Full Breakdown
Unseasonably Warm December Raises Concerns for a White Christmas in Colorado
12/23/2025, 9:06:08 PM
Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
This December, Colorado's High Country is experiencing unusually warm temperatures, with central mountain valleys reporting averages 15 to 25 degrees above normal. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Bruno Rodriguez, while there is a possibility of snow before Christmas Day, significant precipitation is expected mainly from Friday through Saturday. Forecasts suggest that daytime temperatures could exceed 50 degrees until Christmas Day, which may see slightly cooler temperatures in the 40s. Snowfall is anticipated to begin Thursday afternoon, but the bulk of the accumulation is likely to occur later in the evening.
The northern mountains, including the Park and Gore Ranges, are projected to receive between 6 to 12 inches of snow, while central mountain areas along the Interstate 70 corridor may see only 2 to 5 inches. Meteorologist Joel Gratz, who operates the blog OpenSnow, indicates a high chance of at least 1 inch of snowfall across all mountain areas between December 25 and 28, with southern and west-central regions expected to receive more substantial amounts.
Snowpack Levels and Ski Conditions
As of December 22, Colorado's statewide snowpack is at 57% of the 30-year median, nearing historic lows. Gratz notes that many ski areas are facing limited terrain availability, with only a few resorts like Wolf Creek, Monarch, and Ski Cooper having more open runs. The holiday period, extending through January 4, is likely to see continued challenges for ski areas due to the low snowpack, although the snow expected from December 25 to 28 could help expand terrain in some locations.
Climate Change Considerations
The warm temperatures this holiday season are not unique to Colorado. An analysis by Climate Central indicates that temperatures across the U.S. may be 20 to 35 degrees above average, with such extremes being two to three times more likely due to human-induced climate change. This trend raises concerns about the frequency of warm winters and their impact on snowpack and ski conditions.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the ongoing climate crisis is exacerbating these warm weather patterns, which could have long-term implications for winter sports and water resources in the region. The limited snowpack and warmer temperatures have prompted discussions about the sustainability of ski tourism in Colorado.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While forecasts indicate a potential for snow in the coming days, there remains uncertainty regarding the extent of snowfall and its impact on snowpack recovery. Some sources suggest that the upcoming weather patterns may not provide significant relief for ski areas, while others maintain a more optimistic outlook for snow accumulation.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Colorado's High Country may experience another dry spell until the end of December, with more active weather patterns anticipated after December 31. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders in the ski industry are closely monitoring the forecasts as they prepare for the holiday season.
