Colorado’s first snows often occur in September. The first snowfall in Colorado usually occurs at Arapahoe Basin In early to mid-September. Colorado’s first snow may vary across the state, with higher elevations receiving snow earlier. THE first measurable snowfall recorded in Denver was on September 3, 1961. While September Snow in Denver is possible, it is relatively rare, with only 46 occurrences since 1882. Colorado’s first snow In September is more common in mountainous areas than in low-lying cities.
September Snow Patterns in Colorado
Arapahoe Basin – first to see Colorado snow in September
- Snowfall in early September: The Arapahoe Basin often experiences Colorado’s first snow in Septembergenerally in early to mid-September
- 2024 first snow: THE first snowfall in Colorado for 2024 has been reported on the peaks of the Arapahoe Basin on September 5
- Opening shots: The station aims to open in late September or early Octoberoften being the first resort in North America to open for the winter season
Denver and surrounding areas: occurrences of snow in September
- First snow recorded: THE first measurable snowfall in Colorado’s capitalDenver, occurred on September 3, 1961with 4.2 inches
- Recent Snow in September in Denver: The city received 1 inch snow on September 8, 2020THE second earliest snowfall recorded
- Historical frequency: Since 1882, September Snow in Denver occurred a total of 46 times
Boulder Statistics for September Snow
- Snow in early September: In Boulder, the first 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 conditions
- September cold fronts: Cold fronts can bring brief tastes of fall and potential first snowfall in Coloradoespecially at higher altitudes
- Mountain snow: Cold fronts in September can bring 2 to 4 inches of snow above 10,000 feet in the mountains of Colorado
- Temperature variations: Rapid changes in temperature may occur, Drop of 70°F in three days lived in September 2020
Impact of the Arctic Oscillation on Colorado Snow in September
- Influence of snowfall: The Arctic Oscillation (AO) can affect snowfall amounts, with its negative phase potentially leading to more snow in September in Colorado
- Long-term trends: Between 1967 and 2022, April snow cover in Colorado decreased by 1.32% per decadeMay by 4.1% per decadeand June by 12.95% per decade
FAQs
When does Colorado typically get its first snow of the season?
Colorado’s first snows often occur in September, with high elevation areas like the Arapahoe Basin typically receiving the state’s first snowfall, usually in early to mid-September.
What was the first snowfall recorded in Colorado?
The first measurable snowfall recorded in Denver, Colorado’s capital, occurred on September 3, 1961, with 4.2 inches of snow.
How common is snowfall in September in Denver?
Snow in September in Denver is relatively rare, with only 46 occurrences since 1882. However, it is possible and has occurred as recently as September 8, 2020, when the city received 1 inch of snow.
Which areas of Colorado are most likely to see the first snow in September?
High-elevation areas, especially ski resorts like the Arapahoe Basin, are most likely to see Colorado’s first snow in September. These areas often see snowfall in early to mid-September.
How does weather 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 at higher elevations. These fronts can cause rapid drops in temperature and bring 2 to 4 inches of snow to areas above 10,000 feet in Colorado’s mountains.