The snow season of 2010-2011 produced record snowfall and spring flooding over much of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. However, in spite of the record snowpack in some areas, the resultant runoff and associated flooding did not reach levels attained in the high snowpack years of recent history.

The climate conditions of both a strong La Niņa and Madden-Julian episodes that defined the seasonal storm track and resultant precipitation distribution will be examined. This study will also investigate the potential and eventual outcome for spring flooding and meteorological factors that allowed the runoff to occur in a more manageable way. Finally this paper will discuss the actions of the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, local governments, and emergency managers to mitigate the flood damage.