A late-season wet snowstorm caused extensive tree and branch damage across the Denver metropolitan area on Wednesday, May 6, 2024 [1].

The event disrupted the region's transition into spring, creating significant cleanup challenges for residents and city crews. Because the snow fell while trees were already budding, the added weight caused branches to snap and entire trees to collapse onto homes and roads.

The storm lasted from Tuesday into Wednesday [2], peaking on May 6. The intensity of the weather system led to the closure of hundreds of schools and businesses [3]. In the mountains, snow depth exceeded two feet [1].

Damage was reported throughout the metro area, including Broomfield and neighborhoods in Boulder [4]. Clean-up crews and residents are now managing the aftermath of the biggest May snowstorm the region has seen since 2003 [1].

Local authorities have issued specific guidelines for the disposal of debris to ensure efficient recycling. Residents are required to cut tree branches larger than 18 inches in diameter into four-foot lengths [5].

This requirement helps municipal crews process the massive volume of organic waste generated by the storm. The wet nature of the snow made the accumulation particularly heavy, increasing the likelihood of structural failure in trees that would typically survive a winter storm.

“The biggest May snowstorm the region has seen since 2003”

The severity of this storm highlights the vulnerability of urban canopies to late-season weather volatility. When heavy, wet snow occurs after the spring thaw, trees are more susceptible to limb breakage due to their biological state and the weight of the precipitation, necessitating coordinated municipal disposal efforts to prevent long-term debris accumulation.