Don’t be fooled by the cold Monday morning temperatures in town, which are reading about 0F. Up on the summit of the mountain, the temperature is in the mid 20s under beautiful blue skies. This temperature inversion (where air warms with elevation) will likely stay with us for the next day or two, so dress in layers as you head out since you’ll quickly want to shed an article of clothing as you get up on the hill. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen!

Looking at our chances for snow during the next week, we could see a few flakes or light accumulations from Monday night through about Wednesday as storms track to the south of Steamboat. Then from about Wednesday through early the following week, we’ll see storms track more closely to Steamboat and bring a wind direction from the west or northwest, and this is more favorable for moderate to heavier snow. I think we should see conditions soften with the chance of a powder day this weekend or early next week.

JOEL GRATZ
Meteorologist at OpenSnow.com