Colorado’s snowpack is on the rise after a powerful weekend storm delivered a much-needed blanket of fresh snow across the mountains. Statewide snowpack levels jumped from just 58% of average on December 5 to 73% of average today, marking a notable improvement early in the winter season.
The Arkansas River Basin showed some of the strongest gains, climbing to 81% of average. Meanwhile, the Colorado Headwaters Basin continues to lag behind, holding at 63%, the lowest basin-level snowpack in the state.
Skiers and snowboarders welcomed the storm, which brought more than 20 inches of new snow to several ski resorts, significantly enhancing early-season conditions.
However, the sudden influx of snow also brings safety concerns. The rapid loading of wind-drifted snow atop an already weak base has heightened avalanche risks across central Colorado. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center now rates avalanche danger in these mountains as considerable, urging backcountry travelers to use extreme caution.
As winter storms continue to shape the season, officials and recreationists alike will be watching the snowpack closely, not only for outdoor conditions, but also for its long-term impact on water resources statewide.
