Colorado Snowpack Hits Worst Level on Record as Mountains Face Two More Weeks With Little to No New Snow
COLORADO — Colorado’s winter snowpack has fallen to its worst level on record, with statewide snow water equivalent now sitting at just 58% of the seasonal median, according to the latest basin-by-basin data. Forecast models show little meaningful snowfall expected for the mountains over the next 14 days, raising growing concerns for water supply, wildfire risk, and the overall health of the winter season.
The newest outlook confirms that while northern mountain ranges may receive a minor snowfall late this week, totals are expected to be light and insufficient to meaningfully improve snowpack conditions.
Statewide Snowpack at Record Lows
The basin breakdown shows how widespread and severe the deficit has become:
- Arkansas Basin: 51% of median
- Rio Grande Basin: 53% of median
- San Miguel, Dolores, Animas & San Juan Basins: 53% of median
- Colorado Basin: 55% of median
- Gunnison Basin: 60% of median
- South Platte Basin: 59% of median
- Yampa & White Basins: 63% of median
- North Platte Basin: 68% of median
Despite the North Platte showing slightly better numbers, every major basin in the state remains well below normal, with several hovering near or below the halfway mark for this point in the season.
Little Snow Ahead in the Forecast
The ECMWF snowfall outlook reinforces the concern. Accumulation maps show:
- Minimal snowfall across most central and southern mountain ranges
- Only light, localized totals in parts of northern Colorado
- Large areas projected to receive less than 1 inch of snow over the next two weeks
Forecasters describe the expected northern snowfall as “a drop in the bucket”, doing little to reverse long-term deficits.
Why This Winter Is So Problematic
Colorado’s snowpack normally builds steadily through late January and February — a critical period for water storage ahead of spring melt. This winter’s persistent dry pattern has repeatedly steered storms away from the Rockies, leaving the state stuck in a snow drought.
Key concerns tied to the lack of snow include:
- Reduced spring and summer runoff
- Increased drought stress heading into warm season
- Elevated wildfire risk later this year
- Economic impacts for mountain communities dependent on winter recreation
No Pattern Change in Sight
Long-range pattern signals do not currently show a sustained storm track shift toward Colorado. Without a meaningful change, snowpack recovery becomes increasingly difficult as the season advances, even if late-season storms eventually arrive.
Bottom Line
Colorado is now facing a historically poor snowpack season, and the short-term forecast offers little relief. With two critical weeks ahead showing minimal snowfall potential, the state’s winter outlook continues to deteriorate.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued coverage of Colorado’s snowpack crisis, long-range pattern changes, and what this developing situation could mean for water supply and wildfire risk later this year.