Latest news with #OpenSnow
Axios
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Colorado forecast: Prepare for a long and hot summer
Below-average snowpack and rapid snow melt will contribute to an early and hot summer across the West, the latest summer forecast shows. Why it matters: Dryer and warmer conditions raise the chances for wildfires and drought conditions. State of play: Neither El Niño nor La Niña conditions are present, leading to above-average temperatures and active monsoon seasons in the Southwest, according to meteorologists at Colorado-based OpenSnow. Zoom in: For Colorado, the higher temperatures will arrive in June and persist through September with intense heat waves. In terms of precipitation, the monsoon season is expected to start earlier than normal in late June but only clip southwestern areas of the state. The Front Range will see drier-than-normal conditions at the start and equal chances of above- or below-normal precipitation through the rest of summer. What they're saying:"If June is hotter and drier … it could mean a rough fire season, especially early on before the monsoon kicks in," said OpenSnow meteorologist Alan Smith.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Winter Storm Blasts Colorado Ski Resorts With 8 Inches of New Snow
Please ignore anything and everything I've written this week about making slushy spring turns at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) because apparently it's still winter in Summit County. On May 15 2025, A-Basin woke up to more than 6" of snow that fell overnight. Last week, Arapahoe Basin got hit by a wild May storm that dropped 8" of snow on the mountain. The photos made it look like January conditions with blower pow and great coverage. Just when everyone thought winter had showed up for the last time, good old Ullr dropped back in again and brought another spring refresh to Colorado. First thing this morning, A-Basin's snowstake webcam showed about 7" of fresh snow. See to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. OpenSnow is forecasting another inch on Friday, May 16th, and potentially another 3 inches between Monday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 20th. Temperatures are in the high 20s and low 30s which means the skiing should be good, and stay good through the weekend. Arapahoe Basin doesn't currently have a closing day, which is great news for Colorado skiers hoping to enjoy the fresh pow. The mountain plans to stay open as long as possible, which at this rate, could be well into June and even July. This weekend is Arapahoe Basin's Gay Basin Pride celebration. There will be live music, après parties, and apparently pow skiing to celebrate Summit County and beyond's LGBTQIA+ pride community. Over Memorial Day weekend, Festival of the Brewpubs also returns to A Basin for a weekend of Colorado's best craft beer tasting. Colorado's only other open resort, Winter Park, also got 9" of snow last night. See below. There's another two inches forecasted for Friday, May 16 and temperatures should stay cool enough for some high quality snow to stick around. Only the Mary Jane side of the mountain is open, but they'll be spinning lifts through Sunday, May 18th so folks can get out and enjoy the last pow turns of the season.
Axios
26-02-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Colorado snowpack sits below average entering March
Colorado's snowpack is below average with significant variations across the state. Why it matters: Winter precipitation is crucial to the $17-billion outdoor industry — from skiing to rafting — and vital to taming wildfire threats in the hot, dry summer months. State of play: The current statewide snowpack is 92% compared to the 30-year norm, which tracks with trendlines for La Niña years, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Yes, but: The northern half of the state — including the Colorado River headwaters — is at 100% or more, while the southern half of the state is as low as 64% of normal. Catch up quick: Colorado started the winter season in the right direction with a late November storm, but then the spigot shut off with prolonged dry spells in December and January and milder temperatures, OpenSnow meteorologist Sam Collentine tells us. The mid-February storm boosted the snowpack significantly, particularly along and north of Interstate 70. What we're watching: March may be the make-or-break month, Collentine says. The snowpack will decline toward the end of February with higher sun and warmer temperatures, but multiple storms are in the forecast for March.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Salt Lake City Ties February Heat Record
At 3:00 p.m. on February 5th, thermometers in Salt Lake City hit a whopping 69 degrees Fahrenheit, reported KSL News. The unseasonably warm day officially ties for the warmest recorded temperature in Salt Lake City for the month of February. The last day to hit 69 degrees in the month was February 28, 1972. The temperature also broke the previous daily record from 1925. Heat in Salt Lake turned what could have been a nice refresh for the many ski areas in the Wasatch into a rainstorm and a whole lot of slush. Many resorts in the area are below their average snowpack for the year. Despite storms over the holidays, Park City is reporting 66% of its median snowpack, Alta is at 88% and Brian Head, in southern Utah, is at a measly 50%. Utah skiers shouldn't despair just yet. According to the OpenSnow forecast from February 6, cold air is headed back to the Wasatch, along with snow. Upper elevations in the Cottonwood Canyons could see a few inches of wetter snow tonight and there are increasing chances of significant snowfall Friday through Saturday morning. There's also increasing confidence for a low pressure trough to move in from February 13-15. Although early February is a decent way through the ski season, there's still a lot of potential for La Niña to deliver to Utah and bring those snow totals up. La Niña is know for bringing colder, late season storms to the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world's best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Snow arrives in Flagstaff to the joy of residents, visitors
The Brief Snow has finally arrived in the High Country following a pretty dry winter season so far in Arizona. Residents and visitors say this is the exact weather they've been wishing for. At the Arizona Snowbowl, it had to make its own snow for a bit, but said this is the time of year when major snow usually begins. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The snow up north is a welcome sight for businesses who rely on those seeking a winter getaway. What we know OpenSnow is predicting up to 9 inches of fresh snow through Thursday. On Monday morning, those in the High Country had a lot to celebrate. What they're saying "When I walked out and saw the snow, I was pretty excited." Snowflakes blanketed downtown Flagstaff, delighting visitors, like Julie, who came to Flagstaff from Michigan to ski for her 80th birthday. "It's wonderful," she said. "I mean that's what you want here in Flagstaff for the winter." Even dogs like Teddy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are bundled up. "Yes he is. I made sure. I was going to see if I could get him some boots or something, but I never made it that far." Throughout the morning and afternoon on Jan. 27, snow fell across northern areas like Prescott, Sedona and Flagstaff. A sight that many were longing to see. "If it doesn't snow again, it will be disappointing. So we are hoping this continues. I see that it is probably going to continue in the next couple of days." It's been a dry winter in the High Country, so far. Why you should care For many areas, this is the first snow accumulation since early November. So far this season, Flagstaff's airport has only picked up 2.8 inches. Compare that to the 27 inches picked up this time last year, and 46.6 inches average for this date. "I'm happy. I know some folks on the mountain have been wishing for some snow." Wishes granted. "We live for this, so we are super excited about it," said Josh Heydorn, risk and safety manager at Arizona Snowbowl. While the Snowbowl has been able to make its own snow so far this season, there's nothing like fresh power. With 100% of its lifts now open, he's hoping for momentum for the rest of the season, too. "Historically, we receive the majority of our snow this time of the year, anyways. From now to April, so I think it's here to stay," Heydorn said.
