Continental Divide Trail Snow Report

The Continental Divide Trail snow report is designed to aid hikers in determining the best time to head into the mountains based on snow conditions. Each hikers skill-set and comfort level with these conditions will differ.

The Continental Divide Trail snow report uses SNODAS modeled snow data and MODIS reflectivity data. SNODAS gives us a good idea about the quantity of frozen water sitting on the ground, denoted by SWE (Snow Water Equivalence) in inches. Coverage is often poorly represented by SNODAS where snow cover is thin. The 8 day MODIS data, without regard for quantity, shows us what areas were snow covered at some point over the last 8 days. Cloud cover and darkness adversely affects MODIS detection significantly, hence we use the 8 day as opposed to the single day coverage.

Trail snow is not snow pack. The Postholer snow page focuses on snow on or near the trail, at trail elevation, not on snow condtions thousands of feet lower/higher and miles away from the trail. Ski resort snow reports and snow pack charts are a very poor representation of trail snow conditions.

SNODAS SWE, Entire Trail

Carson-San Juan NF GNP-Bob Marshal NF

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Carson-San Juan NF

SNODAS/MODIS, Carson-San Juan NF

SNODAS SWE, Carson-San Juan NF

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GNP-Bob Marshal NF

SNODAS/MODIS, GNP-Bob Marshal NF

SNODAS SWE, GNP-Bob Marshal NF