Snowstorm brings more than a foot

SUMMIT COUNTY - A blustery storm was expected to leave up to a foot of snow in the High Country - with more on the way for the next several days.

The storm brought more than a foot of snow to Breckenridge. Copper Mountain Resort reported 6 inches, Keystone Resort got 4 inches and Arapahoe Basin reported more than 3 inches of snow.

The storm elated skiers, but also resulted in accidents along the mountains' highways. Winter weather advisories were in place until 10 p.m. Tuesday in Summit County.

According to tunnel supervisor Mike Salamon, a woman was driving on Interstate 70 in Clear Creek County Tuesday morning, crossed the median and crashed into other vehicles, breaking her femur. Others involved received only minor injuries. The incident closed the interstate for 90 minutes.

Colorado State Patrol troopers responded to calls all day for drivers striking guardrails, sliding off the roads and minor fender-benders.

Colorado Mountain College closed classes Tuesday night, and winter activities were canceled at the high school and middle school.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center issued an avalanche warning for the Elkhead Mountains and Park Range north of Buffalo Pass in the northern part of the Rockies. In the rest of the northern mountains, the backcountry danger is considerable near and above treeline on the north, east and southern aspects, while the danger on other aspects below treeline is moderate.

The weather forecast for the next seven days calls for a chance of snow every day with high temperatures hovering in the mid 20s to low 30s and lows in the teens.



Jane Stebbins can be reached at (970) 668-3998, ext. 228, or jstebbins@summitdaily.com.