It’s getting snowier and snowier in Colorado, with ski resorts pumping out snowmaking and the clouds pumping out natural snow. The state has already seen some natural snowfall this week, and it looks like more is on the way. It isn’t necessarily the deepest storm of October, but between today, October 21st, and Friday, October 24th, the National Weather Service is forecasting up to and over half a foot of snow across the Colorado mountains.
Expected Snowfall Amounts:
- EMJ Tunnel: 5 inches expected, with a high-end of 7 inches. There’s a 95% chance of at least 0.1 inches and a 43% chance of over 4 inches.
- Hoosier Pass: 4 inches expected, up to 7 inches possible. A 94% chance of measurable snow (>0.1 inches) and 39% chance of exceeding 4 inches.
- Berthoud Pass: 4 inches expected, with a high-end of 6 inches. Odds are 92% for at least 0.1 inches and 31% for over 4 inches.
- Loveland Pass: 3 inches expected, up to 7 inches. A 95% chance of snow (>0.1 inches) and 39% chance of over 4 inches.
- Fremont Pass: 3 inches expected, with a high-end of 6 inches. A 93% chance of at least 0.1 inches and 32% chance of over 4 inches.
- Alma: 2 inches expected, up to 5 inches. An 87% chance of snow (>0.1 inches) and 25% chance of over 4 inches.
- Vail Pass: 2 inches expected, with a high-end of 6 inches. A 92% chance of snow and 24% chance of over 4 inches.
Other ski areas like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Winter Park are looking at lighter snow, with less than 1 inch expected but up to 1–3 inches possible. These spots have a 30–72% chance of seeing at least 0.1 inches, but only a 0–4% chance of exceeding 4 inches.
Probability Breakdown:
Here are the chances of exceeding multiple different thresholds at top spots across Colorado:
| Location | >0.1″ | >1″ | >2″ | >4″ | >6″ | >8″ | >12″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMJ Tunnel | 95% | 81% | 66% | 43% | 26% | 10% | 0% |
| Hoosier Pass | 94% | 80% | 65% | 39% | 21% | 10% | 0% |
| Berthoud Pass | 92% | 70% | 52% | 31% | 16% | 5% | 0% |
| Loveland Pass | 95% | 79% | 63% | 39% | 20% | 7% | 0% |
| Fremont Pass | 93% | 79% | 59% | 32% | 15% | 6% | 0% |
| Vail Pass | 92% | 71% | 49% | 24% | 11% | 3% | 0% |
| Alma | 87% | 63% | 46% | 25% | 10% | 3% | 0% |
This early snow probably won’t be able to open resorts across the state, but it’s a great addition to the start of the snow season. Resorts like Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Keystone are all consistently pumping out their snowmaking, and at this rate we could see some resort openings in the coming weeks.
