Snow

Colorado Snow Report: Where to Find the Deepest Stash This Weekend

After a record-low start to the 2025-26 season, Colorado is finally seeing a massive winter storm that could drop up to 24 inches in certain regions.
Photo: Powder Chasers

For weeks, Colorado riders have been staring at dry dirt and thin coverage. As of late January, the statewide snowpack sat at a measly 56% of the median, marking one of the slowest starts in decades. However, the tide is finally turning. What meteorologists are calling an "Arctic Ooze," a slow-moving, frigid air mass, is colliding with a Pacific moisture track to deliver the first true "reset" of the season. This January Colorado Snowstorm is already making headlines as it promises significant changes for the region.

Target Zones: Where to Find the Goods

If you are looking for the deepest totals, point your vehicle toward the southern and central ranges during this January Colorado Snowstorm for your best chances at scoring powder days.

  • Wolf Creek: Leading the charge with forecasts reaching up to 24 inches by Sunday morning.
  • Central Mountains: Aspen, Snowmass, and Crested Butte are sitting in the bullseye for 12 to 18 inches.
  • I-70 Corridor: Summit County resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone are looking at a solid 6 to 10 inches, with the bulk of the accumulation landing Friday night into Saturday morning.
Photo: Screenshot OntheSnow

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Cold Air, Fast Snow

This isn't your typical spring-like dump. The incoming Arctic front means temperatures will plummet, with highs struggling to break 12 degrees on Saturday. This type of cold creates high snow-to-liquid ratios—the kind of light, "blower" powder crews spend all winter chasing. However, be prepared for sub-zero wind chills that will reach -15°F to -35°F in some areas. Clearly, the January Colorado Snowstorm is bringing classic winter conditions that riders have been waiting for.

Safety and Travel: Know Before You Go

With heavy snow comes a dramatic increase in avalanche danger. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has issued warnings for the Elk and West Elk ranges, noting that a foot or more of new snow on top of a weak early-season base is a recipe for instability. Anyone traveling or recreating during this January Colorado Snowstorm should stay updated on avalanche conditions.

On the roads, CDOT is warning of hazardous conditions on I-70 and mountain passes. Passenger vehicle traction laws are likely to be in effect. Check the road closures, pack your recovery gear, and prepare for a weekend that finally feels like winter.

Teton Gravity Research
Teton Gravity Research
Editor
It all began with a dream and a little cash scraped together from fishing in Alaska... Since 1995, we've been an action sports media company committed to fueling progression through our ground-breaking films (37 and counting) and online content.
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