Nov 6, 2025 - News

The winter forecast outlook is mixed bag for Colorado

John Frank

A weather map showing an average winter for Colorado — Image courtesy of OpenSnow

A weak La Niña pattern is expected to develop early this winter before the forecast shifts to neutral conditions, according to the latest forecast from meteorologists at Colorado-based OpenSnow.

State of play: This typically leads to good snow in Western states, but this year's forecast is more uncertain than others because of other developing factors, such as a cold pool in the North Atlantic, writes Alan Smith.

Western Colorado is expected to see above-normal temperatures, which would lead to less snowfall.

The rest of the state is expecting equal chances of an above or below-average winter snowpack.

The big picture: The best chances for below-normal temperatures include areas east of the Continental Divide, in Montana and Wyoming.

The northeastern U.S. also is anticipating a cold winter, while the Pacific coast is expected to be warmer.

The bottom line: Forecasting this far out is tricky, so keep doing snow dances.

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The winter forecast outlook is mixed bag for Colorado

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