GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Western Slope’s snowpack just got a much-needed boost, thanks to a weather phenomenon that plays a key role in mountain snowfall. Orographic lifting, the process of air being forced up by mountains, has been behind the fresh snowfall covering Colorado’s high terrain this week.
How Orographic Lifting Works
It all starts when the wind meets a mountain range. With nowhere else to go, the air rises. As it climbs, it cools, condenses, and forms clouds. And in the winter? That means snow.
Tom Renwick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explains it simply: “If you have a mountain range with wind moving in, the wind is going to hit the mountain range, and it has to go somewhere. Some of it’s going to go around the side of it, but most of it actually goes up. As the air goes up, it starts to cool.”
This cooling process is essential. When the temperature drops enough, moisture in the air turns into snowflakes, blanketing the peaks. Unlike a traditional storm system that moves in and out, orographic lifting can sustain snowfall for days, piling up feet of fresh powder in high-altitude regions.
The Role of Snowpack in Western Slope Water Supply
Snowpack isn’t just about skiing and scenic mountain views—it’s a critical resource. The layers of snow that build up during the winter serve as a natural reservoir, releasing water gradually as temperatures rise in the spring.
- River Levels: Melting snow replenishes rivers, helping to prevent dangerously low water levels.
- Drought Mitigation: A deep snowpack keeps moisture levels high, reducing the risk of drought conditions later in the year.
- Wildfire Prevention: More snow means more moisture in the soil, which helps vegetation stay hydrated and less prone to fires during the dry summer months.
Right now, Colorado’s Northern Mountains are on track with expected snowpack levels. However, the Southwest Mountains are still struggling, remaining on the drier side.
Snow Totals and Regional Impact
The start of the week saw significant snowfall in the mountains, with some areas receiving over a foot of fresh powder. That’s great news for ski resorts, but also for the broader ecosystem. More snow now means better water resources later.
A look at the latest snowpack measurements:
| Mountain Region | Snowpack Status |
|---|---|
| Northern Mountains | Near Normal |
| Southwest Mountains | Below Normal |
For communities relying on this seasonal water source, every additional inch of snow makes a difference. While the recent snowfall helped, continued precipitation will be necessary to ensure a stable water supply through the year.
Looking Ahead
As winter continues, meteorologists and hydrologists will keep a close watch on the snowpack levels. The hope is for more consistent snowfall to balance out areas that remain below normal levels. With orographic lifting in play, mountain regions could continue to see natural boosts in snow accumulation even in the absence of major storm systems.
The Western Slope is no stranger to fluctuating precipitation levels, but for now, the recent snow is a welcome sight. Whether it’s for water resources, agriculture, or wildfire prevention, every flake counts.
