Colorado – A prolonged winter storm brought significant snowfall across Colorado from January 23 through January 26, with the heaviest accumulations concentrated in the mountains, according to compiled storm reports.
The highest snowfall total reported in the state was 23.0 inches near Crested Butte (7 miles west-northwest), making it the snowiest observed location in Colorado during the multi-day event. Several other high-elevation communities and mountain passes recorded double-digit totals, highlighting the storm’s strong orographic influence.
Additional high-end reports include 18.5 inches near Sawpit (7 miles northeast) and 14.0 inches at Monarch Pass (1 mile north-northwest). Wolf Creek Pass (1 mile southeast) recorded 12.0 inches, adding to already challenging winter travel conditions across southern Colorado’s high terrain.
Lower but still impactful totals were reported in nearby mountain towns and valleys. Ouray measured 8.1 inches, while La Veta Pass (5 miles south-southeast) reported 6.0 inches. Crestone (1 mile southeast) recorded 5.6 inches, and Durango (1 mile east-southeast) measured 5.3 inches, reflecting a sharp gradient between higher elevations and surrounding lower terrain.
Snow accumulated steadily over multiple days rather than falling in a single burst, prolonging travel impacts across mountain corridors. Major routes, including U.S. Highways 50, 160, 550, and 285, experienced periods of slick roads, reduced visibility, and chain requirements, particularly near passes.
Cleanup and avalanche mitigation efforts continued after snowfall ended as cold temperatures allowed snowpack to persist at higher elevations. Mountain travel remained hazardous even after precipitation tapered.
The January 23–26 storm ranks among the more significant mountain snow events of the season for Colorado, contributing meaningfully to seasonal snowpack and water supply while creating notable travel challenges.
