Colorado’s unusually dry fall weather may finally be turning around. Meteorologists predict a series of snowstorms beginning this weekend and continuing through Thanksgiving, offering much-needed relief to mountain towns and ski resorts that rely heavily on snow-driven tourism and winter recreation.
Colorado’s Dry Conditions Reach Concerning Levels
As of Wednesday, Colorado’s snowpack sits at just 19% of the median, placing it in the 5th percentile for this time of year. In simple terms, 95% of past seasons had deeper snowpack by mid-November.
Several major resorts — Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Loveland, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Winter Park — have already opened for the season but are currently depending almost entirely on machine-made snow due to the lack of natural snowfall.
Mountain Communities Eager for Natural Snow
Meteorologist Seth Linden, known for his popular forecasting page Seth’s Weather Report, says mountain communities are ready for the incoming storms.
According to Linden, counties like Summit, Eagle, Grand, and the Central Rockies depend on strong snowpack for winter tourism campaigns.
“A solid base of natural snow attracts visitors and boosts local economies,” he explained, noting that current conditions are far from ideal.
Storm Pattern Flip Expected to Boost Snowfall
Linden says the overall weather pattern is shifting. A persistent low-pressure system in the East and high-pressure ridge over the West will “flip-flop” this weekend, making conditions far more favorable for Pacific moisture and active snowfall across Colorado.
Breaking Down Colorado’s Three Incoming Storms
1. First Storm: Sunday–Monday (Southern Mountains Favored)
The initial system is expected to arrive Sunday into Monday, primarily affecting the San Juan Mountains. Resorts such as Silverton Mountain and Wolf Creek, which remain closed, could receive 6–12 inches of snow, possibly more.
The central and northern mountains are forecasted to pick up a lighter 1–5 inches.
2. Second Storm: Nov. 18–19 (Minor System)
Forecast models show a second system between Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Wednesday, Nov. 19. This storm again leans toward the southern mountains, though Linden expects it to be relatively weak.
3. Third Storm: Nov. 20–22 (Bigger, Colder, and Stronger)
A more powerful, colder storm is projected for the period of Thursday, Nov. 20, to Saturday, Nov. 22. While confidence is still limited due to the longer range, this system is currently expected to hit the northern mountains and the resorts along the Interstate 70 corridor the hardest.
Linden says this system has the potential to bring much colder temperatures and a “stronger shot of snowfall,” increasing the likelihood of solid snow cover heading into Thanksgiving weekend.
Snowmaking to Speed Up With Colder Temperatures
OpenSnow meteorologist Joel Gratz noted that although this season started dry — similar to 1999–2000, 2001–02, and 2016–17 — two of those years eventually finished with average seasonal snowpack.
Gratz also highlighted that early next week will bring colder temperatures, allowing ski resorts to run snow guns nearly 24/7. This will help accelerate snowbase building even if storms don’t produce major totals.
La Niña’s Influence on Colorado’s Winter
Linden believes this year’s La Niña pattern, which typically delivers colder northern U.S. conditions, could still result in a strong season for the central and northern Colorado mountains.
He remains less certain about the southern mountains, as La Niña’s impact can vary regionally. The pattern is expected to transition toward neutral or El Niño later in the season, which often enhances storm flow across the I-70 corridor ski areas.
Snowfall Forecast Summary Table
| Date Range | Storm Strength | Regions Most Affected | Expected Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 16–17 | Moderate | Southern Mountains (San Juans) | 6–12 inches; 1–5 inches north |
| Nov 18–19 | Minor | Southern Mountains | Light accumulation |
| Nov 20–22 | Strong/Colder | Northern Mountains & I-70 Corridor | TBD; potentially heavy |
Colorado may finally see a turnaround after weeks of unusually dry weather. With three snowstorms, colder air, and improved snowmaking conditions, mountain communities, ski resorts, and winter sports enthusiasts can expect a noticeably whiter landscape heading into Thanksgiving.
While totals will vary across regions, the overall trend suggests the state is moving toward a much more active winter pattern, especially for the central and northern mountains that thrive during La Niña seasons.
