Super El Niño Could Boost Colorado Snow Odds

9News’ Chris Bianchi and Alexander Kirk report that new forecast models and ocean data are pointing to a growing chance of a “super El Niño” forming later in 2026. The article says subsurface sea temperatures in the central Pacific, where El Niño develops, are running dramatically above normal, in some cases up to about 6 degrees warmer than average.

For Colorado, that could mean better odds of a more active winter, especially for southern mountains, Denver, and eastern Colorado. Historical “super” El Niño years have often brought Colorado decent snowpack and above-average Denver snowfall, though Bianchi is careful to say this is not a guarantee. Weather models, after all, are like campaign promises with Doppler radar.

The Bullet Point Brief

• A “super El Niño” could develop later in 2026, according to new models and ocean data. Because apparently regular El Niño was not dramatic enough for sweeps week.
• The central Pacific is showing very warm subsurface water, which could rise to the surface and accelerate the transition from La Niña to El Niño. Translation: the ocean is cooking something, and Colorado may get the leftovers in snow form.
• For Colorado, a strong El Niño could improve chances for more winter snow, especially in southern mountains, Denver, and eastern Colorado. Good. We need the moisture, even if it arrives wearing a theatrical name tag.
• The article references major El Niño years like 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16, with historical Colorado snowpack ranging from below average to 131% in recent “super” years. So yes, there is hope, but do not sell the snowblower and buy a ski condo just yet.
• Bianchi says not all El Niños are the same and that there is still a lot we do not know. That is weather-guy code for “please do not yell at me in February if your driveway is dry.”

My Bottom Line

Good to see we may be getting more moisture. Colorado needs it. The mountains need it. Agriculture needs it. Reservoirs need it. Fire mitigation needs it. The Front Range needs it. Even the lawn you pretend is “low maintenance” needs it.

But “Super El Niño?” Why the drama? It sounds ominous, like something the Weather Channel would animate with lightning bolts and a soundtrack stolen from a dinosaur movie. Can we not just say “strong El Niño” and move on with our lives?

This reminds me of Governor Gaslight’s “super secret memo.” Put “super” in front of something and suddenly it becomes more serious, more urgent, more official, and, I guess, superer. Super El Niño. Super secret memo. Super committee. Super emergency. At some point, grown adults should be allowed to retire the cape.

Still, moisture is moisture, and Colorado will take it. A good snow year would be welcome, even if it arrives with branding that sounds like it was focus-grouped by a caffeinated intern. So bring on the snow. Bring on the water. Bring on the improved snowpack. Just spare me the superhero weather language unless El Niño starts wearing tights and fighting potholes.

Source: 9News