By now, it’s no secret that Colorado’s snow season thus far has been lacking. The state currently has about 56 percent of the typical snowpack for the date, with snow water equivalent just 0.2 inches away from an all-time low (snowpack records started in 1987). Warm temperatures throughout December have been commonplace, too – Denver experienced its hottest Christmas ever at 71 degrees (these records date back to 1872) and just days before, hit 76.

This lack of snowpack amid dry conditions and warmer temperatures statewide has resulted in Colorado’s resorts struggling to open terrain. Many spots around the state are still sitting at 25 percent of terrain being open or less as the new year approaches (though there are several exceptions – Wolf Creek Ski Area is operating at 100 percent, for example).

While skiers and snowboarders have been hopeful that January will bring a turnaround, current National Weather Service forecasts are showing that’s unlikely – at least for the first portion of the month.

Let’s start with this week – the National Weather Service is calling for the likelihood of more snow – a maximum of about six inches on some select peaks through Friday… nothing to get too excited about.

Looking past that, the National Weather Service says January 4 to January 8 is likely to bring above-normal temperatures to Colorado. There is a slight chance that the western half of the state has above normal precipitation during this period, but those above normal temperatures that are expected could dampen any moisture’s impact on snowpack – after all, many mountain towns might be getting rain instead of snow during this period.

Meanwhile, similar conditions are expected through January 12, followed by a drop-off in the higher chance of above-norm precipitation amid persistent warmer-than-norm temperatures through January 23.

In other words, there’s a slight chance of wetter-than-norm conditions through the middle of the month, but a greater chance of hotter-than-normal conditions, too.

To really put the nail in the coffin, lets take a look at the day-to-day forecast for Breckenridge from Weather Underground through February 12.

Rain or snow might fall on January 1 amid highs of 41 degrees, followed by a little bit of snow the next morning before highs hit 37. Then, January 7 could bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain with a high of 30 followed by periods of snow on the 8th with a high of 35. Expect more periods of snow on January 10 – and a high of 29… finally, a high that dips into the 20s. Similar conditions are to be expected on the 11th, too, with a flurry in the morning and an hour or two of snow later on amid a high of 26. After that, snow mixed with rain is expected on January 28 with a high of 34 and there’s more snow and rain in the forecast for the 30th, with a slight chance of snow the following day. The final chance of snow through at least February 12 comes on February 10, with another slight chance of fresh powder that day.

This forecast is obviously addressing days that are weeks away and a lot can change, but if this holds true, things aren’t looking great for slopesports in Summit County. Slight chances of snow are met with warm weather, rain, and many days where the high temperature will be above freezing. A similar forecast exists for many other parts of the state, too.

It is, however, worth noting that Joel Gratz of OpenSnow does note that several rounds of snow are expected over upcoming days and weeks, with Steamboat Resort expected to get about 13 inches over the next five days. That said, unless major storms roll through, and we’re talking feet of snow, – and that doesn’t look too likely based on the various outlooks and forecasts mentioned above – Colorado’s snowpack is likely to continue to lag significantly behind the norm.

In other words, buckle up – it’s looking like the dry conditions are set to continue in Colorado, at least for the next few weeks.

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