Pagosa Country received some long-awaited snowfall last week as a winter storm moved through the area in the early hours of Friday, Feb. 14, and into Saturday, Feb. 15.
According to reports from the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS), snow totals in Archuleta County ranged from 5.9 inches to 11.9 inches.
Wolf Creek Ski Area reported 17 inches of snow over those two days, and, as of Wednesday, Feb. 19, reported a total of 140 inches of snow received this season.
Power outage
While the fresh snow was a sight for sore eyes, many folks in Archuleta County woke up Friday morning with no power.
According to an email to The SUN from La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Strategic Communications Officer Amanda Anderson, outages were first reported at 6:37 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, affecting 11,229 members in Archuleta County.
LPEA’s website showed the outage affected 96.1 percent of meters in Archuleta County.
She explains the outage was caused by heavy, wet snow.
“As always, heavy snow has the potential to weigh down power lines and tree branches or break equipment, causing widespread outages,” Anderson states.
Power was restored to all members by 5:14 p.m. on Feb. 14, according to Anderson.
LPEA has two ongoing projects that will help prevent widespread outages and allow for faster restoration times, Anderson explains.
“We continuously analyze outages to identify opportunities for system improvements and enhance reliability for our members,” she wrote.
Anderson explains that a Bayfield-to-Pagosa Springs line rebuild is a major capital project that, once completed, “will provide a redundant power feed, reducing the risk of widespread outages.”
The rebuild is expected to be complete by 2030, Anderson indicates.
She also notes that a new Trujillo substation addition will “help redistribute electrical load and expand our switching capabilities, allowing for faster restoration and improved system resilience.”
Anderson also notes that the Trujillo Substation is set to be considered for approval by the Pagosa Springs Town Council next month, and that LPEA expects to complete the project within 12 to 18 months after receiving approval.
Forecast
Mostly warm and dry weather is expected to return this weekend after a slight chance of snow showers tomorrow morning, Friday, Feb. 21, according to the National Weather Service.
For today, Thursday, Feb. 20, the high is forecast to be 50 degrees with mostly sunny skies and the low is forecast at 12 degrees with partly cloudy skies.
For Friday, Feb. 21, there is a 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 11 a.m., with a high of 47 degrees. The low is forecast at 11 degrees with mostly clear skies.
Sunny skies are expected to return on Saturday, Feb. 22, with a forecast high of 51 degrees and sunny skies. The low is forecast at 15 degrees with mostly clear skies.
For Sunday, Feb. 23, the forecast is sunny with a high of 56 degrees. The low is forecast to be 20 degrees with mostly clear skies.
clayton@pagosasun.com
