Contrasting Meteorological Conditions Associated with Winter Storms at Denver and Colorado Springs

Abstract

Abstract Case studies of heavy snowstorms at Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado, indicate that they occur under different meteorological conditions. The authors examine the hypothesis that there are in fact fundamental differences between the synoptic evolution of events in these two storm types by compositing a total of 28 cases, 17 (11) of which are defined as heavy snowstorms (at least 20 cm of snowfall) at Denver (Colorado Springs). These composited fields were constructed using data at three times in the history of each case. Results show distinct differences in the composited synoptic evolution of the two groups. At low levels the Denver composite shows low static stabilities, warm advection, and high values of potential temperature in the lee of the Rockies. The Colorado Springs composite, on the other hand, shows cold, stable air and cold advection in the lee. At upper levels an eastward-progressing short-wave trough is found at different longitudes in the two composites. The implied interactio...