Colorado is known for its majestic mountains and beautiful landscapes, but it is also notorious for its extreme weather conditions.
The state has experienced some of the most significant snowstorms and blizzards in recorded history, affecting travel, daily life, and local economies.
Understanding the scale and impact of these massive storms helps us appreciate the challenges and resilience of Coloradans.
This article explores the ten biggest storms ever to hit Colorado, delving into their intensity, duration, and the aftermath left in their wake.
The storm history paints a vivid picture of nature’s power and the memorable moments that have shaped Colorado’s weather narrative.
1. Blizzard of 1913
The Blizzard of 1913 remains the largest snowstorm in Denver’s recorded history.
This massive storm began on December 1, lasting until December 5. By the end of the storm, Denver had received a record-breaking 45.7 inches of snow.
Homes and businesses were buried under thick layers of snow, making transportation almost impossible.
Railways and roads were blocked, isolating Denver and surrounding areas.
The storm brought life to a standstill.
People were forced to stay indoors, and emergency services struggled to operate.
This event marks one of the most significant weather incidents in Colorado’s history and is still remembered more than a century later.
2. 1957 Denver Snowstorm
The 1957 Denver snowstorm is remembered for its heavy snowfall and impact on the city.
The storm began in mid-November and continued for several days.
During this storm, large amounts of snow accumulated quickly, affecting transportation and daily activities.
Roads were treacherous, leading to many accidents and delays.
This storm stands out in Colorado’s history for its intensity.
Many residents recall the challenges they faced, from travel disruptions to the need for constant snow removal.
Schools and businesses had to adapt to the severe weather conditions.
The 1957 snowstorm remains a significant event for Denver, demonstrating the city’s resilience in the face of extreme weather.
3. June 1965 Flood
In June 1965, Colorado experienced a devastating flood that particularly affected the South Platte River Basin.
This flood resulted from intense rains hitting the area over several days. The worst of the flooding began on June 16, severely impacting Denver.
The flood caused extensive damage across the region.
The Colorado-Nebraska State line saw some of the highest floodwaters, and significant damage occurred in Denver.
Streets, homes, and businesses were submerged, leading to the loss of lives and substantial property damage.
In Denver, the flood caused about $508.2 million in damages.
Another critical point was the role of the Cherry Creek Reservoir, which helped mitigate even worse flooding by storing excess water.
4. Fort Collins Flood of 1997
The Fort Collins Flood of 1997 was a devastating event for the city.
From July 27 to 28, heavy rainfall caused Spring Creek to overflow, leading to catastrophic flooding.
In just 31 hours, the storm dumped 14.5 inches of rain. This made it one of the heaviest rainfalls recorded in a Colorado urban area.
Flash floods resulted, causing significant damage. Areas along Spring Creek were hit hardest.
The flood claimed the lives of five women and wreaked havoc on properties and infrastructure.
Stalled weather systems and a cold front contributed to the excessive rainfall.
The flood’s impact is still remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in Fort Collins. More details can be found here and here.
5. Big Thompson Flood of 1976
On July 31, 1976, the Big Thompson River in Colorado experienced one of the worst floods in the state’s history.
Heavy rainfall from a stationary thunderstorm caused the river to crest.
Rainfall reached between 12-14 inches near Estes Park.
The sudden flooding resulted in a 20-foot wall of water rushing through Big Thompson Canyon.
At least 144 people lost their lives in the disaster.
Many homes and businesses were destroyed.
The event left a lasting impact on the community and led to changes in emergency response and weather forecasting practices.
6. Blizzard of 1982
The Blizzard of 1982 struck Colorado on Christmas Eve, lasting through Christmas Day.
It buried Denver in three feet of snow, creating massive disruptions.
This storm closed major highways and left thousands of people stranded.
It was declared a 1-in-70-year snowstorm due to its severity and impact on the region.
Businesses shut down, and travel was nearly impossible.
Snowplows struggled to keep the roads clear, and many people had to stay indoors for days.
It remains one of the most memorable storms in Colorado’s history. More details can be found in this Denver Post article.
7. May 2003 Tornado Outbreak
In May 2003, a series of tornadoes struck Colorado and many other central and eastern states.
Starting on May 3 and lasting until May 11, the outbreak was one of the most devastating on record.
Over this week, 335 tornadoes were reported. The most intense activity occurred between May 4 and May 10, making this the most tornadoes recorded within a seven-day period.
These tornadoes caused significant destruction, affecting areas like the Ozarks and the central Mississippi River Valley.
Colorado saw its share of these storms, with multiple tornadoes touching down within the state.
The conditions for this outbreak were driven by a persistent upper-level trough. This feature created ideal circumstances for tornado formation, leading to a highly active storm period.
Learn more about the Tornado outbreak sequence of May 2003. The scale and impact of these storms remain a significant event in Colorado’s weather history.
8. September 2013 Floods
In September 2013, Colorado’s Front Range experienced historic flooding. Starting on September 9, a week of heavy rain hit the region hard.
The floods affected areas from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs.
Rainfall totals in some places matched or even exceeded the annual averages.
This natural disaster was one of the most severe in Colorado’s history.
Swollen creeks and rivers caused widespread damage, covering 4,500 square miles.
The disaster also led to significant financial and life losses, with damages estimated at $4 billion and nine lives lost.
For more in-depth details, you can refer to this Wikipedia article on the 2013 Colorado floods.
9. Blizzard of 2006
The Blizzard of 2006 hit Colorado in two parts during late December. It dropped heavy snowfall, making it a significant weather event. The storm left many homes buried in snow.
Travel became nearly impossible as roads were blocked.
Efforts to clear snow were hindered by a subsequent and smaller storm before full recovery could be made.
This blizzard led to widespread disruptions in daily life.
People were stranded in their neighborhoods for days.
It was estimated that around a foot and a half of snow piled up in some areas.
Cars were immobilized, and many faced challenges in navigating the snowy conditions.
The Blizzard of 2006 is remembered as one of the most impactful in Colorado’s recent history.
It serves as a reminder of how severe winter weather can disrupt lives and communities. For more details, visit 2006 Colorado Holiday Blizzards – Wikipedia.
10. Hurricane-force Winds of January 2017
In January 2017, Colorado experienced a powerful windstorm with speeds reaching those of a Category 1 hurricane.
The storm caused significant damage across the state.
Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and property damage was widespread.
Meteorologists recorded wind gusts up to 100 mph in some areas.
This event was particularly notable because Colorado is not typically hit by such strong wind events.
The Science Behind Colorado Storms
Colorado experiences a wide range of storms because of its unique geography and weather patterns. Understanding the types of storms and the weather conditions that lead to them can help in predicting future events.
Types of Storms
Colorado is known for severe thunderstorms, snowstorms, and blizzards.
Thunderstorms often bring heavy rainfall, hail, and even tornadoes. These are most common in the spring and summer, especially in the eastern plains and along the Front Range.
Snowstorms and blizzards are frequent in the winter, particularly in the higher elevations.
These storms can dump significant snowfall, as seen in Denver’s blizzard of 1997, which recorded 21.9 inches of snow in just a couple of days. Such storms can close major highways and cause widespread disruption.
Weather Patterns
Weather patterns in Colorado are influenced by several factors.
The state’s mountainous terrain plays a big role in shaping local weather.
Moisture from the Pacific Ocean gets trapped by the Rocky Mountains, leading to heavy precipitation on the western slopes.
East of the Continental Divide, weather varies greatly.
The largest storms often happen in spring when warm, moist air from the south collides with cooler air from the north.
In the summer, the eastern plains experience intense thunderstorms due to high humidity and warm temperatures.
In general, the Continental Divide and elevation significantly affect weather, making Colorado’s storm patterns complex and varied.
Historical Context of Colorado Storms
Colorado has experienced significant snowstorms throughout its history, which have been recorded since the late 19th century. These storms have shaped the region’s weather patterns and responses.
Early Records
In April 1921, Boulder County experienced an enormous snowfall, receiving 76 inches in one day. This storm stands as one of the largest in the state’s history.
Prior to this, December 1913 saw Clear Creek County buried under 63 inches of snow.
These early recordings illustrate the severe conditions that affected daily life and transportation.
Data collection began in 1871, marking the commencement of systematic weather tracking. Understanding these storms helps appreciate their long-term impacts on infrastructure and community preparedness in Colorado.
Recent Developments
More recent storms continue to impress with their intensity.
For instance, in March 2003, a major storm hit the Denver area. Many residents remember it for its heavy snow over three days.
This storm exemplified the kind of severe weather that can still occur.
Another significant event took place on December 20-21, 2006, when 20.7 inches of snow blanketed the region.
Such modern storms highlight ongoing challenges and the importance of preparedness.
Denver’s largest snowstorms, like the 1997 blizzard that dumped 21.9 inches, continue to affect travel and daily activities. They close major highways and emphasize the need for robust winter weather strategies.