Mountain Snowstorm (2004)

Sea Level Pressure during 2004 Upslope Snowstorm: Low pressure is located over Arizona. The counter-clockwise flow around the low leads to easterly flow in eastern Colorado. The already-rising air is forced to ascend even more rapidly when it encounters the Rocky Mountains (as can be seen on the radar animation.) Courtesy of Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Pressure Pattern During an Upslope Snowstorm in 2002: Low pressure over the four corners region and high pressure in the northern plains led to sustained easterly flow in Colorado and to significant snowfall totals. Courtesy of Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Precipitation During an Upslope Snowstorm in 2002: National radar images during an upslope snowstorm event illustrates continuous precipitation in north-central Colorado and areas to the east. Below freezing temperatures throughout the troposphere led to continuous snowfall, accumulating to 9 inches in some areas. Courtesy of Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign