Elk River snow report
Elk River at a glance
How the snowpack at Elk River looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Elk River 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 8,700ft, where the air temperature is about 86°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 11 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 Elk River is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-18.
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.
Elk River
Elk River, CO is home to a diverse snowpack, with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet in the Park Range. The average annual snowfall in this region is 300 inches, contributing to an average peak snowpack of 100 inches. The area is home to several ski resorts, including Steamboat Ski Resort and Howelsen Hill Ski Area. Climate trends in Elk River show an increase in winter precipitation and a decrease in spring snowpack, likely due to warming temperatures. The snowpack in this region plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the area, with downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs relying on the melting snowpack for water supply. The Elk River is a major contributor to the Yampa River, which flows into the Green River and ultimately the Colorado River. It is important to monitor and manage the snowpack in this region to ensure a sustainable water supply for downstream communities and ecosystems.
1. Hiking: Elk River is surrounded by several beautiful hiking trails, including the Mad Creek Trail and the Fish Creek Falls Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to see wildlife such as elk and deer. 2. Mountain Biking: The Steamboat Bike Park is located near Elk River and offers a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Riders can enjoy downhill trails, cross-country trails, and even lift-accessed trails for a more adrenaline-pumping experience. 3. Fly Fishing: Elk River is known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, with several rivers and streams in the area teeming with trout. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Colorado wilderness. 4. Horseback Riding: There are several outfitters in the Elk River area that offer guided horseback riding tours through the scenic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. Riders can explore mountain meadows, forests, and rivers while experiencing the beauty of Colorado on horseback. 5. Camping: For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, camping is a popular activity near Elk River. There are several campgrounds in the area, including Steamboat Lake State Park and Pearl Lake State Park, where visitors can set up camp and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors. Overall, Elk River offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers to enjoy in the stunning Colorado wilderness.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Elk River's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Elk River | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Elk River | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Elkhead Divide | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Whiskey Park | 0 in |
| Whiskey Park | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Lost Dog | 0 in |
Recreation near Elk River
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 Elk River in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Elk River reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Elk River
Where does the snow data for Elk River come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 467. 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 Elk River 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