Colorado Snow Report

March 18 2024
Snowpack Snowfall Totals Forecasts

Colorado SNOW REPORT

March 18 2024


Colorado's snow conditions continue to be a point of focus for winter sports enthusiasts as the state experiences varied snowfall and snowpack depths across its many popular destinations. The snowpack depth remains robust in areas like Wolf Creek Summit, sporting a remarkable depth of 191 inches after a recent snowfall of 27 inches, which is exceptional news for the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Conversely, Ute Creek presents a stark contrast with a mere 11 inches of snowpack, signaling potential concerns for water supply and local ecosystems. The beloved ski resorts of Vail Mountain and Copper Mountain are reporting moderate snowpack depths of 50 and 45 inches, respectively, with a light snow forecast, indicating consistent conditions for skiers and snowboarders.

As Colorado moves deeper into the winter season, large snowfalls have graced regions such as Spud Mountain and Vallecito, with 7 inches and 36 inches of fresh snow over the ...

Colorado's snow conditions continue to be a point of focus for winter sports enthusiasts as the state experiences varied snowfall and snowpack depths across its many popular destinations. The snowpack depth remains robust in areas like Wolf Creek Summit, sporting a remarkable depth of 191 inches after a recent snowfall of 27 inches, which is exceptional news for the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Conversely, Ute Creek presents a stark contrast with a mere 11 inches of snowpack, signaling potential concerns for water supply and local ecosystems. The beloved ski resorts of Vail Mountain and Copper Mountain are reporting moderate snowpack depths of 50 and 45 inches, respectively, with a light snow forecast, indicating consistent conditions for skiers and snowboarders.

As Colorado moves deeper into the winter season, large snowfalls have graced regions such as Spud Mountain and Vallecito, with 7 inches and 36 inches of fresh snow over the last 24 hours, respectively, enhancing the skiing conditions significantly. In contrast, areas like Red Mountain Pass have seen a considerable decrease in snowpack, with a reduction of 117 inches noted, which could be due to data error, rapid melting, or an anomaly in the report. This season's trends suggest pockets of heavy snowfall interspersed with areas of lighter accumulation, affecting resorts such as Beaver Creek and Aspen, as well as towns like Telluride and Steamboat Springs, which rely heavily on winter tourism.

Looking ahead, the five-day forecasts predict modest snowfall across the state, with locations like Black Mesa and El Diente Peak expecting up to 6 inches of new snow, which could rejuvenate snowpacks and improve conditions for winter activities. However, the overall forecast shows minimal snowfall for many regions, which could result in a gradual reduction of the snowpack as the season progresses. Snow enthusiasts should take advantage of the current conditions, while being mindful of potential snowpack droughts in some areas and keeping an eye on forecasts for the latest updates on incoming snowfalls.

SNOWPACK DISTRIBUTION

QUICK STATS

RECENT SNOWFALL TOTALS

Snowpack conditions in Colorado vary across different mountain ranges. As of January 2022, the snowpack is above average in most areas, with the highest percentages in the northern and central mountains. The Upper Colorado, South Platte, and Arkansas River basins have snowpack levels above 120% of normal. The San Juan and Rio Grande basins have slightly below average snowpack.

The snow in Colorado's mountains acts as a natural reservoir, supplying water for rivers and watersheds throughout the state. Snowmelt contributes to the headwaters of major rivers such as the Colorado, Platte, Arkansas, and Rio Grande. The snowpack is crucial for agriculture, municipal water supplies, and recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Colorado's winter climate is influenced by the state's high elevation and the Rocky Mountains. The mountains capture moisture from Pacific storms, resulting in significant snowfall. The state experiences a mix of cold temperatures, strong winds, and frequent snowstorms during the winter months.

Interesting facts about Colorado's snow science and history include the development of snow measurement techniques by Dr. James Church in the early 20th century. He established the Snow Research Laboratory in Silverton, where he conducted groundbreaking studies on snow physics. Colorado is also known for its snowfall records, such as the highest annual snowfall ever recorded in the United States at Silver Lake in 1978-1979, with a staggering 1,140 inches (95 feet) of snow.




Colorado Snow Outlook


AVALANCHE RISK

Log Your Visit

When was your last visit to ?

Add a Photo

How was it? How were conditions?

Rate the


Submit

Leave A Review


Submit

Upload an Image


Favorite Limit Reached