Mount Columbia peak
Mount Columbia rises to 14,073 ft in Rocky-Mountains within the Sawatch Range range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,073 feet, it is one of the tallest mountains in Colorado. Its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. With a sizeable prominence of 2,370 feet, Mount Columbia is a challenging and rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers.
During the winter season, Mount Columbia experiences substantial snowfall due to its high elevation. The snowpack range varies depending on weather conditions, but it can reach impressive depths, providing ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. It is essential for climbers to be well-prepared and equipped with proper gear and avalanche safety knowledge when attempting to summit the mountain during this time.
Mount Columbia is known for its significant runoff, feeding into several creeks and rivers in the region. One of the prominent waterways that receives this runoff is the Arkansas River. This river system, in turn, contributes to the overall water supply and irrigation in the area.
As for its name, Mount Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus, the renowned Italian explorer. The name reflects the spirit of exploration and adventure that the mountain embodies. While there may not be specific legends or lore associated with Mount Columbia, its rich history and challenging nature continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking a thrilling mountaineering experience.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Rocky-Mountains range.
Snowpack near Mount Columbia
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Arapaho Ridge | 16 in | → |
| Fremont Pass | 20 in | → |
| Long Draw Resv | 5 in | → |
| Rawah | 6 in | → |
| Willow Creek Pass | 8 in | → |
| Tower | 54 in | → |
| Nohrsc Lake Irene | 12 in | → |
| Nohrsc Jackwhacker Gulch | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mccoy Park | 1 in | → |
| Vail Mountain | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Dry Lake | 1 in | → |
| Arapaho Ridge | 16 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Columbia
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Goose Creek At Wagonwheel Gap | 89 cfs | → |
| Carnero Creek Near La Garita | 3 cfs | → |
| South Fork Rio Grande At South Fork | 386 cfs | → |
| La Garita Creek Near La Garita | 4 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood Creek Near Crestone | 4 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande Near Del Norte | 1,280 cfs | → |
| North Crestone Creek Near Crestone | 11 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Columbia
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Columbia.
Ski areas
- Loveland
- Sipapu Ski Area
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Beaver Creek Resort
- Pajarito Mountain
- Kendall Mountain
River runs
- Fractions
- Numbers
- Clear Creek Of The Arkansas
- Pine Creek (Granite To Numbers)
- Buena Vista Whitewater Park
- Arkansas River Segment 2
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