Unit 81 Colorado Snowfall

[Archelk]

So I've been waiting on a call from the BLM on some information concerning snowfall in the southwest portion of the unit during 2nd rifle season for elk but wanted to see if there*is anyone on here that maybe able to answer my question as well that may live in the area.

I'm trying to figure out roughly when the area starts to receive heavy snowfall. I know that it can change from year to year but just looking for a general time frame so we can plan our hunt a little better.

Instead of archery this year we are planning on hunting this unit for 2nd rifle season. And this time frame is entirely new to me and my partner. We are use to hot/warmer weather during the archery season with an occasional freak snow storm here or there in the past and in a unit a lot further North in the state. We are humping everything in on our backs, as is the norm for us, but with the possibility of heavy snow it will influence equipment decisions based on what I can hopefully find out.

I know Pagosa Springs is further northwest but even if someone that lives in the area up there could chime in it could give me an idea on the area further south that I'm looking at.

Thanks for any info you may have on the subject manner of snowfall only. Cheers

 

[1hoda]

Sorry not familiar with 81 but you might try the SNOTEL site for some history.

 

[Archelk]

Hoda thanks for the link!

 

[rbljack]

Hoda thanks for the link!

x2! thanks that helps with a similar question I had about snow.

 

[Biggs300]

I hunted the southern part GMU 81 during the 2nd rifle season last year. We actually had some fairly pleasant weather even though we camped at around 11,000 ft. We had light rain and mist a couple of days and a couple of periods of sleet but, no snow. I hunted the 2nd rifle season in GMU 80 year before last and it was warm and dry. In 2013 we hunted the 2nd rifle season in GMU 54 (West Elk Wilderness Area) which is not far away and we hunted in 12 to 15 inches of snow. In this area of CO, you are a storm front away from heavy snow with some real accumulations. My hunting buddy and I usually start checking long range weather forecasts 2 months prior to our hunt.

 

[Archelk]

Biggs thanks a ton for the info!

 

[elkhunter71]

We have had some years where there was very little snow and some years with a foot a snow. We had camps at Blue Lake,Middle Fork, Adams Fork and Red mountain. It can go from really nice weather to holy crap where did this come from. I would never never go into that country in 2nd season with out being prepared for snow.

 

[smitho]

I grew up hunting that area and know it well. That being said it is very hit or miss for snow during 2nd season. When I was a kid we could count on snow by mid October, now more often than not I would say significant snow doesn't start to make a difference until at least 3rd. We usually still get a few smaller snow storms during September into October, not usually anything significant though.

 

[Archelk]

I grew up hunting that area and know it well. That being said it is very hit or miss for snow during 2nd season. When I was a kid we could count on snow by mid October, now more often than not I would say significant snow doesn't start to make a difference until at least 3rd. We usually still get a few smaller snow storms during September into October, not usually anything significant though.

Thanks Smitho. I was able to finally get in touch with the Wildlife Biologist for the area we are looking at hunting and she gave me some good info. Still waiting patiently for the Game Warden in the area to give me a call back hopefully too