What Is the Record for the Most Snowfall in One Day in the US?

The most snowfall ever recorded on one day in the US was 63 inches (160 cm) on 4 December 1913 in Georgetown, Colorado. The US city with the most two-day snowfall on record is Thompson Pass, Alaska, which also holds the records for the greatest snowfall over three-, four-, five-, six- and seven-day periods, as well as the largest annual snowfall measured from August through the next July.

More about severe weather:

• The largest snowflake ever recorded was found in Fort Keogh, Montana, and was 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter.


• On 23 January 1971, Prospect Creek, Alaska, experienced the lowest recorded temperature in the US. The thermometer reading dipped to minus−80° Fahrenheit (minus−62° Celsius).


• Alvin, Texas, holds the US record for most rainfall in a 24-hour period. In 1979, the town got 43 inches (109.2 cm) of rain in 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the record for the most snowfall in one day in the US?

The record for the most snowfall in one day in the United States is a staggering 75.8 inches, which fell at Silver Lake, Colorado, on April 14-15, 1921. This extraordinary event set a benchmark for extreme snowfall that has yet to be surpassed in the country.

Where did the record-breaking snowfall occur?

The record-breaking snowfall occurred in Silver Lake, Colorado, which is situated at a high elevation in the Rocky Mountains. This location is known for its heavy snowfall during the winter and spring months, contributing to the historic accumulation in 1921.

Has any other location in the US come close to this record?

While several locations in the US experience significant snowfall, none have matched the record set by Silver Lake, Colorado. However, places like Mount Baker, Washington, have recorded impressive snowfall totals, with a notable 1999 event accumulating 95 inches over a few days, though not in a single day.

What factors contributed to the record snowfall in Silver Lake, Colorado?

The record snowfall in Silver Lake, Colorado, was influenced by a combination of factors, including the area's high altitude, which is conducive to snow accumulation, and the presence of a strong storm system that brought an intense influx of moisture and cold air, creating ideal conditions for heavy snowfall.

How does this record impact the local environment and ecosystems?

Extreme snowfall events like the record at Silver Lake can have profound impacts on local environments and ecosystems. Heavy snow can damage or destroy vegetation, alter animal behaviors and migration patterns, and affect the water supply by significantly increasing the snowpack, which influences spring and summer meltwater flows.

Are there any safety or infrastructure concerns associated with such heavy snowfall?

Heavy snowfall can pose significant safety risks, including transportation disruptions, roof collapses, and avalanches, especially in mountainous regions. Infrastructure must be designed to withstand the weight of the snow, and communities need to have emergency plans in place to address the challenges of extreme winter weather events.