2016 / 2017 Snow Season Totals

2016 / 2017 Snow Season Recap

​The Denver Metro area has recorded the least accumulation of snow for any season over the last 10 years. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reporting a total of 21.8” of snow for the period of September 1st through May 31st 2017. The historic average is 57.1” accumulation during the same period, resulting in a shortfall from average of 35.3” for the season. The 2016-2017 season will go into the books as the 3rd lowest snow season since record keeping began in 1881.

The Colorado Mountains received record snowfall amounts in December and January. According to SNOWTEL data, snowpack was at 170% in January. With significantly less snowfall since January, snowpack statewide had dropped to 112% by the end of April.

JLS monitors and tracks weather conditions throughout the winter season and maintains detailed records on behalf of its clients. A total of 14 snow/ice events were recorded for the Denver / Castle Rock area this season. A snow/ice event includes any type of event requiring service to be performed – applying deicers, hand shoveling, plowing, hauling excess snow, etc.

JLS remains dedicated to best practices for sustainability and compliance for LEED certified properties. Crews used several types of deicers this season in an effort to manage risk and ensure clients and tenants could safely access their sites, including liquid deicers, magnesium chloride, salt brine, and IceSlicer.

Monthly accumulation: October 2016 – April 2017 versus Historical Averages.

Month	2016-2017	Historical Average	Departure From Average
September	0	1	1
October	0	4.2	4.2
November	1.7	7.5	5.8
December	9.7	8.1	1.6
January	6.3	6.6	0.3
February	1.6	7.7	6.1
March	Trace	11.4	11.4
April	2.5	8.9	6.4
May	Trace	1.7	1.7
June	0	Trace	0
Totals	21.8”	57.1”	35.3”

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Recorded Totals Since 2009

Year	Total	Departure From Average
2016-2017	21.8	37.7
2015-2016	72.8	15.7
2014-2015	57.8	0.7
2013-2014	38.4	18.7
2012-2013	78.4	21.3
2011-2012	55.6	1.5
2010-2011	22.8	34.3
2009-2010	60.6	3.5