USDA SNOTEL TelemetryCOID: 709:CO:SNTL
Confidence:Moderate

Rabbit Ears Pass, CO: Snow Depth & Forecast

Network: USDA SNOTEL Telemetry •Elevation: 9,400 ft (2,865 m) •Coordinates: 40.380°N, 106.608°W •Region: Colorado Central Rockies

Activity:
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FairCondition Rating

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Condition scores evaluate settled base depth, fresh powder accumulation, temperature preservation, and wind crust hazards based on current telemetry.

Observation Freshness & Provenance

Awaiting Live Telemetry...
Settled Base DepthUSDA SNOTEL Sensor
--Telemetry
Recent Snowfall AccumulationNumerical Weather Stream
--Modeled
7-Day Atmospheric ForecastOpen-Meteo High-Resolution Stream
--Forecast
Historical Baseline (% of Normal)NRCS / NOAA 1991–2020 Normals
30-Yr BenchmarkBaseline
Settled Base DepthRabbit Ears Pass
USDA SNOTEL Sensor
--in
SWE (Water Eq.)N/A
24h New Snow--
72h Storm Total--
Historical Season BaselineNormal Near Zero (Early Season)

Why Conditions Currently Look Limited

Rabbit Ears Pass
Mathematical Point Contributions:
Base Depth: 0 pts

7-Day Snow & Weather Forecast

High-resolution numerical weather prediction

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Historical Climate Baselines & Normals

1991–2020 Normals
Current vs Typical for Date
Normal Near ZeroNormal for this date is near zero (early autumn)
Typical Seasonal Peak
82"Typically late Feb – early Apr
Typical Recreation Season
November - MayCore winter snowpack window
Methodology: Baselines represent 30-year median snow water and depth records calculated by USDA NRCS / NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

About Rabbit Ears Pass Telemetry & Geography

Just southeast of Steamboat Springs, Rabbit Ears Pass is legendary for abundant, ultra-light dry powder snow and endless open meadows ideal for mountain sleds, backcountry touring, and snowshoeing.

Season Normals & Recreation Windows

The typical winter season for this zone runs from November - May. Historically, peak snow depth averages approximately 82 inches, generally reached between late February and early April depending on elevation.

Operating NetworkUSDA NRCS SNOTEL (Automated acoustic & pillow telemetry)
Elevation ZoneHigh Alpine Continental

Official Avalanche Advisory Required (Steamboat)

FrostBurst condition ratings score snow depth and meteorological quality, NOT avalanche danger. Before backcountry skiing or mountain riding, you must check the official regional avalanche forecast and carry rescue gear (beacon, shovel, probe).

View Official Avalanche Center Forecast →

Station & Telemetry Metadata

USDA SNOTEL
Operating NetworkUSDA NRCS National Water & Climate Center
Reporting CadenceAutomated telemetry (hourly cadence)
Observation EquipmentAcoustic ultrasonic depth sensor & electronic snow pillow
Official Station ID709:CO:SNTL

Station Geography

Base Depth
48"+
24 - 48"
12 - 24"
< 12"
Awaiting data

Nearby Telemetry Stations

Sorted by Distance
Berthoud Pass Summit59.6 mi away • 11,300 ft (+1,900 ft higher)
--SNOTEL
Vail Pass / Shrine Pass62.4 mi away • 10,580 ft (+1,180 ft higher)
--SNOTEL
Snowy Range Pass (Medicine Bow)68.2 mi away • 9,600 ft (+200 ft higher)
--SNOTEL

Nearby Winter Recreation Areas

Within 100 Miles
Steamboat & Rabbit Ears PassEndless rolling high-country meadows and world-famous Steamboat champagne powder.
0.1 mi→
Berthoud Pass Backcountry BasinHistoric 11,300-ft Continental Divide touring mecca for ski mountaineers and splitboarders.
59.3 mi→
Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area55,000 acres of managed mountain snowmobile corridors and backcountry ski bowls.
62.2 mi→
Recommended Guide

How to Read a SNOTEL Report Like a Pro

Master the automated telemetry reports from USDA NRCS automated snow telemetry stations across the American West.

Read 6-min Guide →