National Weather ServiceColoradoWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Colorado
The National Weather Service issued 29 winter storm watches for Colorado in 2025 and 49 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 3rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 84% below the average of 32 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Ft was covered most often (185 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Colorado get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Colorado. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2017 | 58 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2015 | 58 |
| 2014 | 57 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2012 | 35 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2008 | 59 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Ft | 185 | 24 | April 18, 2025 |
| Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys | 166 | 16 | December 6, 2025 |
| Southwest San Juan Mountains | 166 | 18 | March 6, 2025 |
| Elkhead and Park Mountains | 162 | 23 | December 27, 2025 |
| West Elk and Sawatch Mountains | 162 | 16 | March 6, 2025 |
| Grand and Battlement Mesas | 148 | 16 | March 6, 2025 |
| Northwestern San Juan Mountains | 147 | 13 | March 6, 2025 |
| South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet | 135 | 24 | May 5, 2026 |
| Flattops | 133 | 0 | March 6, 2019 |
| Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Ft | 133 | 14 | December 6, 2025 |
| La Garita Mountains Above 10000 Ft | 122 | 11 | April 18, 2025 |
| South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above 9000 Feet | 119 | 22 | 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.
What is a winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Colorado.