Colorado weather: Peak wind gusts, mountain snow totals and what's next

Relentless winds from a powerful cold front slammed Fort Collins over the weekend, with gusts reaching more than 60 mph — and more windy days and a chance of snow are in the forecast this week.

The National Weather Service forecast is calling for wind of 13 to 23 mph with gusts reaching 34 mph today for Fort Collins, with the foothills seeing gusts as high as 47 mph.

Colorado's mountains are under a winter advisory through 9 p.m. today, with high winds and an additional 7 inches of snow possible.

The weekend storm forced the closure of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park over the weekend and continued drifting snow as deep as 3 feet has kept the road closed through Monday from Many Parks Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west.

Here are three things you need to know:

Windy weather, snow in forecast

The increased wind, which started Saturday, will subside somewhat but remain through at least Wednesday, when we have a chance of snow, according to the weather service.

Fort Collins will see breezy conditions Tuesday and Wednesday with winds 8-17 mph, gusting to 22 mph Tuesday and 29 mph Wednesday, according to the forecast. Tuesday's forecast high is 60 degrees, and Wednesday's is 56 degrees.

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There is a 60% chance of snow showers starting Wednesday afternoon and A 40% chance of snow showers Thursday morning that cumulatively should leave less than inch of snow.

Sunday peak wind speeds

Carter Lake: 79 mph

Buckeye: 78 mph

Glen Haven: 67 mph

Greeley: 65 mph

Christman Field (NW Fort Collins): 61 mph

Eaton: 60 mph

Wellington: 58 mph

Fort Collins (CSU): 33 mph

Sunday snow totals

Colorado's mountains received snow Sunday, with more accumulation expected into Monday night. Here's how much snow some areas got Sunday:

Longs Peak: 12 inches

Pingree Park: 6 inches

Red Feather Lakes: 3.6 inches

Rustic: 1.5 inches

Source: National Weather Service

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Miles Blumhardt looks for stories that impact your life — be it news, outdoors, sports, you name it he wants to report it. Have a story idea, send it his way. Email him at milesblumhardt@coloradoan.com or find him on Twitter at @MilesBlumhardt. If you find value in these stories, support Miles and the other journalists at the Coloradoan by subscribing atColoradoan.com/subscribe