What is The Peak Colorado?
The Peak Colorado is a free daily conditions platform covering Summit County, Eagle County, and Park County, Colorado. Every morning at 6 AM, The Peak publishes 0-10 scores for fly fishing, snow and ski conditions, hiking, and road conditions across the region. Scores are calculated from real-time data sources including USGS stream gauge readings, NOAA weather forecasts, and snowpack measurements from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. A score of 8 or above indicates optimal conditions. A score below 4 indicates conditions that are poor enough to significantly affect the quality of the activity. The platform is free to use and free to subscribe to for daily morning alerts.
How does The Peak score fly fishing conditions?
Fly fishing scores on The Peak are calculated from four primary variables: stream flow rate from USGS gauge stations (measured in cubic feet per second), water temperature, weather forecast for the day including cloud cover and wind, and known hatch activity for the season and current water temperature range. Each variable is weighted and combined into a single 0-10 score. A score of 7 or higher typically means flows are within the optimal range for wading, water temperature is between 45–65°F for active feeding, and hatch activity is likely. The score also includes a specific fly pattern recommendation based on current conditions — dry fly, nymph, or streamer — updated daily.
Which rivers does The Peak cover?
The Peak currently covers three rivers across Colorado's high country. The Blue River near Silverthorne is monitored using the USGS gauge at Dillon, covering the Gold Medal tailwater section below Dillon Reservoir. The Arkansas River near Buena Vista is monitored at the Nathrop gauge, covering the Browns Canyon Gold Medal reach. The South Platte River is monitored at the Eleven Mile gauge, covering the Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Canyon sections. All three are Gold Medal designated fisheries managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Additional rivers including the Eagle River and Roaring Fork are planned for the spring 2026 expansion.
What do the snow and ski condition scores measure?
Snow condition scores on The Peak are calculated from overnight snowfall accumulation, current snowpack as a percentage of median for the date, daytime high temperature forecast, wind speed at ridge elevation, and avalanche danger rating where applicable. A high score indicates fresh snow, manageable wind, and favorable temperatures for skiing or snowshoeing. The score also flags specific conditions that affect safety or access — above-treeline wind holds, warming trends that affect snow quality, and road conditions on key access routes including Hoosier Pass, Loveland Pass, and I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel.
How do I get daily conditions alerts?
Subscribers can receive a free daily morning alert via text message or push notification before 7 AM. The alert includes the current score for your chosen activity — fishing, snow, hiking, or roads — and a one-line conditions summary. To subscribe, enter your phone number or enable push notifications on The Peak Colorado homepage. Alerts are free during the beta period. No credit card is required.