From the Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/brea...
Snow fell in the Colorado high country on Monday, bringing winter weather to extreme higher elevations while slowing the spring runoff that's been feeding rivers and streams.
Up to five inches of fresh snow fell on some mountain tops in Summit County, said Kyle Fredin, a meteorologist and spokesman with the National Weather Service.
The snow and colder weather in the mountains slowed the melting snow pack, including bringing relief to the swollen Eagle River below Gypsum, the weather service reported.
"The cooler temperatures and snow are making the release slower," Fredin said.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road was closed by wintery weather overnight, said Kyle Patterson, a park spokeswoman.
The road opened today at about 12:20 p.m. and was crowded with riders from The Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Patterson said. Some riders had to be treated by park staff for mild hypothermia.
Temperatures in higher elevations of the park dropped to 29 degrees this morning and visibility was down to 50 feet in some spots.
Park snow plows were called out at 5 a.m. and the plow drivers were challenged by blowing snow as winds whipped up to 30 mph. About four inches of snow fell on parts of Trail Ridge overnight and this morning.
"It's a different world above 10,000 feet," Patterson said. "People have to be prepared for those conditions."
Campers, hikers and other people using the mountain back country today, and tomorrow, should be prepared for unseasonably cold weather.
Other high country areas, including Arapahoe Basin, reported 3 to 6 inches of new snow.
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that I-70 was wet, and snowy at times, at the Eisenhower Tunnel on Monday.
Wet weather slowed the morning commute in Denver on Monday, but by afternoon rain and showers had let up in the city. The temperature in Denver was in the lower 60s early in the afternoon.
Tuesday should be mostly sunny in the city, and the high temperature should rebound to about 79 degrees, kicking off a warming trend through the week.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or
[email protected].
