Still snowing? - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

So, I’m planning a thru-hike for August of this year. Are the late-season snow storms that CO just got typical for this time of year? Will the snow pack be above, below, or just average this year?

bowlegs

#2

Here is the current snowpack information for Colorado:

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/reports/UpdateReport.html?report=Colorado&format=SNOTEL+Snowpack+Update+Report

http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/snow/watershed/current/daily/maps_graphs/swe_hilo.html

Given the current snowpack, you may run into similar water availability issues in the San Juans as some hikers reported last August, since Colorado is still in a drought.

I hiked Segment 21 mid-June last year with little snow, and no water availability problems. Two weeks later, I hiked Segment 22. By then, the trail was powder dry, there was only one small patch of snow on the trail, and two reliable water sources mentioned in the CT Data Book were not flowing at all. There was also a good-sized forest fire north of Pagosa Springs at the time. I heard later that the summer monsoonal storms brought much needed moisture to this area.

Have a wonderful time on on trail!

Bernard

#3

Is July a better time than August, all things considered?

bowlegs

#4

The summer monsoon typically comes in around mid-July, and lasts through mid-August. The bonus is more moisture/water in the high country, and most wildflowers are in bloom. The bad news is, along with the rains, expect lightning.

Lightning can be problematic in the San Juans where around 40 miles of trail are above tree-line.

You may want to check out pmags’ Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide at:

as a planning resource.

Bernard

#5

The summer monsoon typically comes in around mid-July, and lasts through mid-August. The bonus is more moisture/water in the high country, and most wildflowers are in bloom. The bad news is, along with the rains, expect lightning.

Lightning can be problematic in the San Juans where around 40 miles of trail are above tree-line.

You may want to check out pmags’ Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide at: pmags.com/colorado-trail-end-to-end-guide-2

as a planning resource.

Bernard

#6

The snow pack in the San Juan Mountains is only 50% of average. It will be long gone by August. The recent snow was all north. Dry year! SJR Ron

San Juan Ron