Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Breckenridge, Colorado
2926 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-19.0°C
Temperature Drop
70.8kPa
Air Pressure
69.8%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation2926 meters
Everest Comparison33.1% of Everest
Altitude Risk⚡ Moderate RiskPossible altitude effects (>2,400m)
RegionColorado
Highest PointImperial Peak (3914 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Breckenridge Ski Resort Peak 8 Summit
3914 meterselevation
Historic Main Street
2926 meterselevation
Peak 6 Summit
3782 meterselevation
Quandary Peak Summit
4348 meterselevation
Hoosier Pass
3517 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Breckenridge occupies a high alpine valley at 2,926 meters in the Upper Blue River Valley, flanked by the Tenmile Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east. The town's dramatic setting includes multiple peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, with Quandary Peak (4,348m) dominating the southern skyline. The landscape was shaped by extensive glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch, creating the broad U-shaped valley and numerous cirques that now form the ski resort's bowls. The underlying geology includes complex metamorphic and igneous formations, with significant mineral deposits that drove the area's early development. The Blue River, originating from the Hoosier Pass area, has carved through glacial deposits creating a valley floor characterized by glacial outwash and alluvial fans. The town sits just below treeline (approximately 3,500m in this region), with the higher elevations featuring extensive alpine tundra ecosystems.
Climate Impact
At 2,926 meters, Breckenridge experiences one of the coldest climates of any municipality in the United States. The elevation creates an environment where the growing season is limited to approximately 50 days, and frost can occur in any month. Annual snowfall averages 460cm, enhanced by orographic lift as Pacific moisture rises over the Continental Divide. The atmospheric pressure is approximately 70% of sea level, significantly affecting both human physiology and combustion processes. Temperature variations are extreme, with summer highs rarely exceeding 21°C and winter lows frequently dropping below -30°C. The elevation gradient from town to surrounding peaks creates distinct microclimates, with temperature differences of up to 15°C between the valley floor and summit elevations. The town's position relative to the Continental Divide influences storm patterns, particularly during upslope events that can produce intense snowfall rates exceeding 5cm per hour.
Historical Context
Breckenridge's extreme elevation has shaped its development since its founding as a mining camp in 1859. The discovery of gold at this high elevation required innovative mining techniques adapted for operation in thin air and extreme cold. The town's initial layout and architecture were influenced by the need to cope with heavy snow loads and extreme temperatures at nearly 3,000 meters. The arrival of the narrow-gauge railroad in 1882 required specialized engineering to handle the steep grades and thin air affecting steam locomotives. The transition to a ski resort began in 1961, specifically utilizing the extreme elevation for reliable snow conditions and a long season. The development of the highest chairlift in North America (Imperial Express, reaching 3,914m) in 2005 required specialized engineering for operation in the thin air and extreme conditions at that elevation. Modern Breckenridge continues to adapt to its extreme elevation through innovative snow management systems, specialized building codes requiring enhanced structural support for snow loads, and high-altitude medical facilities equipped to handle elevation-related health issues. The town's historic district, one of the largest in Colorado, preserves numerous examples of high-altitude architectural adaptation, including steep roof pitches and protected entrances designed to handle the extreme snowfall at this elevation.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Breckenridge's Elevation
What is the elevation of Breckenridge?
Breckenridge has an elevation of 2926 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Breckenridge's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Breckenridge (2926 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Breckenridge?
The highest point in Breckenridge is Imperial Peak (3914 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
