Update on Snowpack and Winter Conditions in Colorado
As we approach the average peak date for snowpack (usually mid to late-April in our part of Colorado), conditions are looking great, and we are excited for a beautiful 2024 season in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.
Current Snowpack
According to our two closest stations, snowpack (snow water equivalent) is currently showing 95% and 102% of median. We are happy to see snowpack right around its 20-year average and a healthy amount of moisture as we head into the 2024 season.
The winter here in Colorado began relatively warm and dry with below-average moisture. But thanks to a wet February and March, snowpack totals have caught up to normal. A continued series of small storms over the past few weeks has delivered several inches of snow at a time, keeping that snowpack at healthy levels even as spring temperatures begin to warm.
Conditions and What to Expect
A good winter snowpack leads to summer moisture in the high country, and it goes a long way toward helping us avoid drought conditions. That means healthy range conditions for our elk and other wildlife, and lots of cold, clean water in our trout streams.
Of course, a lot can happen between now and the summer months. We would still love to see plenty of precipitation throughout the spring and early summer. But with a solid snowpack, it means we’re starting out the season on the right foot.
We should see an excellent wildflower season in the Colorado mountains! And an average snowpack this year means that we ought to see great water levels for fishing all throughout the season. What’s the best time of year to fish at Budge’s? See our previous post on that subject.
An average snowpack is also great news for our elk herds and other wildlife. It means we will have plenty of moisture to produce healthy grass and feed. Hopefully, this precipitation trend will continue throughout the spring and into the summer months.
The 2024 Season at Budge’s Wilderness Lodge
Our 2024 season will begin on June 28th. We are looking forward to seeing many of you this summer and fall! We will run summer activities, including guided fly fishing and horseback riding trips from opening day through about the first week in October. We still have some scattered openings for summer adventures! Call or text us soon to plan yours. 970-536-1341
Meanwhile, the hunting season will kick off with archery and muzzleloader hunts in September. Then, the bulk of our rifle hunts will take place in mid to late-October. Our hunting season is all booked up for this year and we are already filling up for 2025. If you’d like to reserve a spot, give us a call!
You can call or text us with any questions at 970-536-1341. We look forward to helping you plan a memorable Colorado wilderness adventure!