When Will Colorado’s Grand Mesa See Its First Big Snowfall?

Once the calendar hits mid-November, Grand Junction starts watching the horizon and keeping one eye on the snow report. Grand Mesa’s first significant winter snowfall of the year isn’t far away.

When will the western slope see its first blanket of snow on top of the world’s largest flattop mountain? Keep scrolling to get ready for golden-hour snow-dusted aspens, crisp mountain air, and the shift from fall to full winter mode in Western Colorado.

Winter forecast: When Will Grand Mesa Get Its First Big Snowfall?

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Meteorologists expect a more active storm track across Colorado during the months ahead. The National Weather Service in Grand Junction and the NOAA Climate Prediction Center report that a colder pattern from the Pacific, paired with a strong Northern jet stream, will push winter storms into the Rockies in November.

Western Slope elevations between 9,500 and 11,000 feet typically see a “big” snow event (6+ inches of snow) by mid-November to early December. Grand Junction residents know a dusting of snow in the valley by Thanksgiving is typical, but we are always excited to see a major snow on top of the Mesa by early December.

Looking back: How Past Winters Compare

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Winter can bring a little bit of everything from year to year. Some years, we see a modest October dusting on the Grand Mesa, followed by a full snowpack building in December. If you like tracking snow totals on Grand Mesa, the Thunder Mountain Lodge is a great resource to follow. Their snow records are measured right outside the lodge at 10,000 feet.

The highest snowfall total recorded by the lodge during a single winter was 551 inches in 2018-2019. This total is still the current record. Love snow? Here are the top five snowiest winters on the Grand Mesa according to Thunder Mountain Lodge.

• 1) 2018–19: Seasonal Total = 551″ (Jan 101,″ Feb 99,″ Mar 135″)
• 2) 2022–23: Seasonal Total = 534″ (163” in January, 142” in March)
• 3) 2015–16: Seasonal Total = 465″
• 4) 2016–17: Seasonal Total = 401″ (Jan 2017 135″)
• 5) 2021–22: Seasonal Total = 376″ (177” in December 2021)

Scenic Drive Tips When It Finally Happens

The first snowfall on the Grand Mesa or the Colorado National Monument is a fun time to go see how it all looks covered in white. On the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, check road conditions with CDOT and make sure the highway is open and passable.

In the Colorado National Monument, the overlooks at golden hour glow pink with the snow-dust along the cliffs. For either route, bring layers, a hot beverage, and keep an eye on shifting winter weather with our station app.

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