Bear Lake snow report
Bear Lake at a glance
How the snowpack at Bear Lake looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Bear Lake reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 2 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 9,500ft, where the air temperature is about 79°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.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake, located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, has an elevation of 9,475 feet and is surrounded by the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The average annual snowfall in this area is around 300 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 100-150 inches. The nearby ski resorts of Eldora and Winter Park attract visitors from all over the world. Climate trends in this region indicate that warmer temperatures are leading to earlier snowmelt, which may impact downstream rivers and creeks. The snowpack in this area is critical for the water supply of downstream reservoirs such as Boulder Reservoir and Horsetooth Reservoir. The hydrology constituents of Bear Lake include South Boulder Creek, which flows into Boulder Reservoir, and the Cache La Poudre River, which flows into Horsetooth Reservoir. It is essential to monitor the snowpack in this region to ensure the water supply for downstream communities.
1. Hiking: Bear Lake is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. One popular trail is the Bear Lake Loop, a relatively easy 0.8-mile loop that takes you around the picturesque lake and through beautiful pine forests. 2. Fishing: Bear Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. Anglers can try their luck from the shore or rent a boat to explore the deeper waters of the lake. Common catches include rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. 3. Camping: There are several campgrounds near Bear Lake that provide a rustic and scenic setting for a night under the stars. Many campgrounds offer amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Popular campgrounds include Glacier Basin Campground and Moraine Park Campground. 4. Wildlife viewing: Bear Lake is a great place to spot a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, and a variety of bird species. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to see animals in their natural habitat, so be sure to bring binoculars and a camera. 5. Kayaking and canoeing: Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the calm waters of Bear Lake. Paddling around the lake offers a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and forests, and gives you a chance to see wildlife up close. 6. Horseback riding: Several outfitters near Bear Lake offer guided horseback rides through the scenic wilderness surrounding the lake. This is a great way to explore the area while enjoying the company of these majestic animals. Overall, Bear Lake offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Bear Lake's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Bear Lake | 2 in |
| Estes Park 1.7 W | 0 in |
| Estes Park 3.3 Ssw | 0 in |
| Estes Park 1.8 S | 0 in |
| Estes Park 1.8 Sse | 0 in |
| Estes Park | 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 Bear Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Bear Lake reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Bear Lake
Where does the snow data for Bear Lake come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 322. 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 Bear Lake report
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