Bizzard of '09

Colo. Gov. Bill Ritter declared an emergency situation today and authorized the national guard to help drivers and others stranded or impacted by today's blizzard. The weather forecast is calling for 4 to 8 inches to fall late this afternoon and another 1 to 3 inches to fall tonight. First reports trickling back from the hill include the word "sick." Still snowing as of 4:20 p.m. in Aspen and conditions should be very high quality on the hill again tomorrow.

Here is text from the governor's declaration of emergency:

"Beginning early on the morning of March 26, 2009, a blizzard hit the State and it is predicted to cover much of Colorado before it dissipates. It is predicted that this blizzard will drop between one and two feet of snow in communities along the Front Range and in excess of three feet of snow in the foothills, mountains, and southwest part of the State. Moreover, current high winds and rain turning to snow and ice have impacted traffic safety, including causing the closure of U.S. Highway 36 between Westminster and Boulder. The blizzard has already stranded motorists who are now in need of rescue, and it is expected that this need for emergency assistance will only grow as the full force of the blizzard moves across the State."