snow

Sunny and mild conditions continue across the Four Corners through Wednesday, with highs well above normal — around 62 in Dove Creek, 70 in Rattlesnake, and 67 in Cortez. A weak system moving over the Rockies will bring a slight cooldown and a few light mountain snow showers late in the week, while most of the region stays dry and breezy.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through late tonight for the southern San Juans and nearby valleys, with several Flood Warnings still posted for rivers around Pagosa Springs. Rainfall totals of one to three inches were recorded over the past 24 hours, and while showers should ease this morning, scattered storms could redevelop by afternoon, bringing brief heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds. Another system arrives Wednesday with additional showers, followed by a cold front Thursday that will cool temperatures by about ten degrees and drop snow levels to around 7,000 feet.

A new study highlights how dust on snow accelerates snowmelt in the Upper Colorado River Basin, with significant impacts on water resources. Researchers urge better monitoring and land use management.

Expect snow in the mountains and thunderstorms this afternoon, with a chance of moderate rain, hail, and gusty winds. A brief break in precipitation is expected after sunset.

Russ Scholl's "periodic table of snow" contains more than 100 different slang names for snow.

The Bureau of Land Management will reassess its policies on oil- and gas-rich lands near the Navajo Nation, surrounding Chaco Canyon National Historical Park. And the new year has brought plenty of snow to the Mountain West, pushing snowpack totals above average across most of the region.

Survey of agricultural producers shows positive outlook but lingering concerns, records indicate Denver received less precipitation than Death Valley in the last six months of 2021, and fast food restaurants continue to offer new plant-based menu options.

Snowpack in the region is up significantly after last week's storm, grocery prices are climbing at their fastest pace since 2008, a company plans to produce carbon reduced chickens that will be partially raised on food waste diverted from grocery stores, and some food companies are making climate claims to consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact of products they buy.

Southwest Colorado has the lowest snowpack in 22 years with about 30% of the normal snow for this time of year, Denver has gone 229 days without measurable snowfall, breaking a record that dates back to 1882, and Christmas tree growers are ready for a big season in 2021.