A cool, unsettled weekend is ahead across southern Colorado as a broad storm system keeps clouds, rain, mountain snow and a sharp Saturday cold front in the picture. The most immediate concern remains flooding around Pagosa Springs and the San Juan Mountains after a very wet stretch. The San Juan River crested late Thursday night into Friday morning at just over 15 feet near Pagosa Springs, the second-highest crest on record there. Flood stage is around 12.5 feet, and the river has been running very high after 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in parts of the San Juans. In a mountainous, semi-arid landscape, that much rain can quickly funnel into creeks, tributaries and rivers. Flooding has been reported in and around Pagosa Springs, with concerns extending into parts of the South Fork area as well. A Flood Watch remains in effect for the San Juans through Sunday at noon. Some floodwaters may begin to recede as early as Friday evening, but anyone near creeks, rivers, low-water crossings and drainage areas should continue to use caution. Even after rain eases, water levels can remain high and fast-moving.Friday afternoon brings isolated showers and thunderstorms, with the better chance for a stronger cell across the eastern plains. The main concern with any stronger storm is damaging outflow wind, potentially gusting over 58 to 60 mph. There is enough wind shear for a few storms to organize briefly, but activity should remain isolated. Around El Paso County, a light shower is possible this evening, while southwest winds have been the more noticeable weather feature, gusting around 30 to 40 mph. Those winds should taper after 6 p.m. Saturday looks like the wettest day of the weekend for much of the region. A strong cold front arrives during the morning, bringing a sharp north wind shift and much colder air. The front is expected to push into El Paso County during the morning and reach the Highway 50 corridor by late morning to around midday. That colder air, combined with leftover moisture and lift along the boundary, will help showers and thunderstorms develop through Saturday afternoon and evening.
Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Huerfano County, Las Animas County and the eastern plains are expected to see rain, with scattered showers and thunderstorms coming and going through Saturday afternoon and evening. Lamar and nearby eastern plains communities should plan on a mostly cloudy, showery weekend, with Saturday carrying the best chance for rain. Another round of showers and storms may continue across the eastern plains Saturday night into early Sunday, generally in a south-to-north orientation. Temperatures will take a big step down. Highs Saturday around the Pikes Peak region should only reach the 40s and 50s, with 50s expected across much of the eastern plains. It will be a cool rain for Colorado Springs and lower elevations, so have the layers and rain gear handy if you have outdoor plans. Gusty winds around the front may also make it feel even colder. Snow is possible in the higher terrain, especially Saturday evening. Teller County and the Palmer Divide could see a burst of snow showers, with a light dusting possible on grassy surfaces. Road impacts are not expected at this time because ground temperatures remain relatively warm and air temperatures should stay just above freezing in many of those areas. Still, higher-elevation travelers should be ready for quickly changing visibility and wet or slushy conditions in heavier showers. Farther into the mountains, snow accumulations will be more meaningful above roughly 9,000 to 10,000 feet. Parts of the central mountains and San Juans could pick up another 6 to 8 inches, including higher terrain near Telluride, Creede and north of Durango. Some of the highest peaks around Aspen could see roughly 3 to 5 inches. Wolf Creek Ski Area has already picked up some on-and-off precipitation over the past 24 hours, and additional snow remains possible in the high country. Sunday stays cool and cloudy, with highs still struggling through the 40s and 50s around the Pikes Peak region. Temperatures across the eastern plains may also run colder than earlier forecasts suggested. Rain and snow showers should gradually wind down through Sunday afternoon and evening, although a few lingering showers may stick around. By Sunday afternoon, the more meaningful moisture is expected to shift east of I-25, while higher terrain may continue to see occasional snow showers. Looking beyond the weekend, the pattern trends drier through much of next week, though temperatures will stay on the cool side. Highs on the plains may generally hold in the 60s, while mountain valleys remain cooler. Another storm system is possible next weekend, but details will become clearer with time. Keep an eye on changing conditions, especially if you are traveling through the mountains, camping near waterways, or heading east across the plains this weekend. Our Weather. Together. [P2P:PR]
