'Atmospheric River' To Drive Wind, Fire Danger Up In Colorado

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - Residents of Washington, Oregon and northern California are bracing for a series of storm systems over the next few days.

Heavy rain is expected in the valleys with several feet of snow possible in the higher mountains along the west coast.

It's all part of an active storm track over 4,000 miles long, known as an atmospheric river, which will deliver plenty of moisture as it crosses the Pacific Ocean.

Eventually some of the rain and snow will make it into the mountains of Idaho, western Montana and northwest Wyoming.

Colorado will be close enough to the storm track to receive a lot of wind, but not much precipitation.

Wind is not good news when combined with above average temperatures and extremely dry conditions. Fire danger will be high statewide through the upcoming weekend.

There are some indications that a little snow could fall early next week in the western and northern mountains of Colorado as some cooler air moves into the region.

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.