Colorado experienced an arctic blast over the weekend, which resulted in temperatures dropping below zero and light snowfall across the region. While the snowfall was a welcome sight for many, the accumulation was modest, with most areas in metro Denver receiving approximately one inch. The Front Range foothills saw slightly higher totals, but overall, the state’s snowpack levels remain significantly below normal for this time of year.
Snowpack Levels Fall Short of Expectations
As of Monday, all of Colorado’s river basins reported below-median snowpack levels. The Lower San Juan Basin is facing the most severe conditions, with snowpack at only 24% of median levels. The South Platte River Basin, which includes Denver, shows snow water equivalent levels at just 57% of the median, while the Upper Green Basin leads the state with snowpack levels at 95%.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS) underscores the challenges facing Colorado’s winter sports and water supply systems. With temperatures remaining low, the hopes for replenishing the snowpack throughout the season hinge on forthcoming weather patterns.
Despite the recent snowfall, which brought some relief, it has not been sufficient to counteract the ongoing deficits. Snow accumulation reports from the National Weather Service indicated that several areas received light amounts, primarily less than two inches. Locations such as Monarch Pass and Wolf Creek Pass reported higher totals, but these remain exceptions rather than the norm.
Recent Snowfall Totals Across Colorado
Here are some notable snow totals from the past 24 hours as reported:
- 1 NNW Monarch Pass, CO: 151 inches
- 151 SE Wolf Creek Pass, CO: 133 inches
- 133 ENE Ensenada, NM: 7.31 inches
- SE Crestone, CO: 5.62 inches
- WSW Colorado Springs, CO: 5.12 inches
Additional reports indicate that various locations in Colorado received between 1.5 and 3.5 inches, with areas like N Boulder and S Boulder reporting around 2.1 inches. Overall, the totals highlight the regional disparities in snowfall, reflecting ongoing weather patterns that have left many areas dry.
As the winter season progresses, the focus will remain on monitoring snowpack levels and weather forecasts to assess the potential for improvement. The need for significant snowfall is critical, not only for recreational activities but also to ensure adequate water supply for the coming months.
For more detailed information on snowfall and weather conditions, residents can refer to the National Weather Service and local forecasts. Colorado’s winter sports community and water management agencies are closely observing these developments as they plan for the future.
