Red Mountain Pass snow report
Red Mountain Pass at a glance
How the snowpack at Red Mountain Pass looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Red Mountain Pass 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 11,200ft, where the air temperature is about 70°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 Red Mountain Pass is expected to hold near today's 0.2 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 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.
Red Mountain Pass
Red Mountain Pass, located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, boasts an impressive average annual snowfall of 250 inches at elevations ranging from 8,500 to 11,018 feet. The pass is home to numerous peaks, including Red Mountain #3 and Grizzly Peak, which contribute to an average peak snowpack of 134 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Silverton Mountain and Kendall Mountain offer world-class skiing opportunities with a variety of terrain options. The region has seen a significant warming trend over the past few decades, resulting in earlier snowmelt and a shift in hydrological processes. The snowpack provides a vital source of water for downstream rivers and reservoirs, including the Animas River and the Navajo Reservoir. Understanding the dynamics of the snowpack on Red Mountain Pass is critical for water management and recreation in the region.
1. Hiking: Red Mountain Pass is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Popular hikes include the Ice Lakes Trail, which leads to beautiful turquoise alpine lakes, and the Red Mountain Mining District Trail, which explores historic mining sites. 2. Off-Roading: Red Mountain Pass is known for its challenging off-roading trails, such as the famous Black Bear Pass and Engineer Pass. These rugged trails offer thrilling adventures and breathtaking views for experienced off-road enthusiasts. 3. Mountain biking: The area around Red Mountain Pass offers a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Trails like the Colorado Trail and the Alpine Loop provide opportunities for riders to explore the stunning scenery of the San Juan Mountains. 4. Fishing: Red Mountain Pass is surrounded by several rivers and streams that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout in the Animas River or explore high alpine lakes for a peaceful fishing experience. 5. Camping: The Red Mountain Pass area has numerous campgrounds and dispersed camping options for those looking to spend a night under the stars. Camping near the pass allows for easy access to outdoor activities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 6. Scenic drives: Red Mountain Pass is part of the San Juan Skyway, a scenic byway that offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Driving along the pass allows visitors to experience the beauty of the area without having to hike or bike.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Red Mountain Pass's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Red Mountain Pass | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Red Mountain Pass | 0 in |
| Mineral Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Idarado | 0 in |
| Idarado | 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 Red Mountain Pass in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Red Mountain Pass reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Red Mountain Pass
Where does the snow data for Red Mountain Pass come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 713. 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 Red Mountain Pass report
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