Anniversary Of 2003 Blizzard Could Bring Potential Storm

DENVER -- Three years ago Friday was the beginning of an epic three-day snowstorm across Colorado, which temporarily ended a widespread drought and kept many trapped in their homes for days. Three feet of snow fell on the city of Denver, with higher amounts in the western suburbs. Residents of the foothills saw anywhere between five and seven feet of snow. As we reflect back on this historical event, could we be in for another significant snow on the anniversary weekend?

The 24/7 Weather Center is tracking a strong area of low pressure moving on shore in California today. For nearly a week now, medium-range forecast models have been showing a potential late weekend storm for the Front Range.

Much like with the Blizzard of 2003, models are developing a closed low over northeast New Mexico by Sunday night. A closed low means an area of low pressure that is temporarily cut off from the flow of winds aloft, allowing it to sit and spin moisture into the Front Range. Should this happen, it would bring about a 12-hour window of fairly intense precipitation to eastern Colorado.

Will this be a repeat of the March 2003 storm?

This system doesn't have as large of a connection to moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. However, depending on the exact track, we could potentially be talking up to 6 inches of snow in Denver and up to a foot in the foothills if that low sets up over northeast New Mexico.

The timing on this appears to be Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, which could make for a very sloppy morning rush hour to start the new week. Monday is also the first day of spring for the northern hemisphere.

Colorado's most trusted team of meteorologists, led by Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson, will be tracking this storm all weekend with the best forecast tools available. You can get the latest information through the following sources:

Broadcasts on 7NEWS

Comcast Digital Cable Channel 247 - Our 24-hour news and weather channel

The weather page here on TheDenverChannel.com

Our weather line (303-832-0247)

Broadcasts with local radio partners (Studio 1430, Alice 105.9, KOSI 101, The Mountain 99.5, K99 and KFKA)

My 24/7 on your cell phone

All month we have been collecting your pictures to reflect back on that infamous storm three years ago this weekend. You can view these in the link at the top of this story, and read more about that snowstorm in the stories below. If you have additional photos to share, we'd love to see them! And pending we do get this potential snowstorm and you can snap some great pictures, be sure to send a few to the March Digital Album.

Have a great weekend and please keep it tuned to 7NEWS for all the latest.