Medano Pass snow report
Medano Pass at a glance
How the snowpack at Medano Pass looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Medano Pass reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 1 inches. Snowpack depth is 100% of normal, which is on par with the seasonal average for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Colorado at an elevation of 9,649ft, where the air temperature is about 72°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 inches across the station's full record. This is roughly in line with the long-run average for the station, suggesting a typical spring runoff window ahead.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Medano Pass 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.
Medano Pass
Medano Pass, CO is a mountain pass situated at an elevation of 10,040 feet in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 185 inches, with peak snowpack usually occurring in March. Nearby ski resorts include Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper. Climate trends in the area show a slight increase in average temperatures over the past few decades, which has led to a decrease in snowpack levels. The snowpack in Medano Pass is important for downstream hydrology, as it feeds into the nearby Rio Grande River, which provides water for agriculture and other uses. Additionally, the snowpack contributes to the recharge of the underground aquifers and the water levels in Sand Creek and Medano Creek, which flow into nearby reservoirs. The importance of maintaining healthy snowpack levels in Medano Pass cannot be overstated, as it has significant implications for the region's water supply and ecosystem.
1. Hiking: Medano Pass offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. The Medano Lake Trail is a popular choice, offering stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Medano Creek. 2. Sandboarding: The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, located near Medano Pass, is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors can try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes for a thrilling outdoor experience. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Medano Pass, including the Pinon Flats Campground within the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Camping in this area allows visitors to experience the beauty of the dunes and surrounding mountains under the starry night sky. 4. Birdwatching: The Medano Pass area is a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of bird species that can be spotted in the diverse habitats of the region. Birdwatchers may see species such as the mountain bluebird, pinyon jay, and western tanager. 5. Photography: The scenic beauty of Medano Pass and the surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for photographers. From the towering sand dunes to the lush forests and alpine meadows, there are countless breathtaking views to capture on camera. Overall, Medano Pass offers a range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers to enjoy in the beautiful Colorado wilderness.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Medano Pass's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Medano Pass | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Medano Pass | 1 in |
| Nohrsc South Colony | 1 in |
| South Colony | 1 in |
| Great Sand Dunes Natl Mon | 0 in |
| Crestone 5.3 Sse | 0 in |
Recreation near Medano Pass
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Ski areas
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 Medano Pass in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Medano Pass reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Medano Pass
Where does the snow data for Medano Pass come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 914. 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 Medano Pass report
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