February in Colorado typically brings to an end an extended period when average temperatures are at their lowest. Winter begins to loosen its grip and temperatures get warmer but precipitation is not a particularly common event during the month.
Thus far our snow season is looking in pretty good shape with most basins in the high country reporting above normal snowpack. At lower elevations, we are running above average as well. That is a good thing as February is only our sixth snowiest month so we may not see much snowfall for the balance of the month.
Temperatures however do usually see a nice rebound during the month. Average high temperatures climb from an average of 44 degrees at the start to 50 degrees by the end of February.
How much is Denver below average (to date) in seasonal snowfall? The only chart I can find lists snowfall amounts through December which does not account for our current totals. In your blog above, which was written after the Groundhog Day storm, you say that Denver is well below average for this season (2015-2016)….I am finding that hard to believe and am wondering where I can find data (to present day) to back up that statement. Thanks!
I forgot to mention that one of your statistical charts states that we are at 46.9 inches of snow for the season thus far. Out average seasonal snowfall is 57 inches. Since we still have two of the snowiest months ahead of us (in terms of average snow accumulation), I find it hard to believe that with only 10 inches to go to reach our seasonal average, we are “well below normal” as you state in your February 4 blog. Can you please explain?
Karyn – Thank you for bringing the error to our attention. That is one of the hazards of being in a rush and copying and pasting from the previous year’s preview. The text has been corrected. Average seasonal snowfall through the end of February is 35.1 inches. http://www.thorntonweather.com/noaa/snow.php