Columbine Pass snow report
Columbine Pass at a glance
How the snowpack at Columbine Pass looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Columbine Pass reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 1 inches. Snowpack depth is 50% of normal, which is below normal for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Colorado at an elevation of 9,400ft, where the air temperature is about 80°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 2 inches across the station's full record. Below-normal snowpack like this typically translates to a thinner spring runoff downstream and earlier snowmelt -- worth watching for downstream water-supply forecasts.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Columbine Pass is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-19.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Colorado snow report.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year percentile bands, every recorded powder day, and the deepest snowpack on record each water year at this station.
Weather Forecast
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 temperature & snow
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Columbine Pass
Columbine Pass, located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, boasts an elevation of 12,700 feet and is home to an average annual snowfall of 300 inches. The average peak snowpack reaches 170 inches and provides ample opportunity for nearby ski resorts such as Kendall Mountain, Purgatory Resort, and Silverton Mountain. Climate trends reveal that winter precipitation has increased over the past few decades, leading to higher snowpack levels. This snowpack plays a critical role in the hydrology of the region, providing water to downstream rivers, including the Animas River and the Dolores River. These rivers are important sources of water for surrounding communities as well as for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Additionally, the snowpack contributes to the water levels of nearby creeks and reservoirs, such as Electra Lake and Lemon Reservoir, which are important sources of recreation for the region. Overall, the snowpack at Columbine Pass is a vital component of the regional ecosystem and has far-reaching impacts on the local community.
1. Hiking: Columbine Pass offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulties, making it a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular hike is the Columbine Lake Trail, a 6.5-mile round trip trek that leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. 2. Camping: With its stunning mountain views and abundance of wildlife, Columbine Pass is a great spot for camping. Campers can set up tents at nearby campgrounds or find a more secluded spot in the wilderness for a true backcountry experience. 3. Fishing: The streams and lakes around Columbine Pass are teeming with trout, making it a prime location for fishing. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the area. 4. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain around Columbine Pass is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. Riders can explore a variety of trails that offer challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. 5. Wildlife Viewing: Columbine Pass is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, and black bears. Nature lovers can spend their days observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, providing a unique and rewarding outdoor experience.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Columbine Pass's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Columbine Pass | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Columbine Pass | 0 in |
| Montrose 6.3 Wsw | 0 in |
| Montrose 4.0 Nw | 0 in |
| Montrose 1.6 E | 0 in |
| Colona 4nw | 0 in |
Recreation near Columbine Pass
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Mountain & avalanche safety
- Know before you go
- Check today's avalanche bulletin from the regional avalanche center before any backcountry / side-country travel. Conditions can shift dramatically between morning and afternoon on storm days.
- Carry the gear, know how to use it
- Beacon, shovel, probe. Practice companion rescue on a calm day, not during a real burial.
- Mind the weather window
- Heavy snow + wind builds wind slabs at ridgelines. The day after a storm is often the riskiest in the backcountry.
- Read the snowpack
- A weak, faceted, or wind-loaded snowpack — like the depth and trend shown above — is exactly what feeds slab avalanches. Dig a pit or check the bulletin before committing to steep terrain.
Track Columbine Pass in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Columbine Pass reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Columbine Pass
Where does the snow data for Columbine Pass come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 409. Forecast comes from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NRCS SNOTEL stations report continuously (typically hourly). Snoflo refreshes throughout the day; check the "as of" timestamp on the snowpack hero card.
What's the difference between snowpack depth and SWE?
Snowpack depth measures how tall the snow is. SWE (snow water equivalent) measures how much WATER is in that snow. SWE matters more for hydrology and ski-season prediction since dry powder packs less water than wet/spring snow at the same depth.
How is "% of normal" calculated?
Today's snowpack is compared to the historical average snowpack on this calendar day across the station's full record. 100% = right on average; 130% = a big year; 60% = a thin year.
Can I get alerts when fresh snow hits?
Yes -- snow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this station, set a snowfall threshold (e.g. "alert me when 6+ inches"), and you'll get a push the moment NRCS reports the crossing.
Access the free Columbine Pass report
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