Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Alma, Colorado
3224 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-21.0°C
Temperature Drop
68.1kPa
Air Pressure
67.2%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation3224 meters
Everest Comparison36.4% of Everest
Altitude Risk⚡ Moderate RiskPossible altitude effects (>2,400m)
RegionColorado
Highest PointMount Bross (4320 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Mount Lincoln Summit
4354 meterselevation
Mount Democrat Summit
4314 meterselevation
Mount Bross Summit
4320 meterselevation
Kite Lake Trailhead
3853 meterselevation
South Platte River Headwaters
3505 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Alma holds the distinction of being the highest incorporated municipality in North America at 3,224 meters, surpassing even Leadville. The town sits in the Mosquito Range, surrounded by four fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet/4,267 meters): Mounts Lincoln, Democrat, Cameron, and Bross. The landscape is characterized by glacial cirques, alpine tundra, and remnants of extensive mining operations. The South Platte River originates nearby, with its headwaters emerging from the surrounding peaks. The geology is dominated by Paleozoic sedimentary rocks heavily mineralized with silver, gold, and zinc deposits. The town's position above treeline creates a unique alpine environment where only the hardiest plants survive. The surrounding peaks feature extensive periglacial features including rock glaciers, solifluction lobes, and patterned ground formed by freeze-thaw cycles at this extreme elevation.
Climate Impact
At 3,224 meters, Alma experiences one of the most extreme climates of any permanent settlement in the United States. The atmospheric pressure is approximately 67% of sea level, creating significant physiological challenges for residents and visitors. The elevation produces a tundra climate, with average temperatures remaining below freezing for more than six months of the year. The growing season is extremely limited, typically less than 30 days, making it one of the shortest in North America. Annual snowfall exceeds 400cm, with snow possible in any month. The extreme elevation creates intense solar radiation, with UV exposure approximately 60% higher than at sea level. Temperature swings can be dramatic, with daily variations of up to 25°C common due to the thin air and intense solar radiation. The town's position relative to surrounding peaks creates unique wind patterns, including severe downslope winds that can exceed 160 km/h during winter storms.
Historical Context
Alma's extreme elevation has defined its existence since its establishment as a mining camp in 1873. The town's development was driven by the discovery of silver deposits at elevations previously considered too extreme for sustained habitation. The construction of mining operations above 4,000 meters required unprecedented engineering solutions for both equipment operation and human survival at such elevations. The town's water system, developed in the 1880s, remains one of the highest-elevation municipal water systems in North America, requiring special engineering to prevent freezing in the extreme conditions. The development of the high-altitude mining industry led to early research into altitude sickness and human adaptation to extreme elevations, contributing to our understanding of high-altitude physiology. The town's survival after the silver crash was partly due to its position as a critical access point to the surrounding high-elevation mining claims and its role in water management for downstream communities. Modern Alma continues to capitalize on its extreme elevation, attracting high-altitude researchers, mountaineers, and tourists interested in experiencing life at one of the highest permanent settlements in North America. The town's historic buildings showcase unique architectural adaptations required for survival at this elevation, including extra-thick walls, steep roofs, and specialized ventilation systems designed to function in the thin air.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Alma's Elevation
What is the elevation of Alma?
Alma has an elevation of 3224 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Alma's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Alma (3224 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Alma?
The highest point in Alma is Mount Bross (4320 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
