The first winter snow storm of the season hit San Juan County with a vengeance on December 7, slowing traffic, bringing much needed precipitation, and making the annual Christmas Parade in Monticello a white affair.



The welcomed storm comes on the heels of the fifth straight month with lower than average precipitation in area communities.



Year to date precipitation through November is just 23 percent of normal in Monticello, 56 percent of normal in Blanding and 30 percent of normal in Bluff. The water year begins each year on October 1.



The first winter snowstorm marks the beginning of the snow pack in area mountains. The critical snow pack builds throughout the winter and early spring, generally reaching an apex near the end of March.



Snow was falling heavily throughout the county as the press deadline arrived on Monday.