Colorado First Snow September: Patterns and Statistics
Colorado's first snow often occurs in September. The earliest snowfall in Colorado typically happens at Arapahoe Basin in early to mid-September. Colorado's first snow can vary across the state, with higher elevations receiving snow earlier. The earliest recorded measurable snowfall in Denver was on September 3, 1961. While September snow in Denver is possible, it's relatively uncommon, with only 46 occurrences since 1882. Colorado's first snow in September is more common in mountainous areas than in lower-elevation cities.
September snow patterns in Colorado
Arapahoe Basin - first to see Colorado's September snow
- Early September snowfall: Arapahoe Basin often experiences Colorado's first snow in September, typically in early to mid-September
- 2024 first snow: The earliest snowfall in Colorado for 2024 was reported on the peaks of Arapahoe Basin on September 5
- Opening plans: The resort aims to open in late September or early October, often being the first resort in North America to open for the winter season
Denver and surrounding areas: September snow occurrences
- Earliest recorded snow: The earliest measurable snowfall in Colorado's capital, Denver, occurred on September 3, 1961, with 4.2 inches
- Recent September snow in Denver: The city received 1 inch of snow on September 8, 2020, the second-earliest snowfall on record
- Historical frequency: Since 1882, September snow in Denver has occurred a total of 46 times
Boulder statistics for September snow
- Earliest September snow: In Boulder, the earliest measurable snow (>0.1 inch) occurred on September 21, 1951
- Average frequency: Measurable snow in September occurs on average 1 time per month in Boulder
Factors influencing Colorado's first snow in September
Cold fronts and weather patterns
- September cold fronts: Cold fronts can bring brief tastes of fall and potential early snowfall in Colorado, especially in higher elevations
- Mountain snow: Cold fronts in September can bring 2-4 inches of snow above 10,000 feet in the Colorado mountains
- Temperature swings: Rapid temperature changes can occur, such as the 70°F drop in three days experienced in September 2020
Arctic Oscillation impact on Colorado's September snow
- Snowfall influence: The Arctic Oscillation (AO) can affect snowfall amounts, with its negative phase potentially leading to more September snow in Colorado
- Long-term trends: Between 1967 and 2022, April snow cover in Colorado declined by 1.32% per decade, May by 4.1% per decade, and June by 12.95% per decade
FAQ
When does Colorado typically get its first snow of the season?
Colorado's first snow often occurs in September, with high-elevation areas like Arapahoe Basin typically receiving the earliest snowfall in the state, usually in early to mid-September.
What is the earliest recorded snowfall in Colorado?
The earliest recorded measurable snowfall in Denver, Colorado's capital, occurred on September 3, 1961, with 4.2 inches of snow.
How common is September snow in Denver?
September snow in Denver is relatively uncommon, with only 46 occurrences since 1882. However, it is possible and has happened as recently as September 8, 2020, when the city received 1 inch of snow.
Which areas in Colorado are most likely to see the first snow in September?
High-elevation areas, particularly ski resorts like Arapahoe Basin, are most likely to experience Colorado's first snow in September. These areas often see snowfall in early to mid-September.
How do weather patterns affect Colorado's first snow in September?
Cold fronts moving through Colorado in September can bring brief tastes of fall and potential early snowfall, especially in higher elevations. These fronts can cause rapid temperature drops and bring 2-4 inches of snow to areas above 10,000 feet in the Colorado mountains.
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