Joe Wright Snow Report

Colorado, USA 10,120 ft Station #551 ↗
⚠ Air Quality Alert · Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
Stale data This station hasn’t reported in days (last reading unknown). The readings below may not reflect current conditions.
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Right now · latest observation
Joe Wright
SNOTEL station #551 · 10,120 ft
-- in snowpack
Latest reading from this station.
SWE
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Air temp
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% of normal
500%
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Conditions summary

Joe Wright at a glance

How the snowpack at Joe Wright looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.

Joe Wright reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 5 inches. Snowpack depth is 500% of normal, which is well above normal for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Colorado at an elevation of 10,120ft, where the air temperature is about 74°F right now.

Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 1 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 Joe Wright is expected to hold near today's 0.1 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 inches by 2026-07-26.

For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Colorado snow report.

Joe Wright on the map Open map →
StateColorado
Station ID551
Elevation10,120 ft
Latitude40.5350°
Longitude-105.8850°
Current snowpack5 in
Seasonal avg1 in
StatusWell Above Normal
Historical context

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.

Detailed forecast

Weather Forecast

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & snow

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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About this station

Joe Wright

Joe Wright, CO is situated in the scenic Rocky Mountains and boasts an impressive elevation of 9,740 ft. The area is nestled within the Medicine Bow Mountains and receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches. The peak snowpack usually occurs in April and averages around 120 inches. This snowpack serves as a critical water source for downstream rivers, creeks, and reservoirs, including the Cache La Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir. The nearby ski resorts of Steamboat and Winter Park also benefit from the abundant snowpack. Climate trends in the region have shown an increase in temperatures and a decrease in precipitation, which could have significant impacts on the snowpack and water supply in the future. Overall, Joe Wright's snowpack is a vital resource for the area's hydrology and recreation industry, making it an important area to monitor and protect.

1. Hiking: Joe Wright is surrounded by numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the Poudre River. Popular hikes in the area include the Big South Trail, Greyrock Mountain Trail, and the Montgomery Pass Trail. 2. Fishing: The Poudre River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of trout species including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Anglers can also try their luck at nearby lakes such as Joe Wright Reservoir and Chambers Lake. 3. Mountain biking: The rugged terrain around Joe Wright offers plenty of opportunities for mountain biking enthusiasts. The nearby Canyon Lakes Ranger District has several designated mountain biking trails, including the Hewlett Gulch Trail and the Young Gulch Trail. 4. Camping: There are several campgrounds in the area that provide a unique outdoor experience. Popular campgrounds include the Tunnel Campground and the Kelly Flats Campground, both of which offer stunning views and easy access to hiking and fishing opportunities. 5. Wildlife viewing: Joe Wright is located in a prime wildlife viewing area, with opportunities to spot elk, deer, moose, and other wildlife species. The nearby Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Overall, Joe Wright, CO offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, or wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this outdoor paradise.

Regional snowpack

Nearby snowpack depths

Cross-check whether Joe Wright's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.

Around the area

Recreation near Joe Wright

Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.

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 Joe Wright in the Snoflo app

Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Joe Wright reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.

FAQ

About Joe Wright

Where does the snow data for Joe Wright come from?

Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 551. 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.