Winter, 2014-15

Observations of Major Winter Storms and Interesting Weather Phenomena


Winter Thunderstorm near Pagosa Springs, CO, December 13 - A winter thunderstorm produces some spectacular lightning along with a brief heavy shower of graupel (snow pellets) as well as a little bit of hail and ordinary snow. Then a snow band moves in behind the initial storm, leading to some "winter wonderland" scenes the next day. Report includes photos and video.

Major Snowstorm in Colorado, February 21-24, 2015 - A major winter storm hits Colorado, bringing heavy snow to both the Front Range and the southwestern mountains. More than 19 inches at our house in Pagosa Springs, and up to 42 inches in the mountains. Report includes model forecast maps and discussions, photos, and a total snowfall map.

Thundersnow event at Ski Santa Fe, NM, March 19, 2015 - A spectacular thundersnow storm dumps 3 inches in an hour and a half, with frequent thunder and lightning the entire time. Eventual total accumulation with this storm system was 13 inches. Report includes discussion of the weather setup, photos, and video.

Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado Thundersnow, May 12, 2015 - I intercept a storm as it produces snow with lightning and thunder on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass, about a mile or so west of the summit, and got good video of a close lightning-thunder sequence with snow falling. Report includes a summary of my intercept of the thundersnow storm and the video.



This page last updated May 13, 2015.

Return to Weather Observation page