Steamboat
CO · 10,568 ft summit · HDN
NWS Grade
2025–26 Season Snapshot
Storms This Season
41
storms tracked
Season Snowfall
3"
calibrated total
Best Storm
13/100
Tracked
Current Snowpack
3"
Rabbit Ears + Dry Lake
Avg Daily Rate
0.2"/day
storms with data
Season SWE
1.4"
snow water equivalent
NWS Forecast Accuracy
NWS overpredicts by 100% at Steamboat
Our calibrated estimates are based on 9 verified storms. When NWS says 12 inches, reality is closer to 0 inches. Don't book flights based on NWS numbers alone.
Critical data limitation: Storms 5–9 (2026-03-16) lack complete SNOTEL verification, preventing full analysis. Of 4 measurable storms, all 4 saw 0% accuracy (forecast 0.0–0.5", actual 0.0"). This suggests either systematic NWS bias in March threshold detection at Steamboat station 709, or SNOTEL measurement threshold insensitivity below ~0.5 inches. Wind speeds (6.9–24.2 mph) show no clear correlation with error magnitude. Recommend independent verification against NOAA/NWS raw model output and METAR data to rule out station-specific SNOTEL issues.
Based on 9 verified storms · SNOTEL ground truth (Rabbit Ears + Dry Lake)
Storm History — 2025–26 Season
Apr 17 – Apr 18
NWS Forecast
3.4"
Calibrated
0.3"
Actual (SNOTEL)
Pending
Density: Average
Rate: 0.3"/day
Apr 15 – Apr 15
NWS Forecast
0.1"
Calibrated
—
Actual (SNOTEL)
Pending
Density: Average
Apr 14 – Apr 15
NWS Forecast
0.8"
Calibrated
0.1"
Actual (SNOTEL)
Pending
Density: Dense
Rate: 0.1"/day
Show 38 more storms
Apr 4 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 4 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 4 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 4 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 4 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Apr 3 – Apr 4
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 16 – Mar 16
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 16 – Mar 16
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 16 – Mar 16
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 16 – Mar 16
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 16 – Mar 16
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 15 – Mar 15
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 15 – Mar 15
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 15 – Mar 15
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Mar 11 – Mar 11
Level 1 · 0" calibrated
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelStorm Day Strategy
Steamboat excels during low-moisture snow events, particularly around solstice when sub-4% moisture content is possible. Track storm systems tracking north (favorable for Steamboat); avoid southerly track storms (typically too cold and inadequate for Steamboat despite northern mountain forecasts). Exceptional powder days (24"+) with low moisture are exceptionally rare but create world-class conditions. When conditions align, arrive early to secure parking and beat crowds to untouched terrain; powder can last well into morning if crowds are managed.
Terrain Opening Patterns
Thunder Bowl
Opens: Variable - closed for FIS events
FIS GS moved to Highlands, Thunder Bowl public access restricted during events
Christmas Tree Bowl
Opens: Morning after avalanche control
One of few interesting terrain options, accessed via Rendezvous Saddle area
Powder Stashes
Fish Creek
Resort trees
Do not ski alone. Trees are the primary powder play option when conditions align
Resort tree terrain
Throughout resort
Most interesting terrain requires powder. Resort is 'big mountain devoid of much gnar' with generally good base conditions but limited appeal in tracked conditions
Full local intelligence for Steamboat
$500/year · 7-day free trial — cancel anytime
Based on 196 community reports · 2018-01-01 → 2026-03-10
Road & Access
US-40 / Rabbit Ears Pass
OpenHistorical Patterns
Temperature effect: Warmer average temperatures (avg 18.7°F–12.6°F range in measurable storms) correlate with non-verification. All storms with verified measurements occurred during marginal warmth relative to peak winter, suggesting NWS thresholds may be misaligned for shoulder-season precipitation at Steamboat's elevation.
Explore This Region
Full intelligence for Steamboat and 75 other resorts
Real-time storm alerts · Calibrated forecasts · Local knowledge · Trip logistics
Start 7-Day Free Trial — $500/yearCancel anytime · No commitment required