Summit County: Autumn snowfall close to normal

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

November one of the driest months in the high country

November often brings the formation of spectacular lenticular clouds over the Continental Divide, as the overall weather pattern changes.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — October snowfall in Summit County was close to average in October with 12.4 inches at Rick Bly’s official observation station in Breckenridge, compared to the historic average 12.3 inches. But between the snow and some rain during the month, the snow-water equivalent for October ended up at 1.55 inches, about 22 percent more than the average 1.27 inches, according to Bly.

For Bly, October has long been an indicator month, when above-average snowfall often — but not always — portends continued snowy weather during the rest of the winter. This year’s middle-of-the-road total might suggest average snowfall for the winter, a forecast that’s in line with official predictions, based on moderate La Niña conditions.

In Dillon, where Denver Water records precipitation and temperatures, 7 inches of snow piled up during the month, compared to the historic average of 7.7 inches, based on records going back to 1909. The weather station moved once during that period, so the stats are from two different locations. Similarly, the water content of the snow was above average, at 1.49 inches compared to the normal 1.07 inches. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, La Niña, Snow and weather, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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