Pikes Peak Gets Buried as a Powerful Early October Storm Could Pile Up to 18 Inches of Snow on the Summit
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Pikes Peak is getting buried in snow. A strong early October storm has been dumping heavy snow on America’s Mountain, and there was still no official summit snow total as of Thursday, October 1, because the snow simply would not stop falling. Forecasters are calling for up to 18 inches on the summit before this storm wraps up on Saturday, making it a far bigger event than the mountain’s first snow of the season just a week earlier.
Still Snowing on the Summit
Webcam images from the summit of Pikes Peak on Thursday morning showed near-whiteout conditions, with thick clouds, falling snow, and a fresh layer of white covering the rocky terrain. Visibility was extremely limited throughout the morning, with some camera views showing nothing but a wall of gray as snow and clouds wrapped around the peak.
Signs and rocks near the summit were coated in snow and ice, giving a clear picture of the wintry conditions taking hold more than 14,000 feet above sea level.
A Much Bigger Storm Than Last Week
For comparison, the first snow of the season on Pikes Peak just last week brought about 4 inches to the summit. This storm is in a completely different league. With the potential for up to 18 inches of snow by the time it ends, it could leave the mountain looking like the middle of winter in just the first few days of October.
What Is Fueling the Storm?
This week’s snow is part of a larger weather system that has been spinning across the Southwest and pulling deep moisture north into Colorado. Moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Polo has been streaming out of Mexico and into the region, wrapping around an area of low pressure and feeding storms across the state.
At lower elevations, this moisture has fallen mainly as rain, while at the highest elevations, cold air has turned it into heavy snow. Pikes Peak, with its towering summit, is right in the zone where that moisture is being squeezed out as snow.
Snow Continues Through Saturday
The storm is expected to keep producing snow on the summit through Saturday, which means totals could continue climbing over the next couple of days. Because snow is still falling, the final official total will not be known until the storm finally moves out.
Impacts on Pikes Peak Travel
Heavy snow at the summit can lead to closures or restrictions on the Pikes Peak Highway and other access routes. Anyone planning a trip to the summit should check road conditions before heading out, as conditions can change quickly in the high country.
Hikers should also be extremely cautious. Trails like Barr Trail can become dangerous with deep snow, ice, low visibility, and strong winds near the top. Conditions above the treeline can be harsh and unforgiving, especially during and right after a storm.
Snow Hiking Season Is Coming
For many outdoor lovers in Colorado, a big early-season snow on Pikes Peak is exciting news. It is a sign that snow hiking season is right around the corner, with snowshoeing, winter hiking, and mountain photography opportunities on the way.
However, early-season snow can be tricky. Snow may sit on top of rocks and uneven ground, hiding hazards underneath. Anyone heading into the high country should bring proper gear, including traction devices, warm layers, waterproof clothing, and navigation tools, and let someone know their plans before setting out.
Avalanche Awareness
Heavy snow on steep mountain slopes can also create avalanche risks, even early in the season. Backcountry travelers should stay informed about avalanche conditions, avoid steep slopes after heavy snowfall, and travel with proper safety equipment if heading into avalanche terrain.
A Winter Preview for Colorado
While the Front Range cities below the mountain are still seeing fall weather, the snow on Pikes Peak is a reminder that winter is quickly approaching in Colorado’s high country. Once the clouds clear, the view of a snow-covered Pikes Peak from Colorado Springs is sure to be a stunning sight.
Watch for the Clear Skies
When the storm finally wraps up and the clouds break, residents across Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region should take a look west. A freshly buried Pikes Peak against a bright blue sky is one of the most beautiful sights of the season.
For more Colorado weather updates and mountain snow reports, stay with bchssreport.com.