DENVER — An arctic cold front is set to bring heavy snow, frigid temperatures and gusty winds to Colorado this weekend.
Colorado could get freezing temperatures beginning late Friday and lasting through early Tuesday. The Denver metro area will see a high temperature barely above 10 degrees on Saturday, and it's likely to be even colder Sunday.
This winter storm system will bring heavy snows to the mountains of Colorado from late Friday through possibly early Monday with feet of snow possible in some areas.
"You'll need a snorkel to ski Winter Park or Steamboat Springs next week. Feet upon feet of fresh powder through Tuesday!" said 9NEWS meteorologist Chris Bianchi.
Bianchi said the model average quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) of 4 inches on Rabbit Ears pass through Monday translates to about 80 inches of snow. For comparison, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić is 6-foot-11, or 83 inches tall.
"100+ hours of basically nonstop northwest flow — pretty epic setup for our northern mountains," Bianchi said.
Denver Water has suggestions to help residents prevent pipes from freezing.
Tips to prevent frozen pipes
- Open cabinet doors underneath the sink to allow the household air to keep pipes warm.
- If there is an attached garage to the home, keep those doors closed. "Occasionally, plumbing is routed through this unheated space, leaving it vulnerable to winter's worst," according to Denver Water.
- Find the faucet furthest from where water enters the house and let it to drip slowly. Allowing water to move through the pipes will reduce the chance of water freezing. Set a bucket in the sink to collect the water that drips, so it can be saved for other household uses.
- Set the thermostat above 65° if you are leaving the house for multiple days.
What to do if a pipe is frozen
- If a pipe has already frozen, Denver Water said it is important to thaw the pipe immediately. Be sure to shut off the water to the house before starting to thaw the pipe; this will prevent any potential flooding if the pipe has been broken.
- Do not to use any high intensity heater such as a blow torch, as these can damage the pipes. The best practice is to use a hair dryer, or a space heater, to blow hot air into the area and thaw the ice inside the pipes. Pipes that are warmed too fast may break, according to Denver Water.
- Check the effected area for leaks after thawing to make sure the freeze didn't damage your pipes.
- If access to the frozen pipe is tricky, you do not have the proper tools or the pipe has broken, contact a plumber.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado snow
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
