This epic snowstorm could be Denver's biggest in decades

DENVER — An epic, slow-moving, five-day November snowstorm will likely go into Colorado's weather record books when it passes this weekend.

It's worth noting that snow in November is not uncommon in Colorado. In fact, this was actually a late first measurable snow for Denver, usually occurring in mid-October.

However, due to the sustained duration of this storm, it will likely be the strongest the Denver metro has experienced in November in nearly 30 years. The last major November storm was a two-day event on November 13th and 14th, 1994. Officially, 12.1 inches of snow fell at Stapleton Airport, with a total of 16.9 inches of snowfall that month.

This long-lasting winter storm, which is causing Denver's second warmest October on record, is certainly a shock to the system! Denver will end up with five days of measurable snowfall with this storm. The last time we experienced a sustained November storm like this was in 1991. From November 14th to 19th, 21.2 inches of snow fell in the city.

As this storm moved southward from the Pacific Northwest on Monday, it became a truncated low pressure area. What does that mean? It has been separated from the jet stream, so it is on its own agenda, so to speak. It can sit and spin, slowly meandering through the region. Since it is now located in northern New Mexico, it is perfectly positioned (with the help of moisture from the Gulf) to deliver massive amounts of snow to parts of the Front Range and the Plains.

First, let's rewind

The first snowfall began around 5 p.m. on election night and didn't stop until Thursday afternoon. Denver International Airport experienced near-consecutive snowfall in 38 of 48 hours. And we're not done yet! The next round of heavy (and steady) snow rolls in Friday morning and lasts until midday Saturday.

Denver7

So far, the airport has accumulated 8.4 inches of snow, its first official of the season. This is just a taste of what's to come. We could easily double that amount by Saturday!

The most impressive snowfall amounts were recorded in Lincoln, Elbert and Washington counties, where between 10 and 20 inches of snow had already fallen Thursday evening. As the closed low moves just a few inches northeast throughout the day on Friday, more snowfall will occur in this area, particularly along the Palmer Divide.

Denver7

A winter storm warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Friday through noon Saturday for the Denver metropolitan area and southeastern suburbs and the Eastern Plains. The highest totals will be along Interstate 70 near Limon, Hugo, Agate, Punkin Center and Karval, with an additional 12 to 20 inches of snow expected to fall through Saturday.

An additional 6 to 12 inches of snow is expected in the immediate Denver area. Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Kiowa, Parker and Elizabeth can expect another 7 to 14 inches of snow. Fort Collins and Greeley will experience very light snowfall accumulations from this storm.

Now let's look ahead

What does the huge storm at the beginning of November mean for the coming winter? Can we expect a heavy snow season?

We asked that question to Greg Heavener, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder. He told us it was hard to predict.

It will depend on the length of La Niña conditions forecasters expect this winter, Heavener said. During a La Niña event, the jet stream is pushed north and can produce below-average snowfall across much of Colorado.

But a short La Niña could mean more snow for Colorado.

“If La Niña only lasts a few weeks, then we could see repeated rounds of this really, really cold air coming in from the north and combining with the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to give us these winter storms,” ​​said Heavener.

So it is still unclear whether there will be more snowstorms like in this first week of November. In the meantime, dress warmly, enjoy the snow days, and avoid the streets if you can!

The big melt starts on Sunday!

Click here to watch Denver7's live weather stream.

Denver7 Weather