Mesa Lakes snow report
Mesa Lakes at a glance
How the snowpack at Mesa Lakes looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Mesa Lakes 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 10,000ft, 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 Mesa Lakes is expected to hold near today's 0.0 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.0 inches by 2026-07-19.
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.
Mesa Lakes
Mesa Lakes, CO is situated in the Grand Mesa, a stunning mountain range within the Rocky Mountains, at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet. The region experiences an average annual snowfall of around 250 inches, with peak snowpacks averaging at approximately 60 inches. The nearby Powderhorn Ski Resort and Grand Mesa Nordic Council provide access to the incredible winter wonderland in the area. Climate trends indicate that the region is experiencing warming temperatures, which can have significant implications for the snowpack and downstream hydrology. The snowpack in the Grand Mesa is a vital contributor to the hydrology of the area, feeding into the Colorado River, Gunnison River, and Plateau Creek. Mesa Lakes Creek and the Mesa Lakes Reservoir also depend on the snowpack for their water supply. Understanding and monitoring the snowpack in this region is essential for managing water resources and promoting sustainable practices.
1. Hiking: Mesa Lakes is surrounded by beautiful mountain trails that are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Popular trails include the Mesa Lakes Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, as well as the Powderhorn Trail, which takes hikers through aspen groves and pine forests. 2. Fishing: Mesa Lakes is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with several lakes and streams in the area that are stocked with trout. Anglers can try their luck at Mesa Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout, or explore the nearby Gunnison River for a chance to catch brown and rainbow trout. 3. Camping: Mesa Lakes is a great destination for camping, with several campgrounds in the area that offer beautiful views and access to outdoor activities. Visitors can choose from campgrounds near the lakes or opt for more secluded spots in the surrounding wilderness. 4. Boating: Mesa Lake is a popular spot for boating enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. Visitors can rent watercraft from local outfitters or bring their own gear to explore the tranquil waters of the lake. 5. Mountain biking: Mesa Lakes is a haven for mountain bikers, with a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels. Riders can tackle challenging singletrack trails like the Mesa Lakes Loop or opt for more leisurely rides along scenic forest roads. Overall, Mesa Lakes offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Mesa Lakes's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Mesa Lakes | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Mesa Lakes | 0 in |
| Grand Mesa Skyway Pt | 10 in |
| Grand Mesa Study Plot | 6 in |
| Mesa 5sse | 0 in |
| Park Reservoir | 1 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 Mesa Lakes in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Mesa Lakes reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Mesa Lakes
Where does the snow data for Mesa Lakes come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 622. 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 Mesa Lakes report
Create your free account to track this — and everything else you love outdoors.
- Custom alerts — get pinged the moment conditions change
- Save favorites — every river, lake, snowpack & resort in one place
- Full history & forecasts — plus the free iPhone app