This time period in November has been exceedingly eventful throughout Denver weather history.  Notable as usual are big wind events that have caused damage and injuries.  Snow of course is also quite present, including the Thanksgiving blizzard of 1983 which dumped an astounding 21.5 inches of snow on the Mile High City.

From the National Weather Service:

21-22

In 1905…a trace of snow fell on both days in downtown Denver.  This was the only snow of the month…ranking the month along with other Novembers…the 2nd least snowiest on record.

In 1999…the first significant snowfall of the season struck metro Denver.  Snowfall totals included:  16 inches near bailey; 13 inches near evergreen; 12 inches at north turkey creek…Genesee…near Morrison…and near Sedalia; 11 inches near Conifer and in evergreen; 10 inches in Louisville; 9 inches in Brighton…Broomfield…and Denver; and 8 inches at Arvada…Castle Rock…and Eldorado Springs.  Snowfall totaled 8.4 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport.

In 2003…heavy snow fell in and near the foothills of Boulder County.  Snowfall totaled 10.5 inches in Eldorado Springs. Across the city…snowfall was lighter with 2.8 inches measured at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport on the 22nd.  North winds gusted to 32 mph at Denver International Airport on the 22nd.

21-23

In 1918…post-frontal snowfall totaled 5.9 inches in downtown Denver.  Most of the snow…5.3 inches…fell on the 22nd. North winds were sustained to 20 mph on the 21st.

In 1931…a major storm dumped a total of 13.2 inches of snowfall over downtown Denver.  Most of the snow…11.4 inches…fell on the 21st.  A very cold air mass settled over the city after the heavy snow on the 21st.  After a low temperature of zero…the temperature climbed to a high of only 5 degrees on the 22nd…a record low maximum for the date.

21-25

In 1952…snowfall of 6.2 inches was measured at Stapleton Airport where northeast winds gusted to 17 mph on the 21st.

22

In 1977…101 mph winds were measured in southwest Boulder. The side of a garage was blown down.  West winds gusted to only 33 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1981…high winds occurred in the foothills.  A peak gust to 75 mph was reported at Wondervu.  West winds gusted to 23 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1988…a wind gust to 88 mph was measured at Rollinsville.

In 1990…strong west to northwest winds…on the coat tails of a mountain snow storm the day before…lashed out at portions of the eastern foothills with 60 to 95 mph wind gusts.  The strong winds spread over all of metro Denver. A west wind gust to 49 mph was recorded at Stapleton International Airport.

22-23

In 1953…strong winds raked Boulder causing 18 thousand dollars in damage.  Wind gusts to 80 mph were recorded at Valmont and estimated to 80 mph at the Boulder airport.

23

In 1899…a trace of snow fell in the city.  This…together with a trace of precipitation on the 16th and 21st…was the only precipitation of the month…making the month the driest on record.  The record was equaled in November of 1901 and 1949.  This trace of snow along with a trace of snow on the 21st was the only snow of the month…ranking the month the 2nd least snowiest on record.  This record was equaled in November of 1884…1901…1905…1917…and 1939.

In 1901…northwest winds were sustained to 45 mph with gusts to 53 mph.  The Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 70 degrees.

In 1910…west winds were sustained to 42 mph.  The Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 67 degrees.

In 1959…west-northwest winds gusted to 56 mph…briefly reducing the visibility to 3 miles in blowing dust at Stapleton Airport.

In 1998…winds…estimated as high as 58 mph…caused several wood trusses installed in a police station under construction in Castle Rock to collapse.  A construction worker on the roof received minor injuries when he was struck by one of the trusses.  Southeast winds gusted to 38 mph at Denver International Airport.

23-24

In 1992…a pre-Thanksgiving blizzard belted metro Denver. Gusty north to northeast winds at 30 to 40 mph caused near-whiteout conditions as visibilities were often below 1/4 mile.  The strong winds drove snow into drifts of more than 4 feet.  Hundreds of holiday travelers were stranded when airlines canceled flights at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled 7.6 inches and north winds gusted to 37 mph.  Blizzard conditions began around mid- morning on the 23rd and ended by mid-afternoon…but heavy snow fell through the night.  Snowfall totaled:  12 inches at Conifer…Morrison…and Wheat Ridge; 19 inches at Littleton; 16 inches at Castle Rock; 9 inches in Brighton; 8 inches in Aurora; and 6 inches in Parker.

In 1993…a moist upper level disturbance dumped heavy snow over most of Colorado.  Snowfall amounts averaged 5 to 8 inches across metro Denver.  Snowfall totaled 4.6 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to only 20 mph on the 23rd.  The very cold air mass caused the temperature to dip to a record low of 8 degrees below zero on the 24th.  The temperature that day climbed to only 9 degrees…also setting a record low maximum for the date.

24

In 1915…Chinook winds from the southwest sustained to 40 mph with gusts to 46 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 61 degrees.  It was windy most of the day.

In 1949…the low temperature dipped to 56 degrees…the all-time record highest minimum temperature ever recorded during the month of November.

In 1960…violent wind gusts caused some damage in Boulder. West winds gusted to only 22 mph at Stapleton Airport.

In 1980…a snow storm brought 3 to 6 inches of snow across metro Denver.  At Stapleton International Airport…only 2.1 inches of snow fell.

In 1989…high winds were recorded in Boulder with a gust to 64 mph.  West winds gusted to only 24 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

24-25

In 1908…heavy snowfall totaled 7.0 inches over downtown Denver overnight.  North winds were sustained to 15 mph.

In 1930 strong winds raked the Front Range eastern foothills. Winds gusted to 40 mph at Valmont just east of Boulder where minor damage occurred.

In 1970…strong Chinook winds warmed Boulder.  At the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder…wind gusts reached 97 mph…while in downtown Boulder winds peaked to 69 mph.  Some minor damage occurred.  Northwest winds gusted to 39 mph at Stapleton International Airport…and the high temperature warmed to 76 degrees on the 25th…setting a new record maximum for the date.

25

In 1877…northwest winds were sustained to 50 mph.

In 1902…northwest winds were sustained to 45 mph with gusts to 48 mph.  The strong apparent Bora winds warmed the temperature to a high of only 45 degrees.

In 1943…snowfall of 4.0 inches was the only measurable snow of the month.  North winds were sustained to 17 mph.

In 1958…strong pre-frontal Chinook winds struck Boulder and the eastern foothills.  A wind gust to 100 mph was recorded northwest of Denver.  A gust to 88 mph occurred at Rocky Flats south of Boulder.  The windstorm caused considerable structural damage to residential sections of north metro Denver.

In 1959…strong winds raked the eastern foothills including Boulder and Eldorado Springs.  Wind gusts to 100 mph were estimated at the Matterhorn restaurant located atop rocky flats south of Boulder.

In 1993…a wind gust to 99 mph was recorded atop Squaw Mountain near Idaho Springs.

In 1998…strong winds developed over portions of the Front Range foothills for a brief time following the passage of a weak upper level disturbance.  A wind gust to 71 mph was measured atop blue mountain near Coal Creek Canyon.

In 1999…strong Chinook winds developed in and near the foothills.  Peak wind reports included 100 mph at the Eldora Ski Resort and 77 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Lab above Boulder.  West winds gusted to 38 mph at Denver International Airport.

25-26

In 1887…snowfall totaled 2.9 inches in the city.  This was the only measurable snow of the month.  Northeast winds were sustained to 18 mph on the 26th when the temperature dipped to 12 degrees below zero.

In 1959…a sharp cold front produced a northwest wind gust to 51 mph…followed by snow and falling temperatures from a high of 60 degrees to a low of 23 degrees at midnight on the 25th.  Snowfall totaled 4.4 inches at Stapleton Airport before ending early on the 26th.

In 1972…winds gusted to 104 mph at the rocky flats plant south of Boulder.  Gusts to 70 mph were recorded at the national bureau of standards in Boulder…while in downtown Boulder winds peaked to 68 mph.  Some damage was reported. Northwest winds gusted to 47 mph at Stapleton International Airport on the 26th.

In 1984…blowing snow closed I-70 east of Denver…stranding over a thousand travelers in Limon.  Denver received only 2.3 inches of snowfall.  North winds gusted to 31 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1999…strong Chinook winds redeveloped overnight in and near the foothills.  Peak wind gusts included 72 mph atop Blue Mountain near Wondervu and at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab above Boulder.

In 2010…high winds developed in the foothills of Boulder County. A gust to 75 mph occurred 5 miles northwest of Boulder with a gust to 72 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research mesa lab above Boulder. West winds gusted to 24 mph at Denver International Airport.

25-27

In 1978…heavy snowfall of 6.0 inches was measured at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 20 mph.  Most of the snow…4.8 inches…fell on the 25th. The greatest amount of snow measured on the ground was 5 inches due to settling and melting.

25-28

In 1952…the average coldest 4-day period in November in the previous 81 years of record occurred.  Maximum temperatures of 19…15…21…and 25 degrees were recorded.  Minimum temperatures were below zero each day with readings of 7 below…6 below…5 below…and 6 below.

25-29

In 1985…dense fog with visibilities as low as 1/8 mile occurred on five consecutive days at Stapleton International Airport.  The fog was at times accompanied by light snow… Light freezing drizzle…or ice crystals.  Fog occurred all day on both the 26th and 29th.

26

In 1873…west winds increased to a violent gale at 3:00 am and reached a maximum sustained velocity of 56 mph at 3:15 am.  The winds continued with a velocity of not less than 40 mph until 6:00 am.  Winds continued brisk for the remainder of the day.  The strong winds caused damage to houses and buildings in the city.  Temperatures were in the 50’s through early afternoon with a recorded high of 59 degrees.  Winds also blew strongly in Boulder and caused 300 dollars in damage.

In 1911…post-frontal northeast winds were sustained to 43 mph with gusts as high as 52 mph.  Snowfall was only 0.5 inch.

In 1965…post-frontal snowfall totaled 5.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport where strong west winds gusted to 39 mph during the afternoon.

In 1976…2 to 4 inches of snow with an arctic cold front produced near zero visibility at times in blowing snow… Causing multiple automobile accidents in metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 3.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 39 mph.  Temperatures hovered in the teens and lower 20’s most of the day dipping to 7 degrees by midnight.

In 1977 a strong wind storm raked metro Denver.  High winds blew windows from office towers in Denver and Boulder. Thirteen people were injured in Boulder due to flying debris.  Wind gusts to 119 mph were clocked on Davidson Mesa southeast of Boulder…with 109 mph in downtown Boulder.  Six airplanes were damaged at Jefferson County airport near Broomfield.  Winds to 90 mph were reported in Lakewood.   Glass was blown out of several vehicles in Wheat Ridge…and roofs were blown off 4 houses in Arvada. Several houses under construction collapsed across metro Denver.  Winds to 75 mph were reported at the Denver federal center with 90 mph at rocky flats.  West winds gusted to 51 mph at Stapleton International Airport. Total insured damage from the wind storm was 2.2 million dollars.

In 1987…a Thanksgiving snowstorm brought 5 inches of snow to metro Denver and 6 inches to the foothills.  At Stapleton International Airport…snowfall totaled 5.0 inches…north winds gusted to 22 mph…and temperatures hovered in the upper 20’s most of the day.

In 1991…strong winds were recorded in and near the eastern foothills.  Winds at Rollinsville were clocked to 70 mph with 45 mph recorded in Boulder and 51 mph at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Rocky Flats plant.  West winds gusted to only 28 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

26-27

In 1876…heavy snowfall totaled 9.0 inches over the city from 5:00 pm on the 26th through 5:00 p.m. on the 27th. Precipitation was 0.30 inch on the 25th and 0.60 inch on the 27th.

In 1919…an incursion of cold arctic air produced snowfall of 4.6 inches over downtown Denver.  Temperatures dipped to 5 degrees below zero on the evening of the 26th and recovered to a high of only 1 degree below zero on the 27th…the all-time record low maximum for the month of November and the record for the date.  Northwest winds were sustained to 25 mph with gusts to 26 mph on the 26th.

In 1923…snowfall of 2.0 inches was the only snow of the month.  North winds were sustained to 22 mph on the 26th.

In 1972…heavy snowfall totaled 7.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to only 18 mph on the 27th.

In 1983…a Thanksgiving blizzard dumped 21.5 inches of snowfall in 37 hours with a maximum of 18 inches on the ground at Stapleton International Airport.  The storm produced howling winds…which paralyzed Thanksgiving weekend transportation across all of eastern Colorado. On the 27th…Stapleton International Airport closed… Opening 24 hours later.  Interstate Highways were closed in all directions…but west…from Denver.  At Stapleton International Airport…north winds gusted to 36 mph on the 26th and to 29 mph on the 27th.  However…most wind speeds across metro Denver were 15 to 30 mph.  Temperatures hovered in the teens and lower 20’s.  Many stores and businesses closed.  Several high school football games were postponed.  Across metro Denver…snow depth varied from 15 inches in Commerce City to 28 inches near Chatfield Reservoir.  Snow removal in Denver was estimated at 1.5 million dollars.  Following the storm… An inch or more of snow remained on the ground for 63 consecutive days through January 27…1984.  This is the longest period of continuous snow cover ever recorded in Denver.

In 1990…an early winter storm deposited 2 to 8 inches of wet snow across metro Denver.  Snowfall totaled 3.4 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 30 mph on the 26th.

In 1993…strong winds swept off the foothills across metro Denver.  Sustained winds of 30 to 50 mph were common across the area.  Wind gusts to 67 mph were recorded atop Squaw Mountain near Idaho Springs.  West winds gusted to 36 mph at Stapleton International Airport on the 26th.  The strong winds produced some blowing snow…reducing the visibility to less than one mile at times.

In 1995…snowfall totaled 3.7 inches at the former Stapleton International Airport site.  The foothills west of Denver received 4 to 7 inches of snow.  North-northeast winds gusted to 34 mph at Denver International Airport on the 26th.

27

In 1965…strong winds buffeted Boulder…causing 11 thousand dollars in damage.  Wind gusts to 75 mph were recorded downtown.  West winds gusted to 38 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1994…winds gusted to 87 mph atop Squaw Mountain…5 miles south of Idaho Springs…and to 84 mph on fritz peak near Rollinsville in the foothills southwest of Boulder. Northwest winds gusted to 40 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

28

In 1884…a windstorm during the afternoon produced northwest sustained winds to 46 mph.  Two wooden slats were blown out of the weather instrument shelter…and nearly all of the slats on the north and west sides were loosened.

In 1898…northwest winds were sustained to 50 mph with gusts as high as 80 mph.

In 1902…northwest winds were sustained to 40 mph with gusts to 48 mph.  The strong apparent Bora winds warmed the temperature to a high of only 40 degrees.

In 1904…northwest winds sustained to 44 mph with gusts to 58 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 58 degrees.

In 1927…strong west winds occurred in Boulder…causing widespread minor damage.  A wind gust to 65 mph was recorded at Valmont east of Boulder.  The west winds possibly produced a cyclonic twist.

In 1928…heavy snowfall totaled 7.0 inches over downtown Denver.

In 1957…a vigorous cold front produced north-northeast wind gusts to 54 mph at Stapleton Airport.  Light snow following the front totaled only 0.2 inch.

In 1970…strong Chinook winds reached 77 mph in downtown Boulder.

In 1978…wind gusts 60 to 90 mph were reported in and near the foothills.

In 1984…high winds of 60 to 80 mph occurred along the Front Range eastern foothills.  In Boulder…the high winds blew the roof off a service station.  Several trees were felled… Damaging some cars.  An elderly woman was injured when she was knocked down by a wind gust and blown 20 feet into some bushes.  Northwest winds gusted to 36 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1994…winds gusted to 72 mph in Boulder.  No damage was reported.  Northwest winds gusted to 35 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

28-29

In 1908…heavy snowfall overnight and for most of the day on the 29th totaled 12.5 inches.  Precipitation was 1.09 inches.  Northwest winds were sustained to 26 mph on the 29th.

In 1928…a major storm dumped 15.5 inches of snowfall on downtown Denver.  North winds were sustained to 18 mph with gusts to 19 mph on the 28th.

In 1992…an upper level storm system moved across metro Denver…but left only a dusting of snow.  Snowfall totaled only 1.6 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 25 mph.  Other snow amounts included: 8 inches at Conifer…6 inches at Lake Eldora…3 inches at Rollinsville and in southeast Denver.

In 1997…a storm system tracking across northern New Mexico produced strong north to northeast upslope flow against the eastern slopes of the Front Range and Palmer Ridge. Snowfall totals in Jefferson County included:  14 inches near Deckers; 12 inches at Castle Rock and Sedalia; 10 inches near Conifer…11 miles southwest of Morrison…and at Buffalo Creek.  Elsewhere…snow accumulations were less. Snowfall totaled only 0.7 inch at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport on the 27th and 28th.

In 2004…heavy snow fell in the foothills and across metro Denver.  In the foothills…snowfall totals included:  13 inches at Roxborough State Park and Eldorado Springs… 11.5 inches near Conifer…11.0 inches near Nederland…and 10 inches near Indian Hills.  Across metro Denver snowfall totaled 14 inches near Sedalia…9 inches near Louisville… 8 inches at Ralston Reservoir…and 5.1 inches in the Stapleton area of Denver.  Northeast winds gusted to 28 mph at Denver International Airport on the 28th.

In 2006…a slow moving storm system brought heavy snow to the mountains and to the eastern foothills where snowfall ranged from 8 to 18 inches.  Some of the more impressive snow totals included:  18 inches at Genesee…17.5 inches near Boulder…17 inches at Aspen Springs…16.5 inches 10 miles northwest of Golden…15 inches at Eldorado Springs… 14.5 inches in Idaho Springs and near Jamestown…12 inches in grant and near Indian Hills…11.5 inches near Blackhawk… 11 inches at gross reservoir and Eldora…and 10.5 inches in Conifer.  Across metro Denver…storm total snowfall generally ranged from 5 to 9 inches with the heaviest amounts near the foothills in Boulder and Jefferson counties.  The most impressive totals included:  15.5 inches at Ken Caryl…12 inches in Boulder…7.5 inches near Morrison…and 7 inches near both Chatfield and Ralston reservoirs.  Snowfall totaled only 4.2 inches in the Denver Stapleton area.  Northeast winds gusted to 31 mph at Denver International Airport on the 28th.

28-30

In 1991…a winter storm dumped heavy snow in the foothills and near the Palmer Divide with 10 inches recorded at Conifer and Golden Gate Canyon…12 inches in Morrison… 6 inches at Castle Rock and Parker.  Only 3.4 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusting to 35 mph on the 29th…produced some blowing snow.  Some light freezing drizzle also fell on the 28th and 29th.

Any week in Denver weather history is filled with numerous notable weather events and this week is no different.  We have everything from major snowstorms to damaging winds and much more.  However, one item is particularly notable and historic.  It was on the 20th of November in 1871 that the first, official weather observation took place in Denver.  Henry Fenton, Observer Sergeant of the United States Army Signal Service, made the report at 5:43 am.  The office was located on the 2nd floor of a building at the corner of Larimer and G Streets, now 16th Street.  Scroll down to see what the report said.

From the National Weather Service:

From the 12th to the 15th:

In 1909…light snowfall totaled 6.7 inches in downtown Denver over the 4 days.  This was the first measurable snowfall of the season.  Northeast winds were sustained to 15 mph on the 12th.

From the 14th to the 15th:

In 1917…overnight rainfall was 0.03 inch.  This was the only measurable precipitation of the month…making it the 5th driest November on record.

In 1985…3 to 6 inches of snow fell across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 3.8 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to only 13 mph.

In 2005…a winter storm that brought heavy snow to the mountains also spread heavy snow into the foothills to the west of Denver.  Snowfall totals included:  14 inches at Aspen Springs…13 inches near Pinecliffe…and 12 inches near Nederland.  Interstate 70 along with U.S. Highway 40 had to be closed near Idaho Springs due to snow…poor visibility in blowing snow…numerous accidents…and an increased avalanche danger.  High winds were recorded in the foothills on the 14th.  Winds gusted to 89 mph at Georgetown and to 91 mph on Sugarloaf Mountain west of Boulder.  Strong microburst winds associated with a dissipating rain shower gusted to 61 mph at Denver International Airport on the 14th.

In 2009…a storm system produced heavy snow over parts of Front Range foothills…urban corridor and Palmer Divide. Storms totals in the Front Range foothills included: 13.5 inches…6 miles southwest of Evergreen and near Genesee; 13 inches…3 miles northwest of Idledale; 12 inches…3 miles north of Conifer and near Kittredge; 11 inches…12 miles southwest of Boulder and 3 miles southeast of Indian Hills and at Strontia Springs dam; 10 inches near Bailey…Bergen Park and Crow Hill; 9.5 inches near Blackhawk and 4 miles east-northeast of Nederland. Across the urban corridor and Palmer Divide storm totals included: 12 inches at Highlands Ranch…11 inches…5 miles south-southwest of Arapahoe Park and Louviers; 10 inches…4 miles south of Denver; 9 inches near Englewood…Lakewood… And Wheat Ridge; 8 inches at Aurora and 3 miles south-southwest of Castle Pines; 7.5 inches…3 miles southeast of Denver; with 7 inches 2 miles north-northeast of Commerce City. At Denver International Airport…7.3 inches of snowfall was observed.

From the 14th to the 18th:

In 1964…the first measurable snowfall of the season totaled 6.0 inches at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 32 mph on the 14th. Most of the snow…4.2 inches…fell on the 14th.  This was the only measurable snow of the month.

On the 15th:

In 1902…4.0 inches of snow fell over downtown Denver. This was the only measurable snow of the month. Northeast winds were sustained to 18 mph with gusts to 20 mph.

In 1906…strong winds howled and roared across Boulder… Causing several thousand dollars in damage.  The strong winds caused one fatality and minor injuries to others. West winds were sustained to 46 mph in downtown Denver where the strong Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 74 degrees.

In 1944…the low temperature dipped to 32 degrees.  This is the latest date of the first freeze in Denver.

In 1949…a trace of rain fell.  Another trace of rain on the 11th was the only precipitation of the month…making the month one of the driest Novembers on record and the least snowiest with no snow.  This was the first November since 1882 without snow.

In 1960…strong winds caused 2 thousand dollars damage to a new school building in Boulder where wind gusts were estimated to 70 mph.  Wind gusts to 40 mph were recorded in downtown Denver.  Damage occurred to utility lines…signs… And trees.  Northwest winds gusted to 44 mph at Stapleton Airport.

In 1986…strong Chinook winds howled over the Front Range foothills.  The highest wind gust…81 mph…was recorded at Table Mesa in Boulder.  West winds gusted to 31 mph at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1987…the first measurable snow of the season was also a major snowstorm.  The snow combined with strong winds to close I-70 east of Denver and I-25 to Colorado Springs. Snow accumulations ranged from 6 to 9 inches across metro Denver with 10 to 20 inches in the foothills.  At Stapleton International Airport…6.1 inches of snow fell and north winds gusted to 47 mph reducing the visibility to as low as 1/8 mile in heavy snow.  Strong north winds at 20 to 30 mph with frequent gusts to 40 mph and temperatures hovering around 30 degrees plunged wind chill temperatures to 5 below zero.

In 1988…the season’s first snow storm hit metro Denver. The storm dumped 2 to 5 inches of snow…which caused numerous traffic snarls and accidents.  North wind gusts to 43 mph caused some blowing snow.  Snowfall totaled 2.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport.  This was the latest first snow of the season.  No traces of snow had occurred earlier in the season.

In 2010…the combination of light snow…wind… Black ice and careless driving resulted in a 34-vehicle crash along Interstate 25 north of Monument. Five tractor-trailers were involved in the pileup. Although there were no fatalities… 18 people were seriously injured and taken to nearby hospitals. The northbound lanes of I-25 were closed for several hours…snarling the traffic between Denver and Colorado Springs.

From the 15th to the 16th:

In 1894…winds behind an apparent strong cold front were sustained to 60 mph with gusts to 75 mph on the 15th. Snowfall totaled 2.6 inches in the city.  Temperatures plunged from a high of 72 degrees on the 15th to a low of only 5 degrees on the 16th.  The high temperature on the 16th was 24 degrees…which occurred shortly after midnight.

In 1996…around a foot of new snow fell in the foothills west of Denver with 3 to 6 inches at lower elevations across metro Denver.  Some of the snowfall totals included:  15 inches at Georgetown…12 inches at Idaho Springs…10 inches at Chief Hosa…and 9 inches in Coal Creek Canyon.  Snowfall totaled 2.9 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport.  Northeast winds gusted to 23 mph at Denver International Airport on the 16th.

From the 15th to the 17th:

In 1991…a strong winter storm dumped heavy snow over metro Denver.  Snowfall amounts totaled 15 inches at Castle Rock and conifer…14 inches at Morrison and Parker…12 inches in southeast Aurora…and 11.6 inches at Stapleton International Airport.  Winds were light with the storm.

Continue reading November 15 to November 21: This week in Denver weather history →

Wind is always a factor on the plains and the fall usually brings a great deal of it, especially in November.  Our look back at this week in Denver weather history shows that event and snow are quite common this time of year.

From the National Weather Service:

From the 7th to the 8th:

In 1969…wind gusts to 48 mph in downtown Boulder caused minor damage.

On the 8th:

In 1896…southwest Chinook winds sustained to 42 mph with gusts as high as 46 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 53 degrees.

In 1977 near-blizzard conditions in blowing snow caused the closure of I-70 to the west of Denver in clear creek canyon and east of Denver to Limon.  Northeast wind gusts to 46 mph were recorded at Stapleton International Airport where snowfall totaled only 1.1 inches.

In 1984…a rare November thunderstorm produced west winds gusting to 31 mph…but only 0.04 inch of rain at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1996…high winds gusting from 80 to 100 mph were recorded at Wondervu in the foothills southwest of Boulder.  West northwest winds gusted to 32 mph at Denver International Airport.

In 2006…the temperature in Denver climbed to a high of 80 degrees.  This was the first time the temperature had ever exceeded the 70’s in November since records began in 1872. This new all-time record maximum temperature for the month of November was also a new daily record and the highest temperature ever recorded so late in the season.

From the 8th to the 9th:

In 1897…west winds were sustained to 45 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph in the city.

In 1919…post-frontal heavy snowfall totaled 8.4 inches over downtown Denver.  Most of the snow…6.6 inches…fell on the 9th.  North winds were sustained to 26 mph with gusts to 30 mph on the 8th.

In 1950…a major winter storm dumped 10.4 inches of snow at Stapleton Airport with the most snow…7.8 inches…falling on the 8th.  East winds gusted to 31 mph at Stapleton Airport on the 8th.  Snowfall totaled 8.2 inches in downtown Denver.

In 1958…strong winds caused some damage in Boulder.  West- northwest winds gusted to 40 mph at Stapleton Airport on the 8th.

In 1975…heavy snowfall hit metro Denver.  Snowfall at Stapleton International Airport totaled 8.0 inches and east winds gusted to 21 mph.  Power outages caused by the storm affected over 10 thousand people in metro Denver.  In the foothills west of Denver…10 to 15 inches of snow fell. The storm produced the greatest 24-hour precipitation…1.29 inches…ever recorded during the month of November in the city.

In 1983…metro Denver received 4 to 8 inches of snow with the heaviest amounts near the foothills.  It was the first measurable snow of the season in Denver.  Only 1.8 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 20 mph.

In 1989…strong winds hit the Front Range.  On the 9th…the wooden frame of a house under construction in Boulder was blown down.  The previous evening a power outage blackened Nederland.  Wind gusts to 95 mph were recorded 4 miles south of Rollinsville with 97 mph on fritz peak near that town.  At Stapleton International Airport…northwest winds gusted to 45 mph on the 8th and to 38 mph on the 9th.

In 1998…another upslope snow event developed in the Front Range foothills.  The heaviest snowfall occurred in west central Jefferson County where 14 inches were measured 8 miles west of conifer.  Other snowfall totals included: 10 inches at evergreen and 9 miles northwest of Bergen Park; 9 inches at Genesee…Nederland…and near the Chief Hosa exit on I-70; and 8 inches in Coal Creek Canyon.  On the 9th…snowfall was 2.6 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport.  North-northeast winds gusted to 30 mph at Denver International Airport on the 9th.

From the 8th to the 10th:

In 1985…Indian summer came to an abrupt end when a winter storm dumped 10 to 18 inches of snow in the Front Range foothills and 6 to 10 inches across metro Denver…snarling traffic and causing flight delays of up to 3 hours at Stapleton International Airport.  The temperature plunged from a high of 66 degrees on the 8th to a low of only 13 degrees on the 9th…after the passage of a vigorous cold front with northeast winds gusting to 32 mph.  The temperature climbed to only 19 degrees on the 10th…setting a record low maximum for the date.  Snowfall totaled 7.3 inches at Stapleton International Airport with most of the snow…7.1 inches…falling on the 9th.

On the 9th:

In 1939…a trace of snow fell over downtown Denver.  This snow…along with a trace of snow on the 2nd…was the only snow of the month…ranking it…along with other months…the second least snowiest November on record.  Precipitation of 0.01 inch was the only precipitation of the month…making this the second driest November on record.

In 1944…the first killing frost of the season occurred in the city when the low temperature dipped to 35 degrees. This is the latest date for a killing frost ever recorded in Denver.

In 1946…heavy snowfall totaled 7.7 inches over downtown Denver.  This was the second heavy snowfall in less than a week.  Northwest winds were sustained to 26 mph.

In 1995…strong downslope winds gusted between 50 and 57 mph at Erie and Boulder.  West wind gusts to 44 mph were recorded at Denver International Airport.

In 2014…a record high min of 45 degrees… Broke the previous record of 43 degrees set in 1934…and preceded several days of record cold temperatures from the 11th through the 13th.

Continue reading November 8 to November 14: This week in Denver weather history →

As we enter Denver’s second snowiest month, we of course see plenty of events involving that dominant weather condition.  Sadly we also see two occasions when the winter-like weather turned deadly.

From the National Weather Service:

From the 29th to the 1st:

In 1972…heavy snowfall totaled 15.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport.  However…the heaviest snow occurred on Halloween night when 7 inches fell on trick-or-treaters during a short 3-hour period.  I-25 was closed south of Denver.  North winds gusting to 29 mph caused some blowing snow on the 1st.  The snow started late on the 29th and ended during the mid afternoon on the 1st.  The greatest snow depth on the ground at Stapleton International Airport was 13 inches on the 1st.

From the 31st to the 1st:

In 1951…6.4 inches of snowfall were measured at Stapleton Airport.

In 1989…a Halloween storm dropped 3 to 6 inches of snow on metro Denver with the adjacent foothills receiving 5 to 10 inches.  Snowfall totaled 4.5 inches at Stapleton International Airport…where north winds gusted to 31 mph on the 31st.  Most of the snow fell on the evening of the 31st…but the storm left icy streets throughout metro Denver on the morning of the 1st…making it a “spooky” commute for many motorists.

In 2004…heavy snow fell in and near the foothills of Jefferson and Douglas counties.  Storm total snowfall included:  14.5 inches in Aspen Park…10 inches at Roxborough State Park and near Sedalia…8 inches near Bergen Park…and 7 inches in Highlands Ranch.  Snowfall totaled only 3.2 inches in the Denver Stapleton area.  Post-frontal northeast winds gusted to 41 mph at Denver International Airport.

On the 1st:

In 1896…northwest Chinook winds sustained to 40 mph with gusts to 46 mph warmed the temperature to a high of 60 degrees in the city.

In 1973…wind gusts to 92 mph were recorded in Boulder. West winds gusted to 41 mph at Stapleton International Airport where the Chinook winds warmed the temperature to a high of 70 degrees.

In 1989…a 39-year-old Lakewood man in a motorized wheelchair was found dead of exposure early in the morning after an overnight snowfall dumped 3 to 6 inches of snow across metro Denver.

From the 1st to the 2nd:

In 1892…snowfall totaled 5.0 inches in downtown Denver. This was the only snow of the month.

In 1956…heavy snowfall totaled 7.0 inches at Stapleton Airport.  The storm was accompanied by much blowing and drifting snow.  North winds gusted to 47 mph.

In 1991…the storm system which hit the Front Range at the end of October finished the job during the start of November.  Six inches of new snow were recorded at both Rollinsville and Morrison…while 2.9 inches of snow fell at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 17 mph.  The temperature climbed to a high of only 19 degrees on the 2nd…setting a record low maximum for the date.

In 1995…a winter storm dropped 5 to 8 inches of snow in the Front Range foothills.  The exception was at Golden gate canyon where a foot of new snow was measured.  Icy roads…fog…and blowing snow along I-70 in the foothills west of Denver caused dozens of accidents.  One man was killed when he lost control of his vehicle and was ejected when his truck hit a median and rolled over.  At least 20 other accidents involved minor injuries.  Only 1.0 inch of snow fell at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport where some freezing rain also fell.

On the 2nd:

In 1939…a trace of snow fell over downtown Denver.  This snow…along with a trace of snow on the 9th…was the only snow of the month…ranking it…along with other months…the second least snowiest November on record.

In 1967…post-cold frontal heavy snowfall totaled 6.2 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 29 mph…briefly reducing the visibility to 1/8 mile.

In 1992…the first major snowfall of the season dumped 4.6 inches of snow at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 26 mph.  Heavier amounts of snow fell in and near the foothills with 8 inches at Conifer… Empire…and bailey…6 inches at Rollinsville and Golden Gate Canyon…and 4 inches at Morrison and Wheat Ridge.

In 2011…a storm system brought another around of moderate to heavy snow to the region. Areas in and near the Front Range foothills and palmer divide were hit the hardest. Gusty winds also produced blizzard conditions at times along the Palmer Divide. In addition…the snow and blowing snow forced several school closures in Douglas and Weld counties. Snow drifts…from 1 to 3 feet deep were reported in the northern portion of Douglas and Elbert counties. Storm totals included: 14 inches…4 miles south of Boulder and 12.5 miles northwest of Golden…13 inches… 5 miles east-southeast of Aspen Springs; 12 inches near Allenspark and Parker; 11 inches…6 miles southwest of Castle Rock…Genesee… 9 miles north-northeast of Elizabeth…10 inches… 10 miles south-southeast of Buckley AFB. At the National Weather Service in Boulder… 7.9 inches of snow was recorded…with 4.5 inches observed at Denver International Airport.

From the 2nd to the 3rd:

In 1974…heavy snowfall totaled 6.1 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 23 mph on the 3rd.  Most of the snow fell on the 3rd.  Maximum snow depth on the ground was 5 inches.

In 1990…a winter storm dumped 3 to 8 inches of heavy wet snow across metro Denver.  In the foothills snow amounts ranged from 4 to 10 inches.  Slushy snow and ice-covered roads snarled traffic.  The snow…ice…and poor visibilities were blamed for numerous traffic accidents.  Low clouds… Fog…and snow delayed air traffic at Stapleton International Airport for at least 90 minutes on the afternoon of the 2nd. Snowfall totaled 5.4 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 21 mph.

Continue reading November 1 to November 7: This week in Denver weather history →