Vallecito snow report
Vallecito at a glance
How the snowpack at Vallecito looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Vallecito reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 4 inches. Snowpack depth is 133% of normal, which is well above normal for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Colorado at an elevation of 10,880ft, where the air temperature is about 67°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 3 inches across the station's full record. Above-normal snowpack like this builds the seasonal water bank for downstream rivers and reservoirs through spring runoff -- a good sign for the watershed.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Vallecito is expected to hold near today's 0.3 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.2 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.
Vallecito
Vallecito, CO is situated in the San Juan Mountains, with an elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level. The average annual snowfall in this region is around 250 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 60 inches. The area is home to several ski resorts, including Purgatory Resort and Kendall Mountain Ski Area.
Climate trends in the region show an increase in temperatures and a decrease in snowpack over the past few decades, which can have significant impacts on downstream hydrology. Vallecito Creek, which flows through the area, feeds into the Los Pinos River, a tributary of the Animas River. Vallecito Reservoir is also a key component of the hydrology in the area, providing water for irrigation and recreation.
Overall, while snowpack levels in Vallecito have been impacted by climate change, the region still sees ample winter precipitation, making it an important source of water for downstream users.
1. Hiking: Vallecito is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, offering numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. One popular hike is the Vallecito Creek Trail, which follows a beautiful creek through a lush valley, eventually leading to stunning alpine meadows. 2. Fishing: Vallecito Reservoir is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Anglers can fish from the shore or rent a boat to explore the lake. 3. Boating: Vallecito Reservoir is also a popular spot for boating, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and motorized boating. The calm waters surrounded by stunning mountain views make for a peaceful and scenic boating experience. 4. Horseback riding: The surrounding San Juan National Forest offers beautiful trails for horseback riding, allowing visitors to explore the rugged terrain and lush forests on horseback. Guided horseback riding tours are available in the area. 5. Camping: Vallecito offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds with amenities to backcountry camping in the national forest. Camping in Vallecito allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the serene beauty of the area. Overall, Vallecito, CO offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers to enjoy, from hiking and fishing to boating and horseback riding. The stunning natural beauty of the area and the abundance of outdoor adventures make Vallecito a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Vallecito's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Vallecito | 4 in |
| Nohrsc Vallecito | 5 in |
| Stump Lakes | 0 in |
| Stump Lakes | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Weminuche Creek | 4 in |
| Weminuche Creek | 2 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 Vallecito in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Vallecito reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Vallecito
Where does the snow data for Vallecito come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 843. 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 Vallecito report
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