When Does The First Snow Arrive In Western Colorado?

In September the high temperature reached the lower 90s in Grand Junction nineteen times. After a red-hot summer, everyone was ready for the daytime highs to back off a little. Some of us may have even wished it would snow.

Back in September of 1965, it did snow in Grand Junction. Keep reading to learn more about the many times snow showed up on the Western Slope way earlier than expected.

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Are You Ready For Snow?

December and January are the two best months for snow around Grand Junction. The area is home to several cross-country skiing opportunities on the Grand Mesa, the Powderhorn Ski Resort, and some excellent terrain for riding snowmobiles. The city of Grand Junction averages about 20 inches of snow each winter.

The Earliest Snowfall in Grand Junction

Grand Junction, Colorado's earliest snowfall on record happened on September 18th, 1965. That day, 3.1 inches of snow fell, making it winter's earliest arrival in recorded history.

Grand Junction's Heaviest First Snow

The winter of 1975 arrived in Grand Junction on October 24th, bringing 3.4 inches of snow. In 2020, winter came on October 25th. 4.1 inches of snow fell in town making it the heaviest first snow of any season recorded so far.

When Does The First Snow Arrive In Grand Junction?

Grand Junction doesn't have the same reputation for winter that some mountain towns do, but that doesn't mean the snow won't show up early. Scroll through twenty years of winter weather records that prove snow can come early on the Western Slope.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: First Fall Frost Predictions for 25 Locations in Colorado

The Farmer's Almanac is forecasting the first fall frost of 2024 for multiple locations around the Centennial State. Find out when Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose can expect the first frost of the season in the months ahead.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams