Colorado and Denver Area Snowfall: Recap of Wednesday’s Heavy Snowstorm

Colorado Front Range Digs Out After Season’s Biggest Snowstorm

Denver, CO – December 4, 2025 – teh Colorado Front Range is assessing the aftermath of its largest snowstorm of the season, which concluded Wednesday night. While no major disruptions were reported in Denver,significant snowfall impacted travel and led to delayed school starts in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.

The storm brought slick and icy road conditions, slowing traffic across the region. Despite the hazardous conditions, major school districts in the Denver metro area remained open, though several districts south in the Colorado Springs area opted for delayed starts on both Wednesday and Thursday. A full list of school closures can be found here.

Genesee, nestled in the foothills, bore the brunt of the storm, recording an impressive 10.3 inches of snowfall. Other notable totals as of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday include:

* Arvada: 9.4 inches
* Bailey: 8.1 inches
* Aspen Springs & Rye: 8.0 inches
* Louisville: 7.7 inches
* Netherlands: 7.5 inches
* Niot: 7.0 inches
* littleton: 6.9 inches
* Kassler & Evergreen: 6.8 inches
* Downtown Denver: 6.5 inches
* Black Forest: 6.4 inches
* Timnath & Colorado Springs: 5.0 inches

Denver International Airport experienced a temporary ground stop due to icy conditions, with crews working to de-ice runways and ensure safe operations. [More on airport delays can be found here](https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/snow-

What factors contributed too the notable snowfall totals recorded in Boulder compared to othre cities in the Denver metro area?

Denver Metro Area Snow Totals – December 3rd, 2025

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, brought a significant winter storm to Colorado, notably impacting the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range. This recap details snowfall totals, travel impacts, and resources for residents dealing with the aftermath of the heavy snow. The storm, predicted by the National Weather Service, delivered on its promise of substantial accumulation, creating challenging conditions for commuters and impacting daily life. Denver snowfall, Boulder snowfall, and even areas further south experienced considerable impacts.

Regional Snowfall Accumulation – A City-by-City Breakdown

Here’s a look at reported snowfall totals as of 10:00 AM MST,December 4th,2025. These figures are compiled from official reports from the National Weather Service, local news outlets, and community reports.

* Denver (Downtown): 14.5 inches

* Denver (Stapleton): 16.2 inches

* Lakewood: 13.8 inches

* Arvada: 15.1 inches

* Boulder: 18.7 inches – experiencing some of the highest totals in the region.

* Fort Collins: 11.3 inches

* Colorado Springs: 8.2 inches

* Aurora: 14.9 inches

These numbers represent total snowfall from the beginning of the storm and are subject to slight variations as final measurements are taken. Real-time snow reports can be found on the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder website (https://www.weather.gov/bou/).

Travel Impacts and Road Conditions

The heavy snowfall led to widespread travel disruptions across the Denver area.

* Highway Closures: I-70 was temporarily closed in both directions near the Eisenhower Tunnel due to avalanche control and poor visibility. Several other state highways experienced closures or restrictions. Check current road conditions at https://www.codot.gov/.

* Airport Delays & Cancellations: Denver International Airport (DIA) experienced significant delays and hundreds of flight cancellations on Wednesday. As of Thursday morning, residual delays are still being reported. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline.

* Local Road Conditions: City and county crews worked throughout the night to plow and de-ice roads, but travel remained hazardous. Black ice was a significant concern, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

* Public Transportation: RTD bus and rail services experienced delays and route modifications due to the snow.

Understanding the Storm’s Intensity: A Look at Snowfall Rates

The intensity of the snowfall wasn’t just about the total accumulation; the rate at which snow fell was also a major factor. During the peak of the storm, snowfall rates exceeded 2 inches per hour in some areas, making it tough for plows to keep up and significantly reducing visibility.This rapid accumulation contributed to the widespread travel chaos. This type of intense snowfall is often associated with a “bomb cyclone” – a rapidly intensifying area of low pressure.

Power Outages and Emergency Services

The weight of the snow and strong winds caused power outages in several communities. Xcel Energy reported over 30,000 customers without power at the peak of the storm. Crews are working to restore power, but residents are urged to prepare for potential extended outages.

* Emergency Services: 911 dispatch centers experienced a high volume of calls related to traffic accidents and weather-related emergencies.Residents are reminded to only call 911 for true emergencies.

* Warming Centers: Several warming centers were opened across the Denver area to provide shelter for those without heat. Information on warming center locations can be found on the City of Denver’s website.

Preparing for Future Colorado Snowstorms: Practical tips

Colorado residents are no strangers to winter weather, but it’s always an excellent idea to review preparedness measures.

1. emergency kit: Assemble a winter emergency kit for yoru home and vehicle. Include items like food, water, blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a portable charger.
2. Vehicle Planning: Ensure your vehicle is winterized with snow tires, a full tank of gas, and an ice scraper.
3. Home Preparation: insulate pipes to prevent freezing, have a snow shovel on hand, and know how to shut off your utilities.
4. Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions from reliable sources like the National Weather Service and CDOT.
5. Safe Driving Practices: If you must travel during a snowstorm, drive slowly, increase your following distance, and be aware of black ice.

Colorado Snowstorm History: Notable Events

Colorado has a history of significant snowstorms. While Wednesday’s storm was substantial, it doesn’t compare to some of the most impactful events in state history.

* March 2003: A blizzard dumped over 30 inches of snow on Denver, paralyzing the city for days.

* December 2006: A series of storms brought record snowfall to the Front Range, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions.

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