Every year on February 2nd, the world watches as Punxsutawney Phil, the famous Pennsylvania groundhog, emerges to predict the weather. But here in Colorado, we have our own furry forecaster: Flatiron Freddy. And unlike Phil, Freddy brings a unique Rocky Mountain flair to the annual tradition of Groundhog Day.
A Colorado Tradition with a Quirky Twist
Flatiron Freddy, a dapperly dressed, stuffed yellow-bellied marmot, has been making winter predictions in Boulder for over a decade. He doesn’t just appear in a sleepy burrow—he arrives in style. Over the years, Freddy has skied down trails, zipped in on a canoe, and even driven a car to make his much-anticipated weather pronouncements.
This year, Boulder’s beloved marmot joined in on the Groundhog Day festivities at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, where he saw his shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter—aligning with Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction from Pennsylvania. The city of Boulder streamed the quirky celebration live on YouTube, ensuring everyone could witness Freddy’s moment in the spotlight.
Freddy’s Unlikely Rise to Fame
Flatiron Freddy’s origins are as unique as his grand entrances. In the early 2010s, he was simply a taxidermied marmot residing in Boulder’s Flagstaff Nature Center. However, one particularly cold winter nearly put an end to Freddy’s existence—his fur suffered damage after being left out in the elements. Fortunately, park rangers stepped in to save him, and in doing so, created a new and beloved tradition.
Now, Freddy is more than just a preserved marmot—he’s a Colorado icon, bringing the community together each year for a lighthearted take on seasonal predictions.
What’s Next for Colorado’s Winter?
Despite the shadowy forecast from both Phil and Freddy, Coloradans may be in for a taste of spring this week, with temperatures trending warmer in Denver. However, longer-term weather patterns suggest that winter may still have a say in the coming months.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, La Niña conditions are currently present and are expected to persist through February-April 2025, with a 59% chance of continuation. A transition to ENSO-neutral is likely during March-May 2025, with a 60% probability. La Niña, which emerged in December 2024, has contributed to below-average sea surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean. This climate pattern can influence weather across North America, though weak La Niña conditions may not bring conventional winter and spring impacts. Nonetheless, it could still influence the seasonal outlooks for Colorado and beyond.


So while the world may have its eyes on Pennsylvania each February 2nd, here in the Centennial State, we know the real weather authority wears a bow tie and makes an entrance like no other.
Long live Flatiron Freddy!