John McGinley, Peak to Peak. Count the number of days where we saw at least some snowflakes: 15 days. You would think that the snow total would be significant. However, we ended up five inches below normal with a total of 12.5 inches. We had many days with fast moving storms coming out of the west to northwest producing flurries to an inch or two. Temperatures were near normal with no days below zero, a rarity in most Decembers. The first part of the month had very few windy days, but this all changed after the 15th racking up ten windy days before the end of the month. We went over 60 mph on the 20th. 

Precipitation: As stated the snow totaled 12.5 inches that melted out to 0.76 of liquid. This made the month drier than the normal of one inch. The “big” storm was 3.7 inches over a four day period from the 26th to the 29th. As is typical we did have a white Christmas with two inches of snow on the ground on the holiday.

Temperature: Near normal highs and lows was the rule with a mix of polar air, Pacific air and warm downslope. The average high was 33.7F with an average low of 17.3F. These combined to make the month 0.9 degrees above normal. The warmest day was 51F on the 9th. Lowest high was 13F on the 23rd. Coldest low was 1F on the 13th.

Winds: Most windy days were in the latter half of the month. We had 10 days at 40+ mph and one day that went to 66mph.

Other Features: A disappointing upper pattern that saw a number of promising Pacific storms that failed to phase with significant polar air in the plains. Without polar air we couldn’t generate the upslope flow that produces significant snow.

Outlook for January: January is our coldest month and is generally dry. Average high is 36F with an average low of 15F. Snow totals 18 inches with one inch of liquid. The long range weather models indicate a continuation of fast moving storms coming out of the west generally bringing winds and low precipitation amounts. Temperatures will be a bit above normal. Even the monthly precipitation outlook shows no promise. Here’s to a much better weather year for 2021: wetter/ snowier conditions, no fire days, and fewer windy days.