The West Fork of the Dolores River valley saw steady snow Tuesday morning. (Jim Mimiaga/The Journal)
Drivers distracted by slushy roads, epic fall scenery in Dolores River Valley
Snow and rained arrived in Dolores and Cortez this week. The storm knocked off the fall colors of mountain aspen, but what remains contrasts nicely with fresh snowfall.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Monday and Tuesday as the second of two weather systems arrived in the area.
Up to 10 inches of snow is possible at 9,000 feet elevation in the northwest and southwest San Juan Mountains, the weather service said Monday.
Residents of Montezuma County continues to face a 90% chance of rain or snow Tuesday, and a 50% chance of show showers tonight before midnight. Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny, but on Thursday, there’s a 30% chance of rain or snow.
A freeze watch remains in effect.
Ranch life in the West Fork valley is always scenic. (Jim Mimiaga/The Journal)
Fresh snow and fall colors are a perfect mix along the West Fork of the Dolores River. (Jim Mimiaga/The Journal)
Colorado Department of Transportation plows were out early in the Dolores Valley to clear the fresh snow on Colorado Highway 145. (Jim Mimiaga/The Journal)
Snowstorms hit the Dolores River Valley Tuesday morning creating slushy conditions on Colorado. Highway 145. (Jim Mimiaga/The Jounral)
Thanks to monsoons replenishing soil moisture, snow falling in the San Juan Mountains might make it to parched McPhee Reservoir during spring runoff in 2022. (Jim Mimiaga/The Journal)
