A seasonal phenomenon like no other across Colorado's natural sanctuaries is starting to show.
But it might be a few more weeks before the ultimate "surge flow" at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, rangers say. That's the term for Medano Creek's rhythmic waves, which in years of intense runoff can swell up to a foot high at the base of the dunes.
That type of surge is not expected this year. Based on snowpack measured in the surrounding mountains, forecasters are calling for "average" conditions. In such years, the park maintains peak flows of 40 cubic feet per second, typically occurring in late May and early June.