It Should Snow Soon In Denver, Right?!?

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - The title of this story depends on how we define the word 'soon' when looking into the future.

Regardless of where you stand on the lack of snow, I think we can agree this 'snow drought' is concerning, especially in the high country, since high elevation snow will eventually fill our reservoirs and become our drinking water.

ANY SNOW IN THE NEXT 10 DAYS?

Other than the possibility for a few passing snow showers Thursday there really aren't any weather systems in the current 10-day forecast that would bring measurable snowfall to Denver or anything significant to the mountains.

HOW ABOUT BETWEEN NOW AND CHRISTMAS?

Based on weather history, the chance looks a little better to see measurable snowfall at some point between now and Christmas in Denver. When looking at 134 years of December snow in Denver, only 11 had no measurable snowfall during the first 25 days of the month.

1885
1889
1900
1905
1906
1928
1935
1954
1991
2002
2010

But given the current trend, if we do get snow between now and Christmas this year, it likely won't be until around or after the 19th.

WILL WE GET SNOW AT SOME POINT DURING THE METEOROLOGICAL WINTER?

The meteorological winter includes December, January and February.

With a quick look into Denver's 134 years of snow records, we can almost promise you a measurable snowfall at some point between now and the end of February. There have been less than 10 winter months (December, January, February) with no measurable snowfall in Denver.

But...

Denver did experience an extremely dry winter between 2002-2003 when both December and January only recorded a trace of snow. No measurable snow fell in Denver between Nov. 26, 2002 and Feb. 2, 2003.

The current jet stream pattern features what we call a blocking ridge of high pressure over the western United States. It's steering all incoming storm systems into Canada.

ANY CHANGE IN SIGHT?

No significant changes are expected in the jet stream pattern over the next 5 to 10 days which means more dry and mild weather is in store for the Central Rockies.

Meteorologist Chris Spears travels weekly in the CBS4 Mobile Weather Lab reporting about Colorado's weather and climate. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.