The lack of snow this winter has local officials and local residents very concerned about wildfires in and around Summit County, Colorado this summer. As you read through this article, please keep in mind that weather is ever changing.
In the past 2 weeks, I have attended 2 meetings with County officials where both wildfire concerns and water scarcity were hot topics. Experts have been comparing what was deemed the “worst” winter of the 1980/1981 winter to this past winter’s snowpack. At a long-term manual snow course measurement site in Blue River (Summit County), 2026 was the second-lowest on record, behind only the winter of 1980-81 based on February data. However, by April 1, 2026, the overall snow water equivalent (SWE) had dropped below 1981 levels across much of the state, including the region surrounding Summit County. While both winters were severely dry, 1980-81 was historically deemed worse based on limited early SNOTEL data. However, by April 2026, experts concluded that the 2025-26 winter was, in many cases, worse than 1981 because the snowpack peaked lower and melted much earlier than in the 1980-81 season.
Take a moment to think about that. Two incredibly low snow years 45 years apart. Yet between those 2 devastating years, we had years like 1995-96 with over 292 inches of snowpack, 2013-2014 with 271 inches and 1994-95 with 248 inches. As the seasons and the years evolve, we must also change our habits to align with nature’s variations.
To give you an idea of what we mean by “Lack of Snow” - take a look at these pictures taken at the top of Independence Pass. The first picture is from the 2018/2019 winter season and the second picture is from this past winter, the 2025/2026 season:
This lack of snow has caused a severe drought throughout the entire State of Colorado and experts are advising homeowners to do everything they can to prepare for potential wildfires. Summit Fire & EMS and Red White & Blue Fire Departments in Summit County are hosting several community meetings to discuss wildfire preparedness and water conservation. We will cover the topic of water conservation in next week’s newsletter.
Homeowners can reach out to their local fire department for a risk assessment for their home. If you are in the Summit Fire & EMS district, click HERE. to schedule your assessment. If you prefer to call to set up your appointment, their number is 970-262-5100. If you are in the Red White & Blue district, call 970-453-2474 to schedule your assessment.
What can you do to prepare for Wildfire Season?
We encourage every homeowner in Summit County to protect you, your home, and our communities.
These are ways that you can help:
1. Sign up for Alerts & Social Media.
Make sure you sign up to receive Summit County emergency alerts for any potential wildfires or emergency situations. For alerts, sign up at SCALERTS.ORG. You can also follow @SummitCountyGov on social media for updates.
2. Emergency Plan.
Create an emergency plan for your family.
This should include:
- What to bring
- Where to meet
- What to do
- Create an inventory list, take photos, scan important documents, and know your insurance coverage.
- Don’t forget about a plan for your pets.
3. Evacuation Kit:
- Create your own Evacuation Kit and keep it in your car with water, food, valuables, important paperwork, cash & other necessities.
4. Protect Your Home
Protect your home with fire mitigation work.
- Clean gutters
- Clear vegetation & hazards to create defensible space this spring/summer:
- Walk your home’s perimeter and remove trash/debris
- Rake or leaf blow the first 5 feet around your home
- Trim shrubs and tree branches within 5-10 feet of your home
- Cut and maintain grasses within 30 feet of your home
- Remove stored items from underneath decks
- Remove excess vegetation in the 0-5 foot zone
- In the Fall:
- Weed whack wildflowers and grasses within 100’ of your home
- Clean gutters, roof, and exterior vents
- Leaf blow as often as the aspen drop their leaves.
- Schedule a FREE consultation (as noted above) with your local fire department.
5. Spread the Word
- Know about fire restrictions and fire safety with campfires, cigarettes and other ignition sources. Help to spread the word by making sure your friends, family, neighbors, and our visitors are “fire ready” this summer.
If Nelson Mountain Real Estate can help you in any way such as recommending service providers to assist with tasks please contact us at [email protected].
Let’s all have a fun but safe summer!!