Mount Sneffels peak
Mount Sneffels rises to 14,150 ft in Rocky-Mountains within the San Juan Mountains range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,158 feet (4,315 meters), it is one of Colorado's famed fourteeners. This imposing mountain showcases rugged cliffs, sheer spires, and picturesque alpine meadows, captivating adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
During the winter season, Mount Sneffels receives a significant amount of snowfall, contributing to its allure for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack range can vary depending on the specific year, with depths often exceeding 200 inches (5 meters) in the higher elevations. This abundant snowpack provides ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, attracting winter adventurers from around the world.
Mount Sneffels is also known for its notable creeks and rivers that receive runoff from its melting snowpack. Although specific creeks and rivers may vary, some commonly mentioned include Cow Creek, Dallas Creek, and the Uncompahgre River. These waterways not only add to the mountain's scenic beauty but also provide important resources for surrounding ecosystems and local communities.
The origin of the name "Sneffels" remains a subject of debate and intriguing folklore. Some sources suggest it may have been derived from Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth," where "Sneffels" refers to a volcanic mountain in Iceland. Others propose that the name comes from the Old Norse word "snjofjall," meaning "snow mountain." Regardless of its origin, Mount Sneffels continues to captivate adventurers who seek to conquer its challenging slopes and immerse themselves in its rich history and natural splendor.
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 Sneffels
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 Mc Clure Pass | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Overland Res. | 198 in | → |
| Cascade #2 | 22 in | → |
| Sharkstooth | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Vallecito | 7 in | → |
| Lizard Head Pass | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Red Mountain Pass | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Columbine Pass | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc El Diente Peak | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Molas Lake | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Weminuche Creek | 2 in | → |
| Park Reservoir | 18 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Sneffels
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Vallecito Creek Near Bayfield | 194 cfs | → |
| Animas River Below Silverton | 421 cfs | → |
| Dolores River At Dolores | 463 cfs | → |
| Los Pinos River Near Ignacio | 5 cfs | → |
| Dolores River Below Rico | 207 cfs | → |
| Animas River Above Tacoma | 762 cfs | → |
| Animas River Blw Durango Pump Plant Nr Durango | 936 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 Sneffels
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Sneffels.
Ski areas
- Ski Cooper
- Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
- Aspen Mountain
- Snowy Range
- Howelsen Hill Ski Area
- Hesperus Ski Area
River runs
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