Dry Lake Snow Report
Dry Lake at a glance
How the snowpack at Dry Lake looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Dry Lake 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 8,400ft, where the air temperature is about 87°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 5 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 Dry Lake is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-24.
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.
Dry Lake
Located in the Sawatch Range at an elevation of 9,200 feet, Dry Lake, CO is an important source of water for nearby communities. With an average annual snowfall of 180 inches, the peak snowpack usually occurs in mid-March, measuring around 80 inches. This snowpack serves as a critical water supply for downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs, including the nearby Turquoise Lake, which feeds the Arkansas River. The snowpack also supports nearby ski resorts such as Ski Cooper and Copper Mountain. However, climate change has impacted the snowpack in recent years, with warmer temperatures leading to earlier snowmelt and a decrease in overall snowpack depth. This has significant implications for the hydrology of the region, as well as for the ski industry and local economies. It is essential to monitor and address these trends to ensure the continued sustainability of water resources in the region.
1. Hiking: Dry Lake, CO offers numerous hiking trails for all levels of hikers. One popular trail is the Dry Lake Trail, which takes hikers through scenic landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 2. Camping: Dry Lake, CO is a great destination for camping enthusiasts. There are several campgrounds in the area, including Dry Lake Campground, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars. 3. Fishing: Dry Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other species in the lake's crystal-clear waters. 4. Mountain biking: The rugged terrain around Dry Lake provides a perfect setting for mountain biking. There are several challenging trails in the area, such as the Dry Lake Loop, that offer riders a thrilling experience. 5. Bird watching: Dry Lake is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. Visitors can spot various species of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds in the area. 6. Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity near Dry Lake, CO. Visitors can explore the scenic landscapes and rugged terrain on horseback, enjoying a unique perspective of the area. 7. Rock climbing: The rocky cliffs and boulders surrounding Dry Lake offer excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Climbers of all skill levels can test their abilities on the challenging routes in the area.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Dry Lake's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Dry Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Dry Lake | 0 in |
| Steamboat Springs 0.6 Nnw | 0 in |
| Steamboat Springs 0.7 Ese | 0 in |
| Tower | 0 in |
| Steamboat Springs | 0 in |
Recreation near Dry Lake
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 Dry Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Dry Lake reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Dry Lake
Where does the snow data for Dry Lake come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 457. 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 Dry Lake report
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