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A close up photograph of snowflakes.

January 2024 Skyview Weather Monthly Newsletter

Feature Article

Snow Crystal Science – The Art and Physics of Colorado Snowflakes

Introduction

Colorado is best known for its snow-capped peaks and ski resorts. This makes snow and the formation of snowflakes one of the most important and interesting topics in the wintertime here in the Centennial State. Snowflakes can vary depending on many different physical characteristics in the atmosphere, which can determine the type of powder that a skier would experience on the slopes as well as on the roads.

Snowflake Formation

How do snowflakes form? Humidity and temperature are the most important factors when it comes to snowflake development. The life of a snowflake starts as a very cold water droplet that attaches itself by means of freezing to an ice nuclei such as pollen or dust. This starts the hexagonal ice particle that will eventually evolve as it falls through the atmosphere. The processes of facet formation and branch development are responsible for creating the iconic shape of a snowflake. No two snowflakes are the same, due to the varying atmospheric conditions at each stage.

Microscale Dynamics

While a snowflake falls it encounters many different physical nuances that change how it is shaped. Conditions such as varying temperatures, humidity, and different ice nuclei as well as the timing and order of these conditions can create an infinite amount of snowflake shapes. This is why no two snowflakes are the same.

Snow Crystal vs. Snowflake

Snowflakes are slightly different from snow crystals in that they are often used as an umbrella term for many different types of winter precipitation. This could include one snow crystal or a group that collide into each other resulting in larger flakes. Snow crystals on the other hand result from water vapor skipping the liquid phase and turning directly into ice.

Types of Snow Crystals

  • Hoarfrost: Ice crystals deposited on surfaces below the frost point, directly transitioning from vapor to solid.
  • Rime Frost: Formed when supercooled droplets freeze and attach onto exposed surfaces, often arising from freezing fog or mist droplets.
  • Graupel: Rounded, opaque pellets formed as ice crystals fall through supercooled cloud droplets, distinct from hail with a softer, crumbly texture.
  • Polycrystals: Snowflakes composed of numerous individual ice crystals.

Controlling Powder Type for Skiing

The type of powder that a skier or snowboarder would experience depends on the size and shape of the snowflakes. The lightest or “fluffiest” powder is typically created when larger snowflakes fall. These can vary in shape to form larger dendrites, sectored plates, or thin plates. These form when the moisture content is higher with colder temperatures.

Temperature and Moisture

Warmer temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, can create heavier snow flakes taking the shape of small dendrites and plates [Fig. 1]. Temperatures between 0 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit can create needle shapes and with more moisture, can create solid prism shapes. On the other hand, very cold temperatures between -6 to -31 degrees Fahrenheit can provide smaller columns and plates due to the lack of moisture.

A photograph of eight types of snowflakes.
Figure 1 – Microscopic view of snowflakes by Wilson Bentley. From the Annual Summary of the Monthly Weather Review for 1902. Bentley was a farmer whose hobby was photographing snow flakes. Source: NOAA Photo Library archives Weather Wonders collection, www.photolib.noaa.gov. (Image credit: NOAA)

Perfect Conditions for Blower Powder

The term “blower” powder is often used for the ideal type of snow for skiing and snowboarding. The snowflakes that are responsible for this type of powder typically form in the temperature range of 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Large dendrites form and begin to stack amongst and on top of each other, forming air pockets. These air pockets give the snow a “bouncy” quality and are ideal for snow sports.

The next time that you hit the slopes of the Colorado Rockies, take a look at the incredibly intricate snowflake patterns that have fallen. Colorado is rich in nature’s wonders and continues to amaze everyone who gets to experience its beauty.


January Drought Update

January 2024 map of drought conditions in Colorado

In January 2024, the western regions of Colorado experienced minimal changes in drought conditions. This is primarily due to the fact that the precipitation in these areas is predominantly in the form of snowfall, which will not alleviate drought conditions until the spring thaw. In contrast, northeastern Colorado, particularly Weld County, reported an increased drought severity over the last month, resulting from below-average precipitation during the month of December.

January 2024 Temperature Anomaly Forecast

January 2024 map of Monthly Temperature outlooks for the US.

In January 2024, below-average temperatures are forecast for the United States. However, during the first week of the month, this projection has not been entirely accurate, as locations across the Western US have experienced above-average temperatures. Additional storm systems are anticipated to affect the region through mid-January, which could increase the likelihood of below-average temperatures overall.

January 2024 Precipitation Anomaly Forecast

January 2024 map of Monthly Precipitation outlook for the US.

In January 2024, slightly above-average precipitation is anticipated for most of the US, with above average precipitation expected across the southeastern US. Average precipitation is expected across the Northern Plains and Great Lakes regions.

Colorado December Weather Summary

In December 2023, the Denver metropolitan area experienced temperatures significantly above average, with some regions reporting below-average precipitation. Denver International Airport (DIA) reported an average daily high temperature of 50.5°F and a daily average low temperature of 24.3°F. The combined average temperature was 37.4°F, which is 6.2°F higher than the typical monthly average of 31.2°F. The highest temperature, 71°F, was recorded on December 6th, while the lowest temperature, 8°F, was observed on December 25th.

In terms of precipitation, DIA reported 0.12” of liquid precipitation, which is 0.23” below the December average of 0.35”. Throughout December, DIA did not experience several storms that affected other areas in the Denver Metro. Only two storm systems had a significant impact on DIA in December, occurring on the 8th (0.4” of snow accumulation) and the 13th (1.0” of snow accumulation), accounting for the total snowfall at DIA during the month of December. However, the winter storm on December 8th resulted in a wide range of snowfall accumulation; 1.0-4.0” across the Denver Metro area, with minimal amounts observed at DIA. An additional storm from December 26th through December 27th brought heavy snow to parts of Arapahoe County, with areas along the I-225 corridor receiving between 6.0-8.0” of snow accumulation, while DIA reported only a trace from that same storm.

In southeastern Colorado, December 2023 also recorded above average temperatures and precipitation. The Colorado Springs airport recorded an average daily high temperature of 50.2°F and an average daily low temperature of 24.6°F. The combined monthly average was 37.4°F, or 5.7°F above the typical monthly average of 31.7°F. In terms of precipitation, the Colorado Springs airport reported 0.57” of liquid precipitation, 0.34” above the December average of 0.23”. The majority of this precipitation fell on December 13th, with 0.29” recorded during that 24-hour period.

Pueblo experienced similar weather conditions in December, with above-average temperatures and precipitation. Pueblo recorded an average daily high temperature of 51.1°F and an average daily low temperature of 20.6°F. The combined monthly average was 35.9°F, or 4.2°F above the typical monthly average of 31.7°F. The warmest day was December 6th, when the Pueblo airport recorded a temperature of 77°F, setting the daily high temperature record. The coldest day was on December 10th, when a temperature of 6°F was recorded. Precipitation in Pueblo was above average throughout the month, with 1.31” of liquid precipitation recorded, an impressive 1.02” above the December average of 0.29”. Most of this precipitation occurred on December 23rd, when a record-breaking 0.57” fell during a 24-hour period. This resulted in the 2nd wettest month on record for the Pueblo area, however, it was only the 23rd snowiest month as most precipitation fell as rainfall rather than snow.

Weather Statistics for Denver International Airport, December 2023

DIA December 2023 Temperature (°F)

Observed ValueNormal ValueDeparture From Normal
Average Max50.5°F44.0°F6.5°F
Average Min24.3°F18.4°F5.9°F
Monthly Mean37.4°F31.2°F6.2°F
Days With Max 90 Or Above000
Days With Max 32 Or Below26.4-4.4
Days With Min 32 Or Below2829.2-1.2
Days With Min 0 Or Below01.9-1.9

DIA December 2023 Liquid Precipitation (Inches)

Observed ValueDate(S)Normal ValueDeparture From Normal
Monthly Total0.12”0.35”-0.23”
Yearly Total18.94”14.48”-4.46”
Greatest In 24 Hours0.07”12/13
Days With Measurable Precip.34.4-1.4

DIA December 2023 Snowfall Accumulation (Inches)

Observed ValueDate(S)Normal ValueDeparture From Normal
Monthly Total2.2”6.6”-4.4”
Seasonal Total12.6”12.1”-0.5”
Greatest In 24 Hours1.0”12/13
Greatest Depth1.0”

January 2024 Preview

So far, the first week of January has been quiet across the Denver Metro, with a few inches of snowfall across the Palmer Divide and portions of southeastern Colorado. Portions of the Rockies, such as the Park Range, have received around two feet of powder since the new year.

Skyview Weather Map of Colorado Total Snowfall Accumulation from January 1, 2024 through January 6, 2024.

In the second week of January 2024, meteorological models predict the advent of additional storm systems that are likely to affect the Denver Metropolitan area and southeastern regions of Colorado. These storm systems are anticipated to augment the cumulative snowfall across various parts of the state, with a particular emphasis on the northeastern regions where snowfall has been minimal thus far.

As of the current date, Denver International Airport (DIA) has not reported any precipitation. Should this trend persist, the precipitation levels at DIA would be significantly lower compared to previous years with higher precipitation. For comparative analysis, a list of the top ten snowiest January’s and the least snowy January’s recorded for Denver is provided below.

Denver’s Top 10 Snowiest January’s:

YearSnowfall
199224.3
194922.2
188320.5
194819.2
195917.4
196217.2
198717
189117
200715.9
195115.7

Denver’s Top 10 Snowiest January’s:

YearSnowfall
2003T
1934T
19310.1
19330.2
19520.3
19140.4
19350.8
19700.9
19611
18931

January Climatology for Denver

(Normal Period 1991-2020 DIA Data)

TemperatureObserved Value
Average High44.6°F
Average Low18.7°F
Monthly Mean31.7°F
Days With High 90 Or Above0
Days With High 32 Or Below5
Days With Low 32 Or Below29
Days With Lows Zero Or Below2
PrecipitationObserved Value
Monthly Mean0.38”
Days With Measurable Precipitation4.4
Average Snowfall In Inches6.4”
Days With 1.0 Inch Of Snow Or More2
Miscellaneous Averages
Heating Degree Days1034
Cooling Degree Days0
Wind Speed (Mph)8.6 Mph
Wind DirectionSouth
Days With Thunderstorms0
Days With Dense Fog1
Percent Of Sunshine Possible71%
Extremes
Record High76.0°F On 1/27/1888
Record Low-29.0°F On 1/9/1875
Warmest40.3°F In 1986
Coldest16.9°F In 1930
Wettest2.35” In 1883
Driest0.01” In 1933
Snowiest24.3” In 1992
Least SnowyTr In 2003/1994

Winter 2023/2024 Snowfall Accumulation for the Colorado Eastern Plains

CityOctNovDecJanFebMarAprTotal
Aurora6.62.310.419.3
Boulder57.89.222
Brighton4.741.19.8
Broomfield4.35.33.212.8
Castle Rock92.19.720.8
Colorado Springs Airport01.18.49.5
Denver DIA7.52.91.411.8
Denver Downtown5.32.16.213.6
Golden10.71414.639.3
Fort Collins5.79.6015.3
Highlands Ranch5.81.86.914.5
Lakewood8.64.111.324
Littleton101.6617.6
Monument6.51.514.822.8
Parker7.418.817.2
Sedalia – Hwy 6710.53.39.423.2
Thornton44.44.412.8
Westminster5.14.75.315.1
Wheat Ridge63.46.916.3
Windsor3.55.5TR9
Snowfall accumulation totals are aggregated and QC’d by Skyview Weather Meteorologists using a combination of both in-situ and remote weather observing systems, model-derived Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) data, and proprietary snowfall measurements via trained storm spotters.

The Skyview Weather Newsletter is a monthly publication that aims to provide readers with engaging and informative content about meteorological science. Each issue features articles thoughtfully composed by Skyview’s team of meteorologists, covering a wide range of topics from the birth of Doppler Radar to the impact of weather phenomena. The newsletter serves as a platform to share the latest advancements in weather forecasting technology and the science behind it, enhancing our understanding of weather.

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