A storm of historical proportions is slowly closing in on the Mid-Atlantic and residents from the Carolinas to New York are finalizing their preparations for a strike from Hurricane Sandy. Those close to the storm and watchers from afar can find an abundance of resources on the Internet to prepare for and monitor the storm. Click here for a complete list of resources to monitor Hurricane Sandy.
As we move further into fall, we see the predominant significant weather in our history during the period involves snowstorms.
From the National Weather Service:
27-28
In 1874…strong west winds in Boulder along with a reported tornado produced 150 dollars in damage.
In 1913…a strong cold front produced sustained northeast winds to 35 mph with gusts as high as 38 mph on the 27th. Overnight snowfall totaled 5.8 inches. Temperatures plunged to a low of 17 degrees on the morning of the 28th after a high of 60 degrees on the 27th.
27-30
In 2009…a powerful early season storm brought heavy snow to the Front Range. The combination of a deep northeasterly upslope flow coupled with abundant moisture and lift with the developing storm system produced an extended period of moderate to heavy snowfall. The heavy wet snow accumulated on trees and resulted in broken branches and scattered electrical outages. Interstates 70 and 76 were closed east of Denver. Numerous other roads and highways were shut down. The Red Cross set up numerous emergency shelters for stranded travelers. The blowing snow at Denver International Airport forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Schools were also closed. In the foothills storm totals included: 46 inches… 3 miles southeast of Pinecliffe; 42 inches…3 miles southwest of conifer; 34 inches…3 miles north of Blackhawk; 30 inches at Aspen Springs and near Evergreen… 23 inches at Roxborough Park…and 20 inches…3 miles south-southeast of Morrison. Across the urban corridor storm totals included: 25 inches in Highlands Ranch; 21.5 inches near Louisville…20.5 inches in Broomfield… 20 inches at Lafayette…17.5 inches in Boulder…17 inches in Westminster…16.5 inches in Erie; 15.5 inches in Arvada and 5 miles west-northwest of Littleton…15 inches in Littleton…14 inches in Englewood…13.5 inches in Lakewood and 6 miles north of Thornton; 13.3 inches at Denver International Airport…11 inches…4 miles south of Denver; 10.5 inches…2 miles north of Cherry Hills Village and Niwot.
28
In 1917…post-frontal snowfall totaled 6.5 inches in the city. North winds sustained to 30 mph with gusts to 33 mph caused the temperature to plunge from a high of 58 degrees to a low of 9 degrees by midnight.
In 1967…winds gusted to 65 mph in downtown Boulder…causing minor damage. South winds gusted to 32 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
In 1991…the first major snow of the season hit metro Denver as a cold arctic air mass moved over the area. Snowfall amounts across northeast Colorado ranged from 3 to 10 inches with 4.4 inches of snowfall recorded at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 22 mph. The low temperature dipped to 13 degrees.
In 1993…high winds buffeted the Front Range foothills. A wind gust to 83 mph was recorded atop Squaw Mountain…35 miles west of Denver…and a gust to 76 mph occurred near Rollinsville southwest of Boulder.
28-29
In 1993…an upper level disturbance combined with a moist upslope flow to bring heavy snow to portions of metro Denver. Snowfall amounts ranged from 5.4 inches at Stapleton International Airport to 14 inches in Boulder. New snowfall totaled 8 inches at Gross Reservoir in the foothills 5 miles southwest of Boulder. On the 28th…north winds gusted to 30 mph at Stapleton International Airport where the temperature climbed to only 25 degrees on the 29th…equaling the record low maximum for the date.
Continue reading October 28 to November 3 – This Week in Denver Weather History
Every year the folks up at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder open their doors to the public for a big event dubbed Super Science Saturday. The event brings together the fun of Halloween with science education and is a great time for kids and adults.
Presentations and static displays with plenty of hands on activities are available. They will even be launching weather balloons three times during event as well.
From this year’s announcement about the event:
New this year: The debut of the new Weather Gallery Exhibit showcasing all aspects of weather including the basic ingredients of weather, how we observe and forecast weather, and unforgettable wild weather!
Also, throughout the day, NCAR’s “Science Wizards” will explore science with live demonstrations and the Little Shop of Physics crew will present interactive hands-on activities! You can see a science magic show, view storm chaser equipment up close, and explore exciting science from several organizations.
You can learn more about the event here and view a schedule of events here.
Video of some of the activities from year’s past:
We are happy to announce that our online weather radio is back up and running. This is one of our favorite pages on our site as it allows anyone to get current weather, watches, warnings and forecasts direct from the National Weather Service. It is especially critical when severe weather strikes. If you haven’t listened in before, check it out here.
Two weeks ago we suffered a failure of the sound card in the computer that powers the radio and had to purchase another – a bit of an unplanned expense. We occasionally ask for donations to help fund ThorntonWeather.com and many of you have helped generously.
To learn more about how you can help and what our next feature is that we would like to add, follow this link.
Thank you as always for your support!
The National Weather Service describes the storm that hit Denver on October 24 and 25, 1997 as “one of the worst and deadliest blizzards of the decade.” It would be hard to argue with that assessment as the history making storm dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on the Mile High City and cost tens of millions of dollars.
Below is the entry from our ‘this week in history’ entry from earlier this week that describes this major storm. It truly was amazing.
From the National Weather Service:
In 1997…one of the worst and deadliest blizzards of the decade developed over eastern Colorado as deep east to northeast flow associated with a vigorous upper level low pressure system over the four corners…combined with a strong arctic air mass over the central great plains. Snowfall totals across metro Denver ranged from 14 to 31 inches. The heaviest snowfall occurred in the foothills west and southwest of Denver where 2 to 4 feet of snow were measured.
Sustained winds to 40 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph produced zero visibilities and extremely cold wind chill temperatures from 25 below to 40 below zero. Winds whipped the snow into drifts 4 to 10 feet deep.
Several major and interstate highways were closed as travel became impossible. Red Cross shelters were set up for hundreds of travelers who became stranded when they had to abandon their vehicles. Four people died in northeastern Colorado as a result of the blizzard. None of the deaths were in metro Denver.
At Denver International Airport…4 thousand travelers were stranded when the airport was forced to shut down. At least 120 cars were abandoned along Pena Blvd….the only arterial leading into and out of DIA. The blizzard cost air carriers at least 20 million dollars. Thousands of cattle died in the storm over northeastern Colorado…resulting in losses totaling 1.5 million dollars.
Some of the more impressive snowfall totals included: 51 inches at Coal Creek Canyon; 48 inches at Silver Spruce Ranch…near Ward; 42 inches at Intercanyon…in the foothills southwest of Denver; 37 inches at Sedalia; 35 inches at Aspen Springs and Conifer in the foothills west of Denver; 31 inches at Eldorado Springs… Southeast Aurora…and Englewood; and 30 inches on Table Mesa in Boulder. Snowfall totaled 21.9 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport…setting a new 24-hour snowfall record of 19.1 inches for the month. Snowfall totaled only 14 inches at Denver International Airport where north winds gusted to 39 mph on the 24th.
High temperature of only 21 degrees on the 25th equaled the record low maximum for the date first set in 1873. Low temperature of only 3 degrees on the 26th set a new record minimum for the date.
In a legal verdict that has sent chills through the scientific community across the globe, an Italian court has convicted six scientists and a government official of manslaughter. The court determined this week that the experts failed to adequately warn the populace of a deadly 2009 earthquake. Get complete details on this stunning verdict on Examiner.com.
This week in Denver weather history is notable for one dominant weather condition: snow. In our look back through history we see many significant snow events, some of which occurred as recently as just last year.
From the National Weather Service:
18-23
In 2003…an extended warm spell resulted in 5 new temperature records. The high temperature of 84 degrees on the 18th equaled the record high for the date. High temperatures of 86 degrees on the 19th…83 degrees on the 21st…and 84 degrees on the 22nd were record highs for the dates. Low temperature of 49 degrees on the 23rd was a record high minimum for the date. Low temperatures during the period were in the 40’s and lower 50’s.
19-23
In 1906…heavy snowfall totaled 22.7 inches in the city over the 5 days. Rain changed to snow on the evening of the 19th…and snow continued through the late afternoon of the 23rd. The heaviest amount of snowfall…16.0 inches…fell from 8:00 pm on the 20th to 8:00 pm on the 22nd. The most snow on the ground was 13.3 inches on the evening of the 23rd. This was the first snow of the season and the only snow of the month. Winds during the storm were from the north at sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph each day. Temperatures during the storm were generally in the 20’s.
20-21
In 2007…a storm system brought heavy snow to the southern Denver suburbs as well as the Palmer Divide south of Denver. Storm totals included: 7.5 inches near Castle Rock…Lone Tree and Greenwood Village…with 6.5 inches at Elizabeth. Snow drifts up to 2 feet deep were observed 6 miles south-southwest of Elizabeth. In the Denver Stapleton area…2.0 inches of snow was observed.
In 2009…heavy snow developed along the Palmer Divide south and southeast of Denver as a storm system tracked across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Storm totals included: 15 inches…15 miles north of Elizabeth…9 inches…5 miles south-southwest of Arapahoe Park; 8 inches in Highlands Ranch…5 miles south- southeast of Sedalia; 6.5 inches…8 miles southwest of Bennett and 6 inches in Parker. At Denver international… Only 1.5 inches of snowfall was observed.
20-22
In 1936…5.5 inches of snow fell over downtown Denver. Most of the snow…4.5 inches…fell on the 20th.
21
In 1920…the rare event of snow from a thunderstorm occurred in the city during the evening. Brilliant flashes of lightning and loud peals of thunder were first noted at 7:35 pm. Light rain began falling at 8:30 pm…and light moist snow began falling a few minutes later. Some soft hail was also seen falling with the rain and snow…but both melted almost as fast as they fell. The hail only continued for a few minutes…and the rain and snow ceased about 9:40 pm. The snowfall was the first to occur in Denver this season. The amount of precipitation at the station measured only 0.01 inch…but heavier amounts were reported from other parts of the city. Snowfall was only a trace.
Continue reading October 21 to October 27 – This Week in Denver Weather History
The further we get in October the chances for snow increase and our look at this week in Denver weather history shows many significant snowstorms. Arguably the most notable was the infamous “Bronco Blizzard” of 1984 which dumped snow on the Mile High City while the Broncos faced off against the Green Bay Packers.
From the National Weather Service:
12-14
In 1969…record breaking extremely cold temperatures for so early in the season occurred. The high temperature of 26 degrees on the 13th was two degrees lower than the previous record minimum temperature of 28 degrees for the date set in 1885. The high temperature of 24 degrees on the 12th exceeded the record low temperature (22 degrees set in 1885) for the date by only 2 degrees. In addition… 3 new record low temperatures for the dates were set. The low temperature dipped to 10 degrees on the 12th breaking the old record (22 degrees in 1885) by 12 degrees. On the 13th the mercury plunged to a low of 3 degrees breaking the old record (28 degrees in 1885) by 25 degrees. On the 14th the temperature reached a minimum of 4 degrees breaking the old record (25 degrees in 1966) by 21 degrees.
13-14
In 1910…light smoke from nearby forest fires drifted over the city.
In 1966…the first measurable snow of the season caused widespread damage to trees and shrubs. The heavy wet snow totaled 6.9 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north-northwest winds sustained at 20 to 25 mph and gusting to 45 mph caused much blowing and drifting snow. South and east of Denver…up to a foot of snow fell. Heavy wet snow accumulations followed by freezing temperatures and strong winds resulted in extensive damage to trees…cars… And utility lines by falling limbs. A woman was killed by a falling snow laden tree limb in Denver. Several other people received minor injuries from falling tree limbs.
In 1987…rain drenched metro Denver. The South Platte canyon area southwest of Denver received the most with 1.11 inches at Kassler and 1.49 inches upstream at Strontia Springs. At Stapleton International Airport…0.62 inch of rain was measured…northwest winds gusted to 29 mph…and thunder was heard.
In 2007…a new 24-hour record of 2.65 inches of precipitation was set at Denver International Airport for the month of October; breaking the previous record of 2.58 inches set in 1892.
13-16
In 1873…smoke from several large forest fires in the mountains made the air very hazy in the city.
14
In 1952…the first measurable snowfall of the season left 1.2 inches of snow at Stapleton Airport. North winds gusted to 38 mph.
In 1974…rain changed to snow early in the day…but snowfall totaled only 1.0 inch at Stapleton International Airport where northeast winds gusted to 20 mph.
Continue reading October 14 to October 20 – This Week in Denver Weather History
One of our favorite features of our site is the feed from our NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio that provides not only mundane information like forecasts but also crucial life-saving information during severe weather. Unfortunately the computer sound card that receives the audio feed from our scanner failed two days ago so the audio feed is currently down.
Running our site is a pretty expensive endeavor – The various hardware systems, software and data connections aren’t cheap. Failures like this add to the cost. That is why we have asked for donations from time to time to help offset the expenses we incur in running the site.
The replacement part for our weather radio system is on order and we should have it back up and running next week. It is somewhat “good” timing in that the National Weather Service is performing work on their system at the same time and has warned about outages in their broadcast.
While fall has barely just begun, our look back at this week in Denver weather history is most notable for winter-like conditions. Numerous noteworthy storms have struck the Mile High City during this week in our past including a major one just seven years ago.
From the National Weather Service:
7
In 1903…north winds were sustained to 40 mph with gusts to 48 mph.
In 1917…post-frontal northwest winds were sustained to 45 mph with gusts to 52 mph. Rain was mixed with a trace of snow…the first of the season. Precipitation totaled 0.22 inch and included the occurrence of hail… Even though no thunder was heard.
In 1950…strong winds caused a power outage in Boulder. This was the heaviest windstorm since January. Damage was minor. Northwest winds gusted to only 35 mph at Stapleton Airport.
In 1985…strong Chinook winds buffeted the Front Range foothills. Wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph were reported in Boulder and atop squaw mountain west of Denver. Southwest winds gusted to 41 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
7-8
In 1990…the season’s first snow occurred. Snowfall amounts varied from 3 to 7 inches across metro Denver. Snowfall totaled 4.0 inches at Stapleton International Airport where north winds gusted to 29 mph.
8
In 1923…southeast winds were sustained to 44 mph with gusts to 47 mph. The strong winds persisted through the afternoon. The high temperature of 77 degrees was the warmest of the month that year.
In 1975…a wind gust to near 100 mph was recorded in Boulder. Frequent wind gusts to 60 mph were reported along the foothills causing only minor damage. West winds gusted to 45 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
9
In 1910…light smoke from forest fires in the mountains was sighted over the city.
In 1982…northwest winds gusted to 49 mph at Stapleton International Airport.
9-10
In 2005…a major winter storm brought heavy…wet snowfall to the Front Range mountains…eastern foothills…portions of metro Denver…and the Palmer Divide. Snow accumulations ranged from 8 to 26 inches with drifts from 3 to 4 feet in places. The heaviest snow occurred to the east and southeast of the city…closing most major highways in that area…including I-70 from Denver to Limon. The Red Cross opened four shelters for people who were stranded along I-70 in eastern Colorado. Since many trees had not yet shed their leaves…the storm caused significant tree damage. One woman in Denver was killed when a tree branch… 8 to 10 inches in diameter…snapped under the weight of the heavy…wet snow and struck her as she was shoveling her driveway. Xcel Energy reported power outages to about 35 thousand customers. Several incoming flights were delayed at Denver International Airport. Snow totals included: 16 inches in the foothills near Boulder…12 inches at Genesee and near Golden…22 inches near Watkins…19 inches near Bennett…17 inches southeast of Aurora…14 inches near Parker…13 inches near Castle Rock…12 inches in Centennial… 11 inches in Parker…and 10 inches at Denver International Airport and in Littleton. While many areas of metro Denver received heavy snow…others experienced almost entirely rain. This included west and northwest metro Denver…Boulder…and Longmont. Rainfall amounts were significant as storm totals ranged between 1.50 and 2.50 inches. The steady rainfall triggered 3 rockslides in foothills canyons. Two of the slides occurred on State Highway 119 in Boulder Canyon and the longest slide…7 feet in length…on State Highway 74 in Bear Creek Canyon at Idledale. North winds were sustained to around 23 mph with gusts to 31 mph at Denver International Airport on the 9th. The high temperature of only 34 degrees on the 10th was a record low maximum for the date. The low temperature on both days was 32 degrees.
Continue reading October 7 to October 13 – This Week in Denver Weather History