Columbine Snow Report
Columbine at a glance
How the snowpack at Columbine looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Columbine reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is 0% of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Colorado at an elevation of 9,160ft, 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 is expected to hold near today's 0.1 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 inches by 2026-07-22.
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
Columbine, CO is located in the picturesque San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 9,200 feet. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches and boasts an average peak snowpack of 70 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Purgatory and Silverton Mountain offer world-class skiing opportunities thanks to the bountiful snowpack.
Climate trends in the area indicate that temperatures have been rising in recent years, which could potentially impact snowpack and downstream hydrology. The snowpack in this region feeds the Animas River, which is vital for agricultural irrigation and municipal water supply. Other downstream constituents include the Durango reservoir, which provides recreational opportunities for fishing and boating.
Overall, the snowpack in the Columbine area plays a critical role in the surrounding ecosystem and economy. Its fluctuations are carefully monitored by researchers and local agencies to ensure the sustainability of the region's water resources.
1. Hiking: Columbine is surrounded by several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Popular trails include the Herman Gulch Trail, Mayflower Gulch Trail, and the Gore Range Trail. 2. Mountain biking: Columbine is located near several popular mountain biking trails, such as the Colorado Trail and the Peaks Trail. These trails offer a variety of terrain for riders of all skill levels. 3. Fishing: Columbine is located near several lakes and rivers that are popular fishing destinations. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other freshwater fish in places like Dillon Reservoir and the Blue River. 4. Camping: Columbine is close to several campgrounds that offer a peaceful retreat in the great outdoors. Popular campgrounds include the Pine Cove Campground and the Prospector Campground, both of which offer scenic views and access to hiking trails. 5. Whitewater rafting: For those looking for a thrill, whitewater rafting on the nearby Arkansas River is a popular activity. Experienced guides lead visitors through Class III and IV rapids, providing an exciting adventure for adrenaline junkies. Overall, Columbine offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or whitewater rafting, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful Colorado town.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Columbine's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Columbine | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Columbine | 0 in |
| Rabbit Ears | 0 in |
| Rabbit Ears | 0 in |
| Tower | 0 in |
| Buffalo Park | 0 in |
Recreation near Columbine
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Reservoirs
See all →
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 in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Columbine reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Columbine
Where does the snow data for Columbine come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 408. 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 report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
- Save favorites — every river, lake, snowpack & resort in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app