Willow Creek Pass Snow Report
Willow Creek Pass at a glance
How the snowpack at Willow Creek Pass looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Willow Creek 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 9,540ft, where the air temperature is about 80°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 Willow Creek Pass is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-25.
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.
Willow Creek Pass
Willow Creek Pass is located in the Park Range of Colorado, with an elevation of 9,659 feet. The average annual snowfall in this area is 265 inches, with the average peak snowpack occurring in early April at around 82 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Steamboat Springs and Howelsen Hill take advantage of the abundant snowfall and offer exceptional skiing opportunities.
Climate trends in the area show a slight increase in temperature and a decrease in snowpack over the past few decades. These changes have implications for the downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs that rely on the snowpack for their water supply. Willow Creek feeds into the Yampa River, which in turn provides water for agriculture and municipal use downstream. Thus, changes in the snowpack can have significant impacts on the hydrology of the region. Continued monitoring of the snowpack and its downstream effects will be essential for managing water resources in this area.
1. Hiking: Willow Creek Pass offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. One popular trail is the Continental Divide Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. 2. Mountain biking: The area around Willow Creek Pass is known for its excellent mountain biking trails. Riders can enjoy a variety of terrain, from smooth flowing singletrack to technical descents. The South Fork Loop is a popular trail that offers a mix of terrain and beautiful views. 3. Fishing: Willow Creek Pass is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts, with numerous streams and lakes in the area. Anglers can try their luck at catching trout in the nearby Willow Creek or explore the many other fishing spots in the region. 4. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Willow Creek Pass that offer a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy camping under the stars, cooking over a campfire, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. 5. Wildlife viewing: The area around Willow Creek Pass is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and birds. Visitors can enjoy watching wildlife in their natural habitat and may even catch a glimpse of a moose or bear. 6. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: In the winter months, Willow Creek Pass transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The area receives plenty of snow, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Willow Creek Pass's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Willow Creek Pass | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Willow Creek Pass | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Never Summer | 0 in |
| Never Summer | 6 in |
| Co St Forest St Park | 0 in |
| Stillwater 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 Willow Creek Pass in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Willow Creek Pass reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Willow Creek Pass
Where does the snow data for Willow Creek Pass come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 869. 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 Willow Creek Pass report
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