Pagosa Weather MARCH SUMMARY & April Outlook

There is very little left of our snowpack after a long streak of record warmth

On 31 Mar there is very little left of our snowpack after a long streak of record warmth. Note: snowpack rose to 20% with the storm on 1 Apr.

Thursday – 2 Apr 2026 – 10am

March summary…

The average high for March is 49 and the average low is 15. The record high of 73 occurred on 19 Mar 1907. The record low of -25 occurred on 1 Mar 1913. Precip in Mar averages 1.77″ and the average snowfall is 15.1″. Wolf Creek Pass averages 4.90″ of precip and 75.8″ of snow.

At Stevens Field the highest temp was 79 on 20 Mar and the lowest temp was 14 on 7 Mar. There were three days with winds at or over 30mph. The highest wind was 39mph on 30 and 31 Mar.

*** There were 10 daily record highs set in Mar, and a new record high for the month. ***

How did we do?

March mean temperature anomalies across much of Archuleta County were 10-13 degrees above average.
March mean temperature anomalies across much of Archuleta County were 10-13 degrees above average.
March mean precip anomalies – Archuleta County was 1-10% of average.
March mean precip anomalies – Archuleta County was 1-10% of average.
CoCoRaHS precip totals ranged from 0.03″ to 0.36″. All locations were below the average of 1.77″.
CoCoRaHS precip totals ranged from 0.03″ to 0.36″. All locations were below the average of 1.77″.
CoCoRaHS snow totals ranged from zero to 3.6″. All locations were below the average of 15.1″.
CoCoRaHS snow totals ranged from zero to 3.6″. All locations were below the average of 15.1″.
Total precip for 2026 is 2.49″ – 42% of the average of 5.87″.
Total precip for 2026 is 2.49″ – 42% of the average of 5.87″.
Pagosa area snowfall is at 39% of the average of 94.8″ for this point of the season.
Pagosa area snowfall is at 39% of the average of 94.8″ for this point of the season.
Wolf Creek Ski Area has received 45% of its average snowfall so far.
Wolf Creek Ski Area has received 45% of its average snowfall so far.

Snowpack, drought, and river levels…

Snowpack is well below average for much of the western US. The Upper San Juan snotel is at 5% of the seasonal median and the Wolf Creek Summit snotel is at 28%
Snowpack is well below average for much of the western US.
On 31 Mar the Upper San Juan snotel is at 5% of the seasonal median and the Wolf Creek Summit snotel is at 28%
Drought conditions have gotten worse for most of Colorado. All of Archuleta County is experiencing “extreme drought”. The US drought map on the bottom shows that much of the US is experiencing drought conditions.
Drought conditions have gotten worse for most of Colorado. All of Archuleta County is experiencing “extreme drought”.
The US drought map on the bottom shows that much of the US is experiencing drought conditions.
Due to well above temps melting our snowpack, river flow was above average for the entire month.
Due to well above temps melting our snowpack, river flow was above average for the entire month.

April outlook…

The average high for April is 59 and the average low is 24. The record high of 81 occurred on 30 Apr 1981. The record low of -4 occurred on 1 Apr 1980. Precip in Apr averages 1.38″ and the average snowfall is 5.5″. Wolf Creek Pass averages 3.42″ of precip and 44.8″ of snow.

The CPC temp outlook for Mar on the left shows a 40-50% chance for above average temps. The precip outlook on the right shows a 33-40% chance for below average precip.
The CPC temp outlook for Mar on the left shows a 40-50% chance for above average temps.
The precip outlook on the right shows a 33-40% chance for below average precip.
Euro ensemble precip on the left expects 2.80″ for Apr and the GFS ensemble precip on the right expects 3.53″. Both models expect much more than the average of 1.38″. Last month both models were way too high.
Euro ensemble precip on the left expects 2.80″ for Apr and the GFS ensemble precip on the right expects 3.53″. Both models expect much more than the average of 1.38″.
Last month both models were way too high.

Arleen’s April outlook…

image

What a beautiful way to start the month!

Some locations had April’s average precipitation (1.38”) on the 1st day of the month. What a difference it makes to be on the west side of that big ole ugly ridge as opposed to the east side of it.

In addition to the moisture from this system, the models are indicating another system from the 8th to the 12th and another one from the 20th to the 24th. Details are fuzzy at this time. But it will be bonus moisture keeping potential fire season at bay.

My forecast is for above average precipitation this month and average temperatures. Awe… April showers bring May flowers and this will be one of the first years in a long time that we see that.

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!

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Shawn Pro

I’ve been a “weather geek” since I was young child. I joined the military out of high school and was lucky to get my dream job in weather. I have 20 years of military weather experience which includes forecasting the weather all over the world. Highlights were six years in Alaska and making life and death weather decisions during deployments. I love mountains, I love snow, and I love summertime thunderstorms. I spend a bunch of time playing outdoors and found my paradise in Pagosa Springs. I do Pagosa Weather as a community service. Hopefully you find us helpful!
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