You are here

Home » Big Bend National Park Sees Cold, Snow As Texas Freezes

Big Bend National Park Sees Cold, Snow As Texas Freezes

Share

Published Date

February 18, 2021

Panther Junction in Big Bend National Park saw snow for the third time this winter/NPS

Editor's note: This corrects January numbers.

Big Bend National Park shivered along with the rest of Texas this week, receiving snow and frigid temperatures as an arctic air mass plunged through the core of the country. While power in the park was lost for a few hours Monday, things were easing back to normal Thursday.

"We got down to single digits Sunday night and lost power Monday, but only for 3-4 hours," Big Bend Superintendent Bob Krumenaker said Thursday. "It's high 20s and snowing again, so we're closing the Chisos Basin for the second time in less than a week. But overall we're in far better shape than much of Texas."

Normally, Big Bend's average daily high temperature in January is 61 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average overnight low is 37 degrees.

The cold weather the park has seen this winter hasn't slowed visitation. January visitation to the park in West Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border reached 43,740 in 2020, the second highest ever, according to the superintendent. That total reflected a 49 percent increase over January 2019, park records show. This January's numbers reached 50,298, which was 15 percent over 2020.

"We are expecting to be inundated for spring break," Krumenaker continued. "If we stay open all year, I think we'll far exceed (past annual) numbers for 2021."

Visitation numbers for 2020 have not yet been posted; 2019 marked the park's record visitation, with 463,832 visitors. Last year's total should fall well below that, as Big Bend closed for several months due to Covid-19.

Related Stories:

Wilderness, The Last Frontier
Three Days In Death Valley National Park
Seeking Wilderness At Big Bend National Park

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Chip Beaudette on February 18, 2021 - 2:02pm.

Many years ago I was camping in BBNP in the Rio Grande Village campground in the March/April timeframe.  The overnight low temp one night was 29 degrees F and the daytime high was 99 degrees F - a 70 degree F temp swing in one day!  Weather can sure be a rollercoaster ride!


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.