Graphic depicts rapid snowmelt in Colorado's mountains (May 14, 2009)
DENVER -
Colorado's mountain snowpack is melting rapidly. Why? A long stretch of warmer than normal temperatures and sunny days.
Automated gauges across Colorado's high country show that our spring snowmelt is about two weeks ahead of schedule. This means river rafters should be ready to raft early - certainly earlier than last year's abnormally deep snowpack that melted slower than normal.
The San Juan snowpack is melting the fastest with only 1/3rd of the winter snowpack remaining. This includes areas like Telluride, Red Mountain Pass, Silverton, Lake City, and Wolf Creek Pass. The Colorado River Basin and South Platte River Basin continue to have the most remaining snow to melt. This includes areas like Vail, Aspen, Independance Pass, Snowmass, the Indian Peaks, and the Copper Mountain district.
The forecast continues to show warmer than normal temperatures across the mountains through next week.
Automated gauges across Colorado's high country show that our spring snowmelt is about two weeks ahead of schedule. This means river rafters should be ready to raft early - certainly earlier than last year's abnormally deep snowpack that melted slower than normal.
The San Juan snowpack is melting the fastest with only 1/3rd of the winter snowpack remaining. This includes areas like Telluride, Red Mountain Pass, Silverton, Lake City, and Wolf Creek Pass. The Colorado River Basin and South Platte River Basin continue to have the most remaining snow to melt. This includes areas like Vail, Aspen, Independance Pass, Snowmass, the Indian Peaks, and the Copper Mountain district.
The forecast continues to show warmer than normal temperatures across the mountains through next week.
