- A dangerous multi-state winter storm threatens Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, New York, and Utah.
- Extreme cold in Alaska risks frostbite within minutes.
- Heavy snow will make mountain travel difficult and visibility poor.
- The storm also brings a welcome boost to California's Sierra Nevada snowpack.
- Outdoor recreation in affected areas could become life-threatening.
A severe winter onslaught is bearing down on five states, promising a dangerous mix of heavy snow, blistering winds, and bone-chilling cold that forecasters warn could turn deadly for the unprepared. The National Weather Service has issued a series of winter storm and winter weather warnings effective through Thursday for parts of Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, New York, and Utah. This multi-state event underscores the formidable power of late-season winter weather and serves as a critical test for preparedness in regions where such extremes are becoming a recurring reality.
In Colorado, the focus is on significant mountain snow and travel headaches. The mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, the Indian Peaks and Rabbit Ears Pass are expected to see another 3 to 8 inches of snow by mid-Thursday morning. The Flat Tops, central Mountain Valleys and ranges including the Gore, Elk, and Sawatch mountains could see up to 6 inches, accompanied by 35 mph winds. The NWS for Colorado has warned drivers that travel will be difficult, particularly over the mountain passes, as blowing snow could "significantly reduce visibility."
The situation grows even more dire farther north. Alaska is bracing for a truly Arctic blast. The Arctic Coast and Plains, and the Brooks Range Passes, could get strong wind chills, causing temperatures to plummet to as low as minus 65 degrees Fahrenheit until Saturday morning. The NWS said these temperatures could cause "frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes." Meanwhile, Haines and Haines Highway could see another 8 inches of snowfall, complicating travel.
Wyoming officials are delivering a sobering message to outdoor enthusiasts. Up to 10 extra inches of snow could fall across the Sierra Madre and Snowy Range by Thursday morning. The NWS for Wyoming has warned those in affected areas, especially hikers and snowmobilers, that "outdoor recreation could become life-threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions." The warning notes that those out in these conditions can become easily disoriented, and "frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly."
Precipitation across the east and west
While the mountain west faces deep snow and cold, eastern states are not being spared. In New York, several counties, including Chenango, Oneida, and Otsego, could see accumulating snow, with up to 4 inches forecast to fall over the eastern Lake Ontario Region. This could leave snow-covered roads and hazardous conditions such as reduced visibility until mid-Thursday morning.
Utah’s high country is also in the bullseye for heavy accumulation. Mountain areas in southern Utah, above 7,000 feet, should expect up to 6 inches of snow, and up to 12 inches of snow is expected near Brian Head and the Tushar Range by early-Thursday morning. The Wasatch and western Uinta Mountains could see up to 12 inches of snow, with up to 15 inches possible across the upper Cottonwoods and high Uintas.
This widespread event coincides with a potent weather pattern change on the West Coast, promising a much-needed boost to California’s lagging snowpack. A cold, large low-pressure system is moving in from the Gulf of Alaska.
A needed boost for western snowpack
In the Sierra Nevada, the system is expected to deliver feet of snow starting late Sunday. "It’s going to pack a punch for the snowpack and help us a lot," said Justin Collins, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Reno office. He noted that around Lake Tahoe, "we could see anywhere from 1 to 2 feet of snow." Sara Purdue, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Sacramento Office, cautioned that snow levels could drop below 3,000 feet on Tuesday, making travel across mountain highways next week potentially hazardous.
The sudden return to winter conditions is a welcome shift for ski resorts. "Winter is back, and we are fully back in the swing of things," said Jake Stern of the Sierra at Tahoe ski resort. Patrick Lacey, of Palisades Tahoe, encouraged anyone traveling for the three-day weekend to monitor the forecast and drive carefully, especially on Monday, when snowfall is expected to increase.
These concurrent storms, from the Rockies to the Sierras and across the northern states, are a vivid reminder of nature’s enduring power. They challenge infrastructure, test personal preparedness, and demand respect from anyone venturing outdoors. While the snow is a blessing for water supplies and winter sports, the accompanying cold and wind carry a serious threat that authorities emphasize should not be ignored.
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