Colorado Grapples With Late-Season Snowfall: Travel Snarled, Power Outages Reported

Key facts

• Parts of Colorado and Wyoming experienced heavy, wet snow during the first week of May.
• Denver could receive up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow into Wednesday.
• Boulder may receive upward of a foot (30 centimeters) of snow.
• Denver Public Schools and other local districts canceled classes on Wednesday.
• Xcel Energy placed 165 employees on standby due to potential power outages.
• Interstate 80 in Wyoming remained open despite heavy snowfall.
• The storm is expected to conclude around 6:00 p.m. in Chaffee, Lake, and Fremont counties.

Unseasonal Snow Blankets Rockies

A late-season winter storm has transformed parts of Colorado and Wyoming into a wintry landscape, dumping heavy, wet snow during the first week of May. This unusual "Cinco Snow Mayo" event has disrupted travel and raised alarms about potential damage to trees, widespread power outages, and the risk of flooding in its wake. While many across the United States were preparing for spring activities like gardening and lawn care, residents in the affected regions found themselves reaching for snow shovels. The storm, which swept over the Rocky Mountains and into the High Plains on Tuesday, brought significant accumulation north of Denver and into southeastern Wyoming. This late-spring snowfall is particularly notable given that the region has experienced a dry winter. "We were kind of joking earlier in the season that winter’s not going to come until spring, and it did exactly that," remarked Kenley Bonner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Denver office, highlighting the unexpected timing of the winter weather.

Significant Accumulation Expected in Key Areas

Forecasts predict substantial snow totals, with Denver potentially seeing up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) by Wednesday. The city, which had been under lawn-watering restrictions due to low mountain snowpack, now faces what could be its largest snowfall of the season. Boulder, situated near the mountains, is bracing for even heavier amounts, with predictions of upward of a foot (30 centimeters) of snow. While the Denver metropolitan area experienced rain on Tuesday, the precipitation transitioned to snow by early evening as temperatures plummeted. More accumulation is anticipated as temperatures continue to drop overnight, with the heaviest snow expected to persist into Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service indicated that warmer temperatures are forecast to return by Thursday, offering a reprieve from the unseasonable cold.

Disruptions Mount as Schools Close and Utilities Prepare

The severe weather has led to significant disruptions, with Denver Public Schools and other major educational institutions in the region canceling classes for Wednesday. This decision underscores the severity of the storm and the challenges it presents for transportation and safety. Concerns are high regarding the impact of the heavy, wet snow on infrastructure. Accumulated snow poses a risk of snapping tree branches, which could lead to widespread power outages. Utilities are taking preventative measures, with Xcel Energy placing 165 employees on standby across the state to respond to potential service disruptions. outages and stay informed about hazardous weather conditions. Xcel Energy provides multiple channels for reporting, including a mobile app and a dedicated phone line, with systems in place to provide estimated restoration times when available.

Travel Challenges Persist Amidst Hazardous Conditions

While highways remained open on Tuesday, the ongoing snowfall presented considerable travel challenges. Interstate 80 across southern Wyoming, including a high-elevation stretch prone to closures, was open but experienced heavy snowfall, as indicated by webcam footage. Earlier in the day, east-bound traffic on I-70 at Vail Pass was temporarily shut down due to accidents and poor visibility, illustrating the immediate dangers posed by the storm. The Front Range has been particularly affected, with school closures and power outages reported. Despite the ominous forecast, some events proceeded. Thousands attended a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, though organizers moved the start time forward in an effort to allow attendees to return home before the storm's peak intensity.

A Welcome, If Unseasonal, Boost for Drought-Stricken State

For a state that was recently declared entirely in drought conditions, the current winter storm is being viewed by many residents as a welcome, albeit belated, arrival of precipitation. While a single storm or even a series of spring storms will not fully alleviate long-term drought issues, each event contributes positively to the state's water resources. "This morning, east-bound traffic on I-70 at Vail Pass was again shut down due to accidents and poor visibility," the report noted, underscoring the immediate impact on state infrastructure. The Front Range has seen school closures and power outages, with the heavy, wet spring snow weighing down tree branches that had already leafed out. Although snow has ceased in many valley areas, it continues at higher elevations. Local authorities, such as the Chaffee Road and Bridge Department, are actively engaged in clearing roads as temperatures begin to drop with the passage of the cold front.

Outlook: Gradual Clearing and Lingering Concerns

The storm is expected to conclude its impact by approximately 6:00 p.m. in Chaffee, Lake, and Fremont counties, though the Denver metropolitan area may continue to experience snowfall. The National Weather Service anticipates a return to warmer temperatures by Thursday, signaling an end to the unseasonal winter conditions. However, the aftermath of the heavy, wet snow will likely persist. Concerns remain about the potential for lingering damage to trees and power lines, as well as the possibility of localized flooding as the snow melts. Utilities like Xcel Energy are working to restore power and are advising customers on safety and reporting procedures. The full extent of the damage and the timeline for complete restoration will become clearer in the coming days as recovery efforts progress.

The bottom line

• A significant late-season snowstorm impacted Colorado and Wyoming in early May, disrupting daily life.
• Snowfall totals varied, with Denver expecting up to 8 inches and Boulder potentially receiving over a foot.
• The storm led to widespread school closures and prompted utilities like Xcel Energy to prepare for power outages.
• Travel was affected by hazardous conditions, including temporary road closures and accidents.
• Despite the inconvenience, the precipitation is seen as beneficial for a state facing drought conditions.
• Warmer temperatures are expected by Thursday, but concerns about infrastructure damage and flooding linger.