National Weather ServiceColoradoWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Colorado
The National Weather Service issued 29 winter storm warnings for Colorado in 2025 and 52 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 5th most of any state. 2026 through September: 16, 52% below the average of 34 for those months in 2008-2025. Elkhead and Park Mountains was covered most often (210 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Colorado get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Colorado. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 16 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2021 | 38 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2017 | 55 |
| 2016 | 48 |
| 2015 | 58 |
| 2014 | 56 |
| 2013 | 57 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2009 | 63 |
| 2008 | 64 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Colorado get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Colorado?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhead and Park Mountains | 210 | 30 | February 25, 2026 |
| Southwest San Juan Mountains | 188 | 22 | February 17, 2026 |
| West Elk and Sawatch Mountains | 188 | 19 | February 17, 2026 |
| Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Ft | 184 | 29 | February 20, 2026 |
| Grand and Battlement Mesas | 182 | 19 | February 17, 2026 |
| Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys | 173 | 14 | February 17, 2026 |
| Flattops | 162 | 0 | March 11, 2019 |
| Northwestern San Juan Mountains | 162 | 13 | February 17, 2026 |
| South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet | 159 | 28 | May 18, 2026 |
| West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet | 140 | 25 | February 25, 2026 |
| South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above 9000 Feet | 138 | 22 | May 5, 2026 |
| Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Ft | 133 | 29 | May 5, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest winter storm warnings for Colorado in AreaZine's record
NWS DenverWarningMay 17, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet, CO
Expired 9:00 p.m. MDT, May 18, 2026
NWS PuebloWarningMay 5, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains above 11000 Ft, Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Ft and Wet Mountains above 10000 Ft, CO
Expired 12:00 a.m. MDT, May 7, 2026
NWS DenverWarningMay 4, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County, Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County, North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adam
Expired 3:00 p.m. MDT, May 6, 2026
NWS PuebloWarningMay 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Ft, CO
Expired 12:00 a.m. MDT, May 2, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected that will make travel very difficult or impossible. Each office sets the amounts for its area. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Colorado.