Colorado’s Ski Season Plagued by Below-Average Snowfall Amid Warming Trends
Denver, CO – The 2024-25 ski season in Colorado has been marked by disappointing snowfall, raising concerns about snowpack and fire risks across the state. Colorado’s median Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) levels are at their fourth lowest since 1986-87, peaking at only 7.4 inches in January before dwindling to 7.8 inches by April 30. This recent data reflects a troubling trend of below-average snowpack, impacting key river basins, especially in the San Juan Mountains, which experienced dry spells extending up to 15 days without measurable snowfall.
Historically, Colorado’s snowpack peaks have varied widely. For instance, the winter of 1992-93 recorded a peak SWE of nearly 26 inches, while the current season’s levels are reminiscent of the drought conditions seen in 2018, raising alarms as fire dangers loom. According to Russ Schumacher, a climatologist at Colorado State University, many remote sensing stations report peak SWE metrics declining by 3-5% per decade, and shifts occurring up to a month earlier than in previous years.
Notably, ski resorts like Wolf Creek and Silverton, typically ranked among the highest in snowfall, have reported figures well below average, with Wolf Creek accumulating only 228 inches this season—over 200 inches shy of its average. As a result, only six ski areas surpassed the 300-inch mark, a significant drop compared to typical seasons where at least ten resorts achieve this level.
With rising temperatures and increased dust on snow further exacerbating these conditions, experts call for awareness of the implications for both the skiing community and environmental management. As May approaches, while some snowfall is anticipated, a ‘Miracle in May’ seems unlikely to salvage the season.
