A powerful late-season winter storm blanketed the Rocky Mountain region with up to 3 feet of snow between April 4 and April 6, 2026, closing major highways, grounding flights, and catching spring travelers off guard.
Storm Details
The storm system originated in the Pacific Northwest before intensifying as it crossed the Rockies. Denver International Airport reported 28 inches of snow, making it the city's heaviest April snowfall since 1957. Cheyenne, Wyoming, recorded 36 inches with drifts reaching 6 feet in exposed areas.
- Denver received 28 inches, Cheyenne saw 36 inches
- Interstate 25 closed between Denver and Cheyenne for 18 hours
- Over 800 flights canceled at Denver International Airport
- Wind gusts reached 65 mph, creating near-zero visibility
- At least 200 motorists rescued from stranded vehicles
Avalanche Danger Elevated
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center issued extreme avalanche warnings for all backcountry areas above 9,000 feet. The heavy, wet snow on top of the existing spring snowpack creates unstable conditions that could persist for several days.
Silver Lining for Water Supply
Despite the disruption, water resource managers welcomed the late-season moisture. Colorado's snowpack is now at 118% of the April median, which bodes well for summer water supplies and reservoir levels. This is particularly good news after several years of drought conditions in the region.
Temperatures are expected to rebound into the 50s and 60s by midweek, which will begin rapid snowmelt. Officials warn that this quick transition could lead to localized flooding along Front Range waterways.
