friday for the Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, CDOT had closed Wolf Creek Pass, and CAIC urged avoiding backcountry travel. San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office recommended drivers pack a flashlight, food, water and warm clothes for emergency situations. If you captured photos or tips from Cortez, Wolf Creek Pass, Telluride, or the San Juans during the Feb. 17–18 storms, upload them via our mobile app or tag us on social channels so we can share local conditions with neighbors.