DENVER, Colo. – NOAA’s latest Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, shows Colorado heading into a cold, stormy stretch that may extend deep into March. The Climate Prediction Center highlights above-normal precipitation and below-normal temperatures across the Rockies and Front Range — a classic La Niña pattern that fuels heavy mountain snow and occasional Front Range cold snaps.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, “This winter favors frequent Pacific systems hitting the high terrain, with spillover snow likely east of the Divide.” Mountain towns like Steamboat Springs, Vail, and Aspen are forecast to see heavy accumulations, while Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs could experience alternating snow and Arctic air between late December and February.
Forecasters say January through mid-February may be the most active period, with several strong systems capable of closing mountain passes along I-70 and U.S. 40. Even the eastern plains could see blowing snow and subzero wind chills during Arctic outbreaks. CDOT advises residents to carry chains, blankets, and fuel reserves when traveling through high passes this winter.
NOAA cautions that cold air could linger into March 2026, keeping snowpack deep across the central Rockies and delaying spring runoff. While this moisture will help long-term drought recovery, avalanche danger and travel disruptions will remain high through late winter.
For Colorado, Winter 2026 looks to be snowy, cold, and long — an old-fashioned mountain winter demanding caution, patience, and full readiness before each storm rolls in.
