Powerful FROPA Produces Strong Wind Gusts, Blinding Snow Squalls

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - What's a FROPA? It's meteorology speak for frontal passage!

A powerful cold front blasted into Colorado early Monday morning and it gave many along the Front Range a rude awakening.

The cold, dense air behind the front was moving with such force that it lifted the air ahead of it high enough to instantly produce a narrow, but intense band of snow.

Although the snow squalls only lasted a few minutes they were blinding at times due to the 40-60 mph wind gusts.

Some areas even reported graupel, or tiny little balls of frozen snow.

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.