Craig Daily Press / Snow will dissipate today

Footprints stand out in a fresh layer of snow Saturday afternoon in Steamboat Springs. About 9 inches of snow fell in town this weekend. The National Weather Service is predicting a snowfall of between 3 inches and 5 inches today. Enlarge photo — Photo by Brian Ray

By Margaret Hair

January 7, 2008

Keep up with the conditions

■ For weather information, including storm warnings and advisories, visit www.crh.noaa.gov/gjt/

■ The Colorado Department of Transportation provides road conditions, closures and traffic cameras at www.cotrip.org. For travel information by phone, call 511 from anywhere in Colorado or dial (303) 639-1111.

■ For flight information, visit www.flightview.com/ TravelTools/. By phone, call Delta Airlines at (800) 241-4141; United Airlines at (800) 864-8331; Continental Airlines at (800) 784-4444; American Airlines at (800) 433-7300; and Northwest Airlines at (800) 225-2525.

Steamboat Springs — A storm that brought 9 inches of heavy snow and wind gusts up to 55 mph Saturday and Sunday is forecast to continue to affect the region through this afternoon, with an additional 5 to 9 inches of accumulation possible in the city of Steamboat Springs.

The storm’s initial blast was at least partly to blame for more than two dozen minor car accidents between 6 p.m. and midnight Saturday. Law enforcement officers with Colorado State Patrol and the Steamboat Springs Police Department said many of the accidents involved cars that slid off roadways.

There were no reported injuries.

The Steamboat Ski Area reported 9 inches of new snow Sunday morning. Although the gondola was up and running Sunday after winds forced its closure Saturday, mechanical problems caused a delayed opening of the Christie Peak Express chairlift Sunday.

Today and Tuesday promise to be good days for skiers and riders.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for Steamboat until 6 p.m. today. According to the National Weather Service, between 2 and 4 inches of snow were forecast overnight Sunday, with an additional 3 to 5 inches today.

Another couple of inches of snow could fall tonight before the system leaves the area Tuesday. Gusty winds reaching up to 50 mph are expected to cause significant blowing snow and hazardous travel conditions.

A series of weaker systems that could bring snow to the area are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.