DENVER (AP) - A spring snowstorm that whipped though Colorado has left the state a slushy mess, with thousands stuck at Denver's airport or without power or schools.

The heavy snowmaker dumped more snow than even some spring break ski vacationers bargained for.

The snowstorm was no surprise for Colorado residents; March is the state's snowiest month. But the storm piled about 9 inches of mushy snow in Denver and up to 23 inches in Denver's western suburbs, shutting down business for many. Dozens of school systems canceled classes.

At Denver International Airport, hundreds of flights were grounded, leaving travelers camped out in hallways and even napping in the airport's interfaith chapel.

Most major ski areas reported 5 to 7 inches of new snow. Eldora west of Boulder reported 18 inches.

By lunchtime the snowstorm had moved to southeastern Colorado and was headed east into Kansas and north Texas.

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