Upper Arkansas River Basin Snowpack: March 2025

The Upper Arkansas River Basin snowpack has maintained near normal levels despite only a few good storms and spring-like weather over the past month. According to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the snow water equivalent in the upper basin is 106% of the median. However, there is below-average snow at lower elevations.

Typically, peak snowpack occurs around April 15, but late-spring weather will play a big role in determining runoff. Open Snow is forecasting about 15 inches of snow for the Arkansas River Headwaters over the next 10 days, which should help maintain the current trajectory if the forecast holds. Given the current conditions, we anticipate near-average rafting conditions this summer, which still promises excellent whitewater.

The overall snowpack in the Arkansas River Basin is at 60%, while median precipitation stands at 98%. While these figures don’t directly affect whitewater rafting conditions, they are crucial for farmers and ranchers in eastern Colorado.

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