Snowpack – or rather, the lack of it – has been a hot topic in Colorado over recent weeks, with the state sitting at just 48 percent of the long-term to-date snowpack norm with all regions considered, as of November 17. That being said, all regions around the state aren’t lagging quite so far behind.

The most severe lack of snowpack is found in the southwest, which is also where some of the most severe drought is currently present. The southwestern San Miguel–Dolores–Animas River Basin sits at just 20 percent of the snowpack that is expected for this time of the year. The Upper Rio Grande River Basin, found directly east of the aforementioned region, is also lacking – at just 23 percent of the norm.

While no portion of the state is close to the norm, the Gunnison River Basin – home to Montrose and Crested Butte – is the closest to reaching what’s expected, currently sitting at 69 percent of the long-term median to-date snowpack.

A full breakdown of current snowpack compared to the norm (by region) can be found below. See the map above as a key.

• Statewide – 48 percent
• Arkansas River Basin – 46 percent
• Colorado Headwaters River Basin – 62 percent
• Gunnison River Basin – 69 percent
• Laramie–North Platte River Basin – 47 percent
• Upper Rio Grande River Basin – 23 percent
• San Miguel–Dolores–Animas – San Juan River Basin 20 percent
• South Platte River Basin – 58 percent
• Yampa–White –Little Snake River Basin – 45 percent

It’s looking like warm and dry days continue to be ahead for Colorado, making it unlikely that snowpack norms will be reached in the near-future.

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