During a recent snowstorm, Denver, Colorado, received 7 cm (3 in.) of snow. Sixty kilometers east of Denver, a city received no measurable snowfall, while 150 km east of Denver another city received 10 cm (4 in.) of snow. Since Denver is located to the East of the Rockies, and the upper-level winds were westerly during the snowstorm, give an explanation as to what could account for this snowfall pattern.

Answer: This snowfall pattern can be explained as moist air being the cause. As the moist air from the pacific meets the mountain range, it rises, because moist air is less dense than cold air causing it to rise. This in turn causes precipitation, but it moves in patterns that are majorly dictated by the terrain. It follows valleys instead of peaks.

arctic stream with warm air from gulf of Mexico

Explanation:

In my opinion and based on recent forecasts I have seen, it's is due to the very cold stream that came from the arctic pole (upper-level winds) in additions with some warm clouds came from the south. I think that due to the fact that Denver is located to the East of the Rockies (Colorado), near east Denver should be protected by the high mountains and the very far east cities might be more vulnerable to very high snowfall.