The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Updated 11:27 a.m., January 5, 2008

Steamboat Springs — A snow and blowing snow advisory for Steamboat Springs and Hayden has been upgraded to a winter storm warning.

The National Weather Service forecasts snow, possibly mixed with rain, to begin falling throughout the region late this morning. Temperatures are expected to drop this afternoon with the arrival of a cold front from the north.

Upon the arrival of the cold front, heavy and widespread snowfall with continue through tonight and into midday Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The city of Steamboat Springs could receive 12 inches of snow or more; lesser amounts will fall in Hayden and Craig.

Accumulations are expected to be greater at the Steamboat Ski Area, which could see 2 to 4 feet of snow by Monday night.

The winter storm warning is in effect until 12 p.m. Sunday.

Today’s high temperature in Steamboat Springs is forecast at 37 degrees, with tonight’s low dipping to 14. Sunday’s high temperature is expected to be just below freezing.

Winds gusting to near 40 mph will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow, according to the National Weather Service. High winds forced the closure of the gondola and Morningside lifts at the Steamboat Ski Area this morning. Ski area spokesman Mike Lane said he is unsure when the lifts will re-open. Lane said winds coming out of the south were measured at 35 mph at mid-mountain, with gusts reaching 50 mph.

“Travel will become very difficult this afternoon and tonight, and many roads leading into the mountains will become impassable,” the winter storm warning reads.

To the delight of skiers and riders — and perhaps to the chagrin of travelers looking to make their way home from vacation, the National Weather Service expects snow to continue in the mountains through midday Monday. There will be a brief lull in precipitation before a number of smaller systems will enter the region Wednesday through Friday.

“Some of the high mountains may not see much of a break from the snow,” meteorologist Ellen Heffernan said.

There are plenty of visitors in Steamboat to enjoy any new snow that falls during the weekend. According to the lodging barometer published by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, almost 13,000 out-of-town guests will sleep in Steamboat accommodations tonight. Although that number is slightly below the number of visitors from the corresponding Saturday in 2007, Steamboat will have significantly more guests in town mid-week than it did at the same time last year.

Wednesday’s occupancy forecast calls for 12,700 visitors to stay overnight in local lodging properties. Only 8,000 guests were in Steamboat for the corresponding Wednesday in 2007.

— To reach Brent Boyer, call 871-4221 or e-mail bboyer@steamboatpilot.com