Colorado Springs, situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range, is a high-altitude city known for its unique and often unpredictable weather patterns. Its location places it in a transitional climate zone, leading to significant variations in winter conditions compared to other parts of the state. This interplay of geography and meteorology results in a distinct, highly seasonal snowfall profile. Understanding the frequency and volume of snow requires examining the long-term climate data for this region.
The Annual Average: Raw Snowfall Data
The official long-term average annual snowfall for Colorado Springs is approximately 32.5 inches, based on climate data gathered at the municipal airport. This moderate total is significantly less than the totals seen in the higher elevations immediately to the west. The city typically experiences measurable snowfall on about 27 days each year. Measurable snowfall is defined as an accumulation of 0.1 inches or more, indicating that many snow events are light and brief.
Monthly and Seasonal Snow Patterns
The snow season in Colorado Springs is notably long, typically spanning from late fall into late spring. The average date for the first measurable snowfall is October 24th, and the last measurable snow usually occurs around April 24th. This six-month window highlights the potential for early and late-season snow events.
The heaviest snowfall months often defy the typical mid-winter expectation of northern climates. Instead of January, March and April frequently record the highest snow totals for the city. For example, the average snowfall in March is 5.7 inches, closely followed by April at 5.5 inches, whereas January and February average slightly less. This late-season peak is a distinguishing characteristic of the local weather pattern.
Geographic Factors Influencing Colorado Springs Snow
The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains is the primary driver of its snowfall patterns. Colorado Springs is situated on the leeward, or downwind, side of the Front Range, which creates a rain shadow effect. This generally keeps the city drier than areas west of the mountains, explaining why the annual snowfall is moderate rather than heavy despite the elevation of over 6,000 feet.
A significant local feature is the Palmer Divide, a high ridge between Denver and Colorado Springs reaching up to 7,887 feet. This geographical barrier enhances precipitation and is a key factor in localized snow events. When storm winds come from the south, the upward push of air over the Divide can trigger heavy snow, frequently impacting northern Colorado Springs and El Paso County. This orographic lift effect creates microclimates where snowfall totals vary drastically over short distances.
Snowfall vs. Accumulation: Practical Considerations
The raw snowfall totals often do not reflect the actual duration of snow coverage on the ground. Colorado Springs is known for its abundant sunshine, averaging around 243 sunny days per year. This intense solar radiation, combined with the city’s low humidity, causes snow to melt or sublimate very quickly, especially in the city center.
This rapid clearing is often accelerated by warm, dry winds known as Chinooks, which descend the mountainsides. These “snow-eater” winds can raise temperatures dramatically in a short period, leading to a swift loss of snowpack through both melting and evaporation. Consequently, even after a substantial snowfall, accumulation on roads and sidewalks often lasts only a few days before melting entirely.