Columbus Basin snow report
Columbus Basin at a glance
How the snowpack at Columbus Basin looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Columbus Basin 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 10,785ft, where the air temperature is about 62°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 7 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 Columbus Basin is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-20.
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.
Columbus Basin
Columbus Basin, located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, boasts an elevation range of 10,000 to 13,000 feet. The basin is home to the mighty San Juan range and receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, creating peak snowpacks averaging around 140 inches. Ski resorts such as Purgatory and Silverton Mountain are located nearby, taking advantage of the consistent snowpack. Climate trends show that the basin is experiencing a decrease in snowpack due to warming temperatures, leading to concerns for downstream hydrology constituents such as the Animas River, Lime Creek, and Lake Nighthorse reservoir. These entities rely heavily on the snowmelt for replenishment, and decreasing snowpack may lead to decreased water availability. Overall, Columbus Basin is a vital component of Colorado's winter sports industry and serves as a reminder of the effects of climate change on our natural resources.
1. Hiking: Columbus Basin is located near several popular hiking trails in the San Juan National Forest, such as the Chicago Basin Trail and the Needle Creek Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area. 2. Fishing: The Animas River, which runs through Columbus Basin, is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can try their luck catching trout, bass, and other fish in the river's clear waters. There are also several nearby lakes and reservoirs, such as Electra Lake and Lemon Reservoir, that offer excellent fishing opportunities. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Columbus Basin, including the Haviland Lake Campground and the Molas Lake Campground. These campgrounds provide a peaceful and scenic setting for tent or RV camping, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities. 4. Mountain biking: The trails around Columbus Basin are also popular among mountain bikers. The Hermosa Creek Trail and the Colorado Trail offer challenging terrain and breathtaking views for riders of all skill levels. There are also several bike shops in nearby Durango where visitors can rent equipment or join guided tours. 5. Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular way to explore the rugged terrain around Columbus Basin. There are several outfitters in the area that offer guided horseback rides through the mountains and forests, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the San Juan Mountains from a unique perspective.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Columbus Basin's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Columbus Basin | 0 in |
| Sharkstooth | 0 in |
| Sharkstooth | 0 in |
| Mancos | 0 in |
| Mancos | 0 in |
| Scotch Creek | 0 in |
Recreation near Columbus Basin
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 Columbus Basin in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Columbus Basin reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Columbus Basin
Where does the snow data for Columbus Basin come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 904. 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 Columbus Basin report
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