Three years ago today – The seventh biggest snowstorm in Denver history

The Blizzard of 2006 buried all of Denver under a heavy blanket of snow that measured more than 2 feet in many areas. More images from the storm can be found at the Denver Weather Examiner - click on the image to go there. (ThorntonWeather.com)
The Blizzard of 2006 buried all of Denver under a heavy blanket of snow that measured more than 2 feet in many areas. More images from the storm can be found at the Denver Weather Examiner - click on the image to go there. (ThorntonWeather.com)

Leading up to the Christmas holidays of 2006 the weather was nothing extraordinary in the Mile High City – until the 20th of the month. Temperatures at the middle of the month had entered into the 60’s and Denver residents were enjoying the warmth.

A few short days later, that all changed in a big way. A slow moving low pressure system coupled with upslope flow and copious amounts of moisture provided the perfect setup for a historical winter storm whose effects would be felt for months. Snow began falling on the morning of the 20th and by the early afternoon blizzard conditions began to set in and it was obvious we were in for one heck of a storm.

Businesses shut down early on the afternoon of the 20th in order to allow their employees extra time to make it home safe but by then a foot or more of snow had fallen across the Front Range. The governor called out the Colorado National Guard to help rescue stranded motorists who were in turn transported to area Red Cross shelters to wait out the storm.

Every major interstate and highway in and out of Denver was shut down and RTD suspended all service in the city for the first time since 2003. Mail service on the 21st was canceled entirely as even the mail carriers couldn’t make their way to their appointed rounds. Most area businesses were forced to shut down on the 21st as employees couldn’t even make it out of their housing developments to get to work. 

There's more to this story on the Denver Weather Examiner's site!For much more about the storm and to see photos of the aftermath, check out the story on the Denver Weather Examiner.

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