Upcoming Weekend Weather Likely To Dominate Colorado 'Chit-Chat' This Week

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - If you're active on social media chances are that you're going to see a lot of talk about what might lie ahead in the forecast this weekend.

That's because computer forecast models show a storm currently over the Gulf of Alaska potentially moving into our region by Saturday.

The chat is fun because weather is exciting, but take it with a grain of salt.

It's not unusual to see an active storm track in mid-April as we transition into the warm season.

Spring in the Central Rockies can mean wild temperature swings and everything from severe storms to snow, sometimes all within a matter of a few hours.

But that's not what is creating all the chatter.

The buzz is coming from a few models that show the potential for a lot of water to fall over Colorado, and potentially, in the form of snow.

Long-range models think a ridge of high pressure sitting to our east will cause the approaching storm system to slow down and gain strength once it gets into the Four Corners.

If that happens there is the potential for it to pull some pretty chilly air down out of Canada, but position will be key.

Another aspect the models are trying to determine is the size of the circulation around this system, how much moisture it will be able to "tap" into and its forward speed.

If you're trying to make weekend travel plans pay attention to the forecast because it will likely be a moving target as we gather new information and track the storm's progress over the next several days.

Colorado's Weather Center will keep you posted with our latest thoughts.

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.