Ripple Creek snow report
Ripple Creek at a glance
How the snowpack at Ripple Creek looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Ripple Creek reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is % of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Colorado at an elevation of 10,340ft, where the air temperature is about 70°F right now.
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.
Ripple Creek
Ripple Creek, located in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, boasts an average elevation of 8,500 feet and receives an average annual snowfall of 250 inches. The peak snowpack typically reaches around 90 inches, providing ample skiing opportunities at nearby resorts such as Sunlight Mountain and Aspen Snowmass. Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable decrease in snowpack levels in the region due to climate change, as well as an increase in winter precipitation falling as rain instead of snow. This has led to concerns over downstream water resources, including the Roaring Fork River and the Ruedi Reservoir, which rely on snowmelt for their water sources. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the delicate hydrological balance of the area.
1. Fishing: Ripple Creek is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with the nearby Rifle Gap Reservoir and Rifle Falls State Park offering ample chances to catch trout, bass, and other freshwater species. Anglers can enjoy peaceful moments by the water and may even catch their dinner. 2. Hiking: The area around Ripple Creek boasts numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. Some popular options include the Hanging Lake Trail, Rifle Arch Trail, and the White River National Forest. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests while getting some exercise in the great outdoors. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Ripple Creek where visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV for a night under the stars. Rifle Gap State Park and Rifle Falls State Park both offer camping facilities with amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. Camping is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. 4. Off-roading: The surrounding area near Ripple Creek is popular among off-road enthusiasts, with numerous trails and roads perfect for exploring by ATV or off-highway vehicle. The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway and the White River National Forest have designated OHV routes that provide a thrilling adventure through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. 5. Wildlife viewing: Ripple Creek is surrounded by abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, eagles, and other native species. Visitors can take advantage of the numerous wildlife viewing opportunities in the area by hiking, camping, or simply driving through the scenic countryside. Wildlife enthusiasts will have a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Ripple Creek's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Ripple Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Ripple Creek | 0 in |
| Trapper Lake | 0 in |
| Trapper Lake | 0 in |
| Crosho | 0 in |
| Crosho | 0 in |
Recreation near Ripple Creek
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Fishing
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 Ripple Creek in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Ripple Creek reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Ripple Creek
Where does the snow data for Ripple Creek come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 717. 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 Ripple Creek report
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