In harmony with the rest of the country’s most recent shocking weather, but not quite as detrimental, the Grand Valley has seen some very unusual snowfall in the last few weeks. The largest accumulation occurred on December 30th and most of New Year’s Eve with the amount of snow being around 4 inches in our area of Grand Junction, and up to 8 inches in areas such as Montrose. It appeared to snow all day and into the night leaving most residents stuck inside and those brave enough to drive with instructions to be extra safe. A weather warning issued guidelines for drivers who got stuck or crashed to have prepared a safety kit, including items such as a flashlight and medical supplies in case of injury. This highly unheard of snow storm made a night like New Year’s Eve more dangerous than usual. Many accidents occurred in the midst of this snow storm, and the many snow squalls it caused. One of the instances occurred on Colorado Highway 340 (Broadway), a three car pileup caused road closure for most of the day, Friday, December 31, 2021.

The after effects of the snow storm have been most noticeable; dealing with the coldest temperatures of the season, wind chill exposure to skin and inversions keeping the daily high temperature fairly bone chilling. Places like the FMHS parking lot have not benefited from the snow and ice packed conditions of our roads. If students weren’t already in need of a reminder to slow down, they especially are now! 

We only hope that no further snow will occur in our valley, as the other areas affected have been our mountain roads critical to transportation between Junction and the cities of Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs etc. Weather warnings are expected to drop in and out over the next few months, this winter will be quite out of the blue in Grand Valley, our desert lands are unrecognizable. At least for the time being.