Snow bombards Routt County
More expected throughout week
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Steamboat Springs — Detroit resident Blaize McIntyre walked slowly through Ski Time Square Wednesday afternoon with his snowboard in tow.
The 22-hour drive from Michigan wore him down, but it was two feet of fresh powder that finished him off, McIntyre said.
"Today, it was what you see in the commercials," he said. "It was like riding on clouds."
The Steamboat Ski Area reported 23 inches of new snow from the recent storm system by Wednesday afternoon. Greater snowfall totals were reported near the summit.
A subdued Erich Whisenhunt offered his thoughts on the latest ski conditions after a day spent riding the Heavenly Daze and Vagabond trails.
"Falling was fun," the Steamboat Springs resident said. "It was a good day."
A near-ideal jet stream and loads of Pacific moisture provided the one-two winter punch, National Weather Service meteorologist Norvan Larson said.
"It was a perfect setup for a dumping," Larson said.
Up to 40 inches of snow fell in some areas of Routt County by midday Wednesday, including 25 inches near Rabbit Ears Pass, 17 inches at Hahn's Peak and 13 inches in Steamboat Springs.
More snow was predicted for Steamboat through Wednesday evening and into this morning, though additional accumulations would be measured in inches, not feet, Larson said.
Another Pacific storm could bring more snow Friday, and a chance of daily snow showers will continue through Christmas Day, Larson said.
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