Upper Rio Grande snow report
Upper Rio Grande at a glance
How the snowpack at Upper Rio Grande looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Upper Rio Grande 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 9,400ft, where the air temperature is about 73°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 2 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 Upper Rio Grande is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-08.
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.
Upper Rio Grande
The Upper Rio Grande in Colorado boasts a stunning snowpack, with elevations ranging from 7,500 to 13,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains. The region receives an average of 300 to 400 inches of snowfall annually, with an average peak snowpack of 12 to 15 feet. This snowpack provides vital hydrology constituents to downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs, including the Rio Grande, which flows through New Mexico and Texas. The snowpack also supports the nearby ski resorts of Wolf Creek, Silverton Mountain, and Ski Hesperus. However, the region has seen a decline in snowpack due to climate change, with warmer temperatures leading to earlier snowmelt and less snow accumulation. As a result, water resources in the region are becoming increasingly scarce, highlighting the importance of monitoring and conserving the snowpack in the Upper Rio Grande.
1. Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Grande River: The Upper Rio Grande offers thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities for adventurers of all levels. Paddle through Class II-IV rapids and take in the stunning scenery of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Popular rafting outfitters in the area include Three Rivers Resort and Mountain Waters Rafting. 2. Hiking in Rio Grande National Forest: The Rio Grande National Forest offers a myriad of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Explore the scenic beauty of the forest, including alpine lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Popular hikes in the area include the Wheeler Geologic Area Trail and the South Clear Creek Falls Trail. 3. Fishing in the Upper Rio Grande River: The Upper Rio Grande River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with plenty of trout species to be caught. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing in the river or try their luck at one of the many alpine lakes in the area. Some popular fishing spots include the South Fork of the Rio Grande and Rio Grande Reservoir. 4. Mountain Biking in the San Juan Mountains: The San Juan Mountains offer miles of scenic mountain biking trails for riders of all levels. Explore rugged terrain, steep descents, and breathtaking views as you pedal through the mountains. Popular mountain biking trails in the area include the Rainbow Trail and the Alpine Loop. 5. Camping in the Upper Rio Grande Valley: The Upper Rio Grande Valley offers numerous camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Pitch a tent at one of the many campgrounds in the area and enjoy a night under the stars. Popular campgrounds in the area include South Fork Campground and River Hill Campground. Overall, the Upper Rio Grande Valley provides a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting or peaceful camping under the stars, this region has something for everyone.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Upper Rio Grande's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Upper Rio Grande | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Upper Rio Grande | 0 in |
| Wager Gulch | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Wager Gulch | 0 in |
| Beartown | 0 in |
| Middle Creek | 0 in |
Recreation near Upper Rio Grande
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 Upper Rio Grande in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Upper Rio Grande reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Upper Rio Grande
Where does the snow data for Upper Rio Grande come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 839. 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 Upper Rio Grande report
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