Well, here we are one day before Fall begins, with our first snow of the season in Silverthorne. Just enough on the landscaping to be pretty, and get that excitement for winter going, but only wet on the roads so far. We have another day or two of cool snowy weather until the sunshine comes back for the weekend.

The next few weeks we will be getting the plows put back on our trucks and reviewing routes. Our customers may see us at their properties, making our pre-season inspections. For what they’re worth, forecasts are calling for another above-average winter, with some significant early-season storms in November. Of course, we never know until we look out the window, but it sounds good!

Wishing everyone a happy fall. This coming weekend will probably be your last chance to see the aspen colors at their peak, and it’s supposed to be sunny weather. Maybe one last drive over Trail Ridge Road or Independence Pass, or a trip into the back-country . . .

Steve & Karen

Steamboat was the winner for this storm, with about a foot of snow.  It fizzled out for Silverthorne though.  We just had a few flakes swirling around in the wind.  Tomorrow night may do better for us.

If last year was the winter of no sun, this is the winter of wind.  Berthoud Pass had wind gusts over 100 mph last night, and the high winds are causing blizzard conditions of blowing snow at the high elevations over 10,000 feet.

Right now, Berthoud Pass, Rabbit Ears Pass, Loveland Pass, and Vail Pass are all closed due to adverse conditions, with no estimate of reopening according to CDOT.  Eisenhower Tunnel, Hoosier Pass, and Fremont Pass require chains for all commercial vehicles.

I just tallied up our season so far.  In November we plowed about 2 feet of snow.  In December, about 5 feet.   A total of 85 inches to date, just over 7 feet.

Of course this is about half of what the ski areas are reporting, but they are measuring mid-mountain, so another couple of thousand feet in elevation.

But for Silverthorne, 7 feet is not too shabby! 

So, the snow is great – get out there and enjoy it!  Be sure to check avalanche conditions before you head into the back country though – be safe.

Oh, one more piece of trivia – Lake Dillon was frozen over this year on December 25, which is about average.

10 PM with 4″ on the ground and still snowing lightly.  The forecast is calling for light snow through tomorrow mid-day, then a 12-hour blizzard is supposed to hit bringing 6 – 9 inches over the weekend.

If you are going to be traveling the I-70 corridor this weekend, my advice is to leave early Saturday morning or else stay home.  I predict traffic and road conditions will be a real mess by Saturday night.  So drive safe, and remember, 4-wheel drive does not = 4-wheel stop.

Several waves of snow are supposed to come through over the next week. YAY!