May Storm Dumps 2 Feet of Snow Ending Snow Drought In Colorado

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Storm Tracks Through the Rockies

The snowstorm began intensifying early Tuesday, May 5, prompting winter storm warnings for areas including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. It persisted through Wednesday afternoon, delivering heavy, wet flakes driven by a moisture-rich system. National Weather Service meteorologists highlighted the storm’s liquid content as one of the largest events of the year.[1][2]

Model forecasts had anticipated the setup days in advance, with upslope flow pulling deep moisture into the Front Range. Higher elevations bore the brunt, while lower areas saw a mix of rain turning to snow. The system tapered off by midday Wednesday, leaving behind a fresh layer that contrasted sharply with the bare ground of recent weeks.

Snow Totals Paint a Stark Picture

Boulder recorded 10 inches by early Wednesday morning, with some nearby spots pushing higher. The National Weather Service compiled reports from across the state, revealing widespread accumulations. Mountains north and west of the city saw the deepest dumps, underscoring the storm’s potency at elevation.[3]

Bear Lake and Trail Ridge: 20.4 inches
Estes Park: 17 inches
Jamestown: 16.3 inches
Nederland: 13 inches
Loveland Pass: 11 inches
Evergreen: 10.8 inches
Boulder: 10 inches
Denver International Airport: 4.7 inches

Denver-area spots like Broomfield and Berthoud measured around 6 inches, while plains communities farther east saw lighter coatings. These figures marked a rare May outburst, far exceeding the city’s typical 1.4-inch monthly average.

Disruptions Ripple Across the Front Range

The storm’s heavy snow snapped branches laden with fresh leaves, raising concerns for tree damage and power line failures. Roughly 50,000 homes and businesses lost electricity, prompting utility crews to mobilize. Schools canceled or delayed classes Wednesday, and highways turned treacherous with whiteout conditions over passes.[2][1]

Travel proved especially hazardous in the mountains, where gusts up to 45 mph whipped snow into low visibility. Ski areas like Arapahoe Basin seized the opportunity to extend operations through the weekend, a silver lining for late-season enthusiasts. Yet the precipitation offered only partial relief to a parched landscape.

Nearly 60 percent of Colorado languished in extreme or exceptional drought before the storm. The influx boosted snowpack marginally but fell short of a drought buster. State climatologist Russ Schumacher captured the sentiment: “This is finally the type of storm we’ve been waiting for for six months.” National Weather Service meteorologist Kenley Bonner added that it held “the potential to be the biggest storm of the year.”[2]

Meteorologist Russell Danielson emphasized its value: “In terms of the liquid content, this will certainly be one of the bigger storms the region has had this year.” Still, prolonged warmth and lengthening days threatened quick melt-off, limiting long-term gains.[1]

Lessons from a Lean Winter

May snowfalls remain commonplace in the Rockies, with Denver logging measurable amounts more often than not since 2000. This event stood out against a backdrop of early resort closures and vanished snowpack. Most slopes shuttered weeks ago, victims of record heat and minimal storms.

Looking forward, cooler air lingers briefly before temperatures climb. The extra moisture may curb immediate wildfire threats if paired with steady rains. Forecasters urged caution on melting roads and watched for refreezes. For a state yearning for sustained relief, the storm served as a reminder of the Rockies’ unpredictable rhythm.

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