View from The Bluff Park in Westcliffe, CO. 2.25.15 --look close, it's a fox!
This last storm was fairly wet and increased the median snow water equivalent at South Colony from 61% to 73%. Other SNOTEL sites in the San Isabel region saw similar amounts (see the chart below). There is still a ways to go to get back to 100% but this certainly helps. We’re still short 4 inches of snow water which is probably the equivalent of 4 feet of snow. However, as Keith Hood, 5th generation Rancher and San Isabel board member, reminds us, “it is the spring snow that will really determine what the 2015 summer season will be”.
Bear enjoying the recent snow (and sun!)
Looking at the forecast for the week ahead, we could be in for some more snow, starting tomorrow night. Let’s hope we get it.
Here’s a chart of the records for the 4 SNOTEL sites in the San Isabel Region (as of 2/24/2015):
|
SNOTEL Site, and nearest town |
Median Snow Water Equivalent for 2/24/15 |
Actual Snow Water Equivalent for 2/24/15 |
Snow Water Equivalent in last weekend storm |
Percent of Median |
|
Hayden Pass (Coaldale) |
Incomplete records |
10.3 inches |
1.0 inches |
Incomplete records |
|
South Colony (Westcliffe) |
14.3 inches |
10.4 inches |
1.9 inches |
72.7% |
|
Medano Pass (Gardner) |
5.2 inches |
5.5 inches |
1.3 inches |
105.8% |
|
Ute Creek (Gardner) |
10.4 inches |
7.0 inches |
1.8 inches |
67.3% |
If you are interested in tracking precipitation levels yourself click here to visit the SNOTEL website.
Pictured here is Mike with his dog Bear enjoying the recent snows.
Mike Downey is the Land Protection Specialist and Colorado Open Lands Fellow for San Isabel Land Protection Trust. When Mike is not working on protecting important and productive ranches, forests, and waters in our region, he can sometimes be found predicting the weather and informing San Isabel staff as to whether or not they should wear layers!
