Snow on Colorado’s 14ers with More to Come

Tomer’s Take: The first snow of the season is covering some of Colorado’s 14ers including Longs Peak. Additional snow accumulation is likely through 9/15. 14er summit temps are now falling into the teens and 20s. Why? An enhanced Subtropical Jet Stream plus remnant moisture from a hurricane.

I also include a forecast for the Run Rabbit Run 50/100 in Steamboat.

Longs Peak Snow

First Snow of the season. Sometimes known as ‘Termination Dust’.

Pikes Peak Summit, 9/11:

The view from Copper Mountain of the 10-Mile Range. Photo courtesy Copper Mountain.

Subtropical Jet

This is a foreshadowing of what to expect this Winter. It acts like a conveyor belt escorting moisture and storm systems off the Pacific directly into the West.

Moisture

Below is forecast total precipitation between now and 9/15. This represents above normal precipitation by September standards. Most of this is rain/snow above Treeline with additional snow accumulation above 13,500′.

Mountain Forecast

Mount Yale, Summit Level

9/11: AM 30% snow, PM 90% rain/snow.

9/12: AM dry, PM 50% snow, 20/42F.

9/13: AM dry, PM 80% rain/snow.

9/14: AM 30% snow, PM 90% snow.

9/15: AM 30% snow, PM 90% snow, 21/35F.

Longs Peak, Summit Level

9/11: AM 30% snow, PM 90% snow, 24/25F.

9/12: AM dry, PM 20% rain/snow.

9/13: AM dry, PM 50% rain/snow.

9/14: AM 40% snow, PM 90% snow.

9/15: AM 50% snow, PM 90% snow, 20/25F.

Maroon Bells, Summit Level

9/11: AM dry, PM 40% rain/snow.

9/12: AM dry, PM 20% rain/snow.

9/13: AM dry, PM 70% rain/snow.

9/14: AM 40% snow, PM 90% snow.

9/15: AM 40% snow, PM 80% snow, 22/35F.

Run Rabbit Run, 9/15-9/16

There is a 50 and 100 mile offering.

Steamboat/Rabbit Ears Pass Area, 10K Level.

9/14: AM dry, then 80% rain/snow after 10am, 44 to 36F.

9/15: AM 40% rain/snow, PM 50% rain/snow, 34/38F.

9/16: Dry, clearing, 35/50F.