On March 18, 2003, a historic blizzard struck the Denver metro area with unprecedented intensity, paralyzing the city and surrounding foothills with feet of heavy, wet snow. It was one of the most severe winter storms recorded since weather observations began in 1872, bringing daily life to a near standstill and leaving lasting impacts on the region.
A Blizzard of Historic Proportions
The storm blanketed Denver with nearly 3 feet of snow, while the nearby foothills were buried under a staggering 7 feet or more. The accumulation of such dense, moisture-laden snow caused widespread destruction, collapsing roofs of homes and businesses, downing trees and power lines, and leaving over 135,000 people without power—some for several days.
North winds sustained at 30 mph, with gusts reaching 41 mph, created massive snow drifts up to 6 feet high, further complicating efforts to restore power and clear roadways.
Crippling Transportation and Travel
The city’s transportation infrastructure ground to a halt. Interstate highways were shut down, and Denver International Airport (DIA) was forced to close, stranding around 4,000 travelers. The weight of the snow even tore a 40-foot gash in the iconic tent roof of the main terminal, forcing evacuations.
The mountains and foothills experienced extreme avalanche danger, closing major roadways like I-70 and stranding hundreds of skiers and travelers. Residents in areas between Bakerville and Silver Plume were evacuated due to the growing risk of avalanches, and thousands of people living in foothills communities found themselves trapped for days.
Record-Breaking Snowfall Totals
The storm officially dumped 31.8 inches at the site of the former Stapleton International Airport, marking the largest single-storm snowfall since the record 37.5 inches in December 1913. Other significant snowfall amounts across the metro area included:
- 40 inches – Aurora
- 38 inches – Centennial, 6 miles east of Parker
- 37 inches – Buckley AFB
- 35 inches – Southwest Denver
- 34 inches – Louisville
- 32 inches – Arvada
- 31 inches – Broomfield, Westminster
- 22.5 inches – Boulder
The foothills saw even more extreme totals, with some locations receiving over 7 feet of snow:
- 87.5 inches – Fritz Peak, Rollinsville
- 83 inches – Cabin Creek
- 74 inches – Near Bergen Park
- 73 inches – Northwest of Evergreen
- 72 inches – Coal Creek Canyon
- 70 inches – Georgetown
- 63 inches – Near Jamestown
- 60 inches – Near Blackhawk
- 55 inches – Eldora Ski Area
A Drought-Busting Storm
While the storm caused immense disruption, it also played a pivotal role in ending 19 consecutive months of below-normal precipitation in Denver. It provided much-needed moisture to the region, bringing snowfall totals across metro Denver and Fort Collins to 2 to 3 feet and delivering 1 to 2.5 inches of rain to areas east of Greeley and Limon.
Legacy of the 2003 Blizzard
The March 18, 2003, blizzard remains one of the most impactful storms in Colorado’s history. Its sheer intensity, destruction, and record-breaking snowfall serve as a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature in the Centennial State. Whether trapped in homes, stranded at DIA, or digging out for days, those who experienced the storm firsthand won’t soon forget the whiteout that changed Denver’s landscape for weeks to come.