November 4 - Today in Denver weather history

November 4, 4:23 PMDenver Weather ExaminerTony Hake

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Snow and high winds are always a recurring theme this time of year and we see that in our look back at today in Denver weather history.

From the National Weather Service:

From the 2nd to the 5th:

In 1946…a major snow storm dumped 30.4 inches of heavy snowfall downtown and 31.0 inches at Stapleton Airport. The winter storm closed schools and disrupted all forms of transportation in the city.  The greatest depth of snow on the ground was 28 inches at the airport.  The duration of the snowfall…from 4:22 am on the 2nd to 3:08 am on the 5th… A total of 70 hours and 46 minutes…is the second longest period of continuous precipitation on record and the second heaviest snowfall of record at the time in Denver.  The 17.7 inches of snowfall on the 2nd and 3rd was the greatest 24- hour snowfall ever recorded during the month of November. Buses and street cars had a difficult time…and many cars were abandoned along roadsides and streets for several days. Secondary roads in rural areas were blocked for 2 to 3 weeks.  Several buildings in the city collapsed or were damaged from the weight of the heavy snow.  Football games were canceled.  Livestock losses were high over eastern Colorado.  The precipitation from this storm alone exceeded the greatest amount ever recorded in Denver during the entire month of November previously.  The precipitation recorded downtown was 2.03 inches…and the previous record for the entire month of November was 1.95 inches in 1922. North winds were sustained to 26 mph on the 2nd.

From the 3rd to the 5th:

In 1994…a fast moving snow storm dumped 8 to 9 inches of snow on Boulder…Broomfield…and Lafayette.  Snowfall totaled only 1.8 inches at Stapleton International Airport where on the 3rd east winds gusted to 20 mph and some freezing drizzle fell.

On the 4th:

In 1940…a trace of snow fell in downtown Denver.  This marked the start of the shortest snow season on record… 167 days…through April 19…1941…when 0.4 inch of snow fell.
 
In 1959…high winds caused damage in many areas of the eastern plains.  In Denver…winds averaged 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph.  Some damage was reported to utility lines…signs…and vehicles.  Northeast winds were sustained to 30 mph at Stapleton Airport.

From the 4th to the 5th:

In 1933…the first measurable snow of the season totaled only 2.5 inches.  This was the only measurable snow of the month.  Northwest winds were sustained to 27 mph on the 4th.
 
In 1951…heavy snowfall of 5.7 inches was measured at Stapleton Airport where northwest winds gusted to 32 mph.