Molas Lake Snow Report
Molas Lake at a glance
How the snowpack at Molas Lake looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Molas 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 10,500ft, where the air temperature is about 69°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 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 Molas 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.
Molas Lake
Molas Lake, located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado at an elevation of 10,910 feet, receives an average annual snowfall of 272 inches. The average peak snowpack is around 102 inches. The ski resorts of Purgatory and Silverton Mountain are in close proximity to this region. The climate in the San Juan Mountains has been warming over the past decades, leading to a decrease in snowpack and earlier snowmelt. The snowpack of Molas Lake contributes to the hydrology of the Animas River, a major tributary of the San Juan River, which provides water for irrigation, recreation, and drinking water for downstream communities. Notably, the lake is also connected to the Molas Creek, which supports a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. The snowpack of Molas Lake is therefore essential for the functioning of the local ecosystem and the sustainability of human activities downstream.
1. Fishing: Molas Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with rainbow trout being the most common species caught. Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shore or from a boat, and the lake is stocked regularly to ensure a good catch. 2. Hiking: The area surrounding Molas Lake offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Popular hikes include the Ice Lakes Trail, which leads to stunning alpine lakes with crystal-clear blue waters, and the Colorado Trail, which passes through the rugged San Juan Mountains. 3. Camping: Molas Lake Campground is a popular spot for camping, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to hiking and fishing opportunities. The campground has tent and RV sites, as well as amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits. 4. Mountain Biking: The Molas Pass area has a network of mountain biking trails that cater to all skill levels. Riders can enjoy scenic views of the mountains and forests while navigating through challenging terrain. 5. Wildlife Viewing: Molas Lake and the surrounding area are home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and birds of prey. Nature enthusiasts can spot these animals in their natural habitat while hiking or camping in the area.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Molas Lake's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Molas Lake | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Molas Lake | 0 in |
| Silverton 0.3 Wsw | 0 in |
| Spud Mountain | 0 in |
| Spud Mountain | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Mineral Creek | 0 in |
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 Molas Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Molas Lake reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Molas Lake
Where does the snow data for Molas Lake come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 632. 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 Molas Lake report
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