How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Evergreen is situated at 2,334 meters in the foothills of the Front Range, occupying multiple valleys and ridges along Bear Creek. The town's landscape features a mix of montane ecological zones, with significant rock outcroppings of the ancient Idaho Springs Formation and the younger Pikes Peak granite. The terrain includes numerous glacial features from the Pleistocene epoch, including rounded valleys and erratic boulders. The area around Evergreen Lake represents a natural basin enhanced by dam construction, while the surrounding peaks create a complex pattern of drainages and microclimates. The elevation gradient from the creek valley to Bergen Peak encompasses several distinct ecological zones, from riparian corridors to subalpine forests.
At 2,334 meters, Evergreen experiences a mountain climate moderated by its foothill location. The elevation creates noticeable temperature variations, with summer highs rarely exceeding 27°C and winter lows frequently dropping below -18°C. Annual snowfall averages 250cm, though the varied terrain can create significant local variations in accumulation. The atmospheric pressure is approximately 77% of sea level, affecting both human physiology and engine performance. The growing season extends to approximately 120 days, longer than higher mountain communities but still limited by elevation. The town's position relative to the Continental Divide creates distinct weather patterns, including chinook winds that can rapidly change temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. The presence of Evergreen Lake influences local weather patterns, moderating temperature extremes in its immediate vicinity.
Evergreen's development has been shaped by its elevation since its establishment as a summer resort in the late 1800s. The construction of the Evergreen Dam in 1927 at 2,317 meters represented an early example of high-altitude water storage engineering in Colorado. The town's historic architecture reflects adaptations to mountain living, including designs to handle snow loads and take advantage of solar heating. The development of early transportation routes required innovative solutions to handle the elevation gain from Denver, with the Lariat Trail (now part of Highway 74) representing an early triumph in mountain road engineering. Modern Evergreen continues to adapt to its elevation through sophisticated snow management systems and specialized building codes, while also serving as a gateway to higher mountain recreation areas. The town's position at the interface between foothills and mountains has influenced its development patterns, with buildings designed to handle both significant snow loads and intense summer sun exposure. The establishment of multiple parks and open spaces at varying elevations has created a unique recreation system that takes advantage of the diverse terrain and ecosystems found at this elevation.
Evergreen has an elevation of 2334 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
The elevation of Evergreen (2334 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
The highest point in Evergreen is Bergen Peak (2984 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.