Snow surprises Colorado on a mid-April afternoon

On April 14, 2026, Colorado woke up to a winter surprise that felt more like December than spring. By late afternoon, the National Weather Service had tallied snowfall from mountain peaks to valley floors. Creede led the pack with nearly six inches, while nearby Silverton wasn’t far behind at just over five inches. Places like Rockwood and Toponas also saw significant snow, though the amounts dropped as the list moved north. Mount Crested Butte reported two separate measurements, one at 2. 5 inches and another at 1. 8 inches, suggesting snow depth can vary even within short distances.Lower elevations received lighter dustings, with spots like Oak Creek and Steamboat Springs picking up just half an inch. Vail saw even less, barely enough to dust the ski trails. Some areas like Pagosa Springs and Vallecito got a full inch, enough to change the morning commute but not enough to cancel plans. A few locations like Chimney Rock, Maher, and Hesperus barely registered any snow, while Phippsburg got just a trace. The timing of this snowfall is unusual but not unheard of for Colorado. Late-season storms often bring quick bursts of winter weather, especially in the high country. This event fits a pattern where mountain towns bear the brunt while cities stay mostly clear. The difference in totals also shows how elevation and local weather patterns can create big gaps in snowfall.