Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Leadville, Colorado
3094 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-20.1°C
Temperature Drop
69.3kPa
Air Pressure
68.4%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation3094 meters
Everest Comparison35.0% of Everest
Altitude Risk⚡ Moderate RiskPossible altitude effects (>2,400m)
RegionColorado
Highest PointMount Elbert (4401 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Mount Elbert Summit
4401 meterselevation
Leadville Historic District
3094 meterselevation
Mineral Belt Trail (High Point)
3243 meterselevation
Mount Massive Summit
4395 meterselevation
Turquoise Lake
3084 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Leadville stands as the highest incorporated city in North America at 3,094 meters, situated in a high alpine valley between Colorado's two highest peaks: Mount Elbert (4,401m) and Mount Massive (4,395m). The city lies at the headwaters of the Arkansas River, in a glacially-carved valley bounded by the Mosquito Range to the east and the Sawatch Range to the west. The surrounding geology is dominated by Precambrian metamorphic rocks intruded by mineral-rich veins that fueled the area's mining history. The landscape features extensive glacial moraines, cirques, and U-shaped valleys formed during the Pleistocene epoch. The high elevation creates a unique treeline environment, with the city itself situated just below the natural treeline (approximately 3,500m in this region). The underlying bedrock includes significant deposits of silver, lead, zinc, and gold-bearing ores, which influenced both the city's name and its historical development.
Climate Impact
At 3,094 meters, Leadville experiences an extreme subarctic climate, unique among American cities. The high elevation creates an environment where atmospheric pressure is only about 70% of sea level, significantly affecting both human physiology and combustion processes. Temperature variations are extreme, with summer highs rarely exceeding 22°C and winter lows frequently dropping below -25°C. The elevation creates a compressed growing season of approximately 100 days, one of the shortest in the United States. Annual snowfall averages over 380cm, with snow possible in any month. The high elevation also intensifies solar radiation by up to 50% compared to sea level, creating rapid temperature changes between sun and shade. Temperature inversions are common in winter, sometimes creating warmer conditions at higher elevations than in the valley. The city's position near treeline influences local wind patterns, with strong katabatic winds common during winter nights.
Historical Context
Leadville's extreme elevation has shaped its history since its founding during the Colorado Silver Boom of 1877-1878. The discovery of silver at this high elevation led to the development of specialized mining techniques adapted to the challenging environment. The city's 3,094-meter elevation required unique architectural adaptations, including steep roof pitches for snow load and specialized heating systems to cope with the extreme cold. The construction of the Leadville & Southern Railroad in 1884 required innovative engineering to handle the steep grades and thin air affecting steam locomotives. The establishment of Camp Hale (3,344m) near Leadville during World War II for training the 10th Mountain Division demonstrated the area's value for high-altitude military training. The city's elevation played a crucial role in athletic history, with the 1976 Winter Olympics initially awarded to Colorado partly due to Leadville's high-altitude training potential (though the games were ultimately declined). Modern Leadville capitalizes on its extreme elevation through events like the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon, which challenges athletes to compete at elevations between 2,800-3,800 meters. The city's historic district, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, preserves numerous examples of high-altitude architectural adaptation, including the world's highest-elevation active courthouse.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Leadville's Elevation
What is the elevation of Leadville?
Leadville has an elevation of 3094 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Leadville's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Leadville (3094 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Leadville?
The highest point in Leadville is Mount Elbert (4401 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
