GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – When a storm rolls through Colorado, most people look to the skies, expecting snow to arrive with the system. But there’s another major player quietly shaping the snowfall on the Western Slope—one that doesn’t rely on a traditional storm system at all. It’s called orographic lifting, and it plays a crucial role in the region’s snowpack, water supply, and wildfire risk.
How Orographic Lifting Fuels Snowfall
Tom Renwick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explains the process 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.”
That cooling air condenses into clouds, and in the winter months, it results in snowfall. This process can generate snow even when there isn’t a large storm system in play. The right conditions—moisture, wind, and elevation—can create a steady stream of snow over several days, adding significantly to the region’s snowpack.
Snowpack: The Lifeline of the Western Slope
A few days of orographic lifting can drop feet of snow, which may seem like an inconvenience for travelers but is essential for the environment and economy.
- The accumulated snow serves as a natural reservoir, melting in the spring and feeding rivers, which supply water to communities, agriculture, and hydroelectric systems.
- Snowmelt keeps vegetation hydrated, preventing excessive drying that could fuel wildfires later in the year.
- Ski resorts benefit from the extra snowfall, drawing in visitors and boosting local economies.
A Mixed Snowpack Across Colorado
While northern mountains are reporting snowpack levels close to seasonal norms, the Southwest Mountains remain on the drier side. That disparity can have long-term implications.
| Region | Snowpack Status |
|---|---|
| Northern Mountains | Near seasonal average |
| Southwest Mountains | Below average |
If the Southwest Mountains continue to lag behind, it could mean reduced water availability later in the year and an increased risk of wildfires due to drier vegetation.
A Foot of Snow and Counting
The latest round of orographic lifting has already left its mark, with some mountain areas receiving over a foot of snow at the start of the week. For now, the Northern Mountains appear to be in good shape. However, as the season progresses, meteorologists will keep a close watch on snowfall patterns to gauge whether additional storms—or more orographic lifting—will be enough to sustain the region’s water needs.
