Snowpack looks good for the northern half of the state while the southern half lags behind
Saturday – 31 Dec 2022 – 7pm
December 2022 Summary…
The average low for December is 5 and the average high is 39. The record high of 70 occurred on 3 December 1906. The record low of -35 occurred on 19 December 1909. Precip averages 1.89″ in December with 22.6″ of snow. Wolf Creek Pass averages 4.42″ of liquid equivalent and 78.7″ of snow.
How did we do?





Snowpack and Drought…



January Outlook…
The average low for January is 2 and the average high is 37. The record high of 59 occurred on 1 January 1981. The record low of -42 occurred on 13 January 1963. Precip averages 2.08″ in January with 30.4″ of snow – our snowiest month. Wolf Creek Pass averages 3.67″ of liquid equivalent and 76.1″ of snow.

The precip outlook on the right indicates “equal chances” for near average precip.

And what do we expect?
Arleen is the expert and this is what she thinks…
The MJO is moderate and in zone 7 and will remain that way for the next 3 days before moving out of the area. MJO in that sector is enough to negate impact of La Niña and enhance storms. The MJO could visit again in 30 days. The Arctic Oscillation is positive and strengthening. There is potential for an outbreak later in the month but very hard to forecast. The ENSO is still in La Niña phase. However, the waters in the coastal area are warming significantly giving confidence to the forecast that the ENSO will transition to Neutral in the next month. As it transitions, weather systems will move through our area on a regular basis. January will start out active, transition to a few dry weeks and then we’ll have a few systems at the end of the month. We should see about average snowfall for the month of January.
A HUGE thanks for your precip reports and pictures! Reports help verify our forecasts and make us better forecasters.
Another HUGE thanks to our donors and sponsors! You help cover the cost of this web page and our weather subscriptions, necessary to provide you accurate weather reports!
And if you’re curious about us, check out this excellent video by Matt Martin. We are humbled and honored that he used his talent and time to spotlight Pagosa Weather!
- Shawn