Mineral Creek Snow Report
Mineral Creek at a glance
How the snowpack at Mineral Creek looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Mineral Creek 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 10,040ft, where the air temperature is about 42°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 14 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.
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.
Mineral Creek
Mineral Creek, CO, located in the San Juan Mountains, has an elevation ranging from 9,000 to 13,000 feet. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, contributing to an average peak snowpack of 100 inches. The snowpack supports nearby ski resorts such as Silverton Mountain and Kendall Mountain. Climate trends show an increase in temperature and a decrease in snowpack accumulation over the past few decades. This has implications for downstream hydrology as Mineral Creek feeds into the Animas River, a major tributary of the Colorado River system. Additionally, the snowmelt from the snowpack contributes to local reservoirs such as Lake Durango and Lemon Reservoir. The snowpack also plays a crucial role in the area's ecology, providing water for vegetation and wildlife. It is important to monitor and understand the snowpack in Mineral Creek as it impacts many aspects of the region's ecology and economy.
1. Hiking: Mineral Creek offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Popular hikes in the area include the Ice Lake Trail, which takes you past stunning alpine lakes and wildflowers, and the Engineer Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. 2. Mountain biking: The rugged terrain around Mineral Creek is perfect for mountain biking. There are a variety of trails in the area, ranging from easy rides along old mining roads to challenging singletrack descents. One of the most popular trails is the Colorado Trail, which offers a mix of technical sections and scenic vistas. 3. Fly fishing: Mineral Creek is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck catching trout in the clear waters of the creek, or venture further afield to nearby streams and lakes. The area is also home to several guide services that offer guided fishing trips for novices and experienced anglers alike. 4. Rock climbing: The cliffs and crags around Mineral Creek provide great opportunities for rock climbing. There are routes for climbers of all levels, from easy beginner climbs to challenging multi-pitch routes. Popular climbing areas in the vicinity include the Million Dollar Highway Crag and the Ophir Wall. 5. Camping: Mineral Creek is surrounded by beautiful national forest land, making it an ideal spot for camping. There are several campgrounds in the area, as well as dispersed camping options for those looking for a more rustic experience. Campers can enjoy stunning views, the sounds of nature, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Mineral Creek's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Mineral Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Mineral Creek | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Red Mountain Pass | 0 in |
| Red Mountain Pass | 0 in |
| Silverton 0.3 Wsw | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Idarado | 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 Mineral Creek in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Mineral Creek reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Mineral Creek
Where does the snow data for Mineral Creek come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 629. 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 Mineral Creek report
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