Snow is a wonderful thing. It beautifies the world while also being enjoyable to play in. Colorado is no stranger to snow, given that it is located in the heart of the Rockies, North America’s highest mountain range. Various tiny villages in the Rockies provide some incredibly breathtaking and magnificent mountain views, as well as some heavy snowfall over the winter months.
While Colorado has some of the most beautiful towns to visit in the winter and some of the best skiing in the country, it also has the most snowfall in one day in US history. Silver Lake, located just outside the city of Boulder, Colorado, and north of the lovely town of Nederland, is a high-elevation lake that currently holds the record for the largest quantity of snow received in a single day.
How Much Snow Does Silver Lake, Colorado Get?
Every winter snowfall in the northern and western United States is measured in feet, with Mammoth Mountain in California receiving the most snow during the season with a record of 836 inches, or 69 feet and 66 inches. That’s a lot of snow! But how about in one day?
Over a century ago, on April 14th and 15th, 1921, Silver Lake, Colorado had the highest accumulation of snow in a 24-hour period. In one day, Silver Lake received 6 feet and 3 inches of snowfall.
This indicates that approximately 14.5% of men in the United States and 1% of women who are above six feet tall will not be entirely buried. The rest of us?…wouldn’t be as fortunate.
Silver Lake is a high-elevation lake in the Rocky Mountains, at 10,220 feet. At this height, a lot of snow is to be expected, but 6 feet and 3 inches in 24 hours is extraordinary. It’s vital to notice that the snow didn’t stop there. It received around another foot over the next three hours, totaling 7 feet 9 inches in 32.5 hours.
Is Silver Lake an Accessible Destination?
Searching for Silver Lake is not as simple. There is more than one Silver Lake in Colorado, thus getting accurate information about it can be more difficult than it appears, despite its record-holding glory. Unfortunately, access to Silver Lake via paths is not totally attainable, although there is some hope.
Rainbow Lakes Trailhead, located immediately below Silver Lake, is 53 minutes from Boulder and 29 minutes from Nederland. The Rainbow Lakes Trailhead offers access to the well-preserved and protected Indian Peaks Wilderness.
While this region is popular for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, a permit is required to access it in order to reduce negative effects. The Arapaho Glacier Trail lies within the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
This trail will bring you as near to Silver Lake as possible. Eventually, the trail leads to an open tundra viewpoint with spectacular views of the City of Boulder Watershed, including the notorious Silver Lake. It also offers breathtaking views of the Arapaho Glacier, South Arapaho Peak (13,397′), and North Arapaho Peak (13,502′).
The Arapaho Glacier Trail
- Best season: July – September
- Camping permits are necessary for all overnight trips from June 1 to September 15.
- Overnight licenses are $5 per group, for each trip from June 1 to September 15.
- Throughout the year, organized groups must have a permit for both camping and day hiking. Day hike permits are free.
Conclusion
Silver Lake in Colorado holds the record for the most snowfall in a single day in US history, receiving an extraordinary 6 feet and 3 inches on April 14th and 15th, 1921. Accessible through the Rainbow Lakes Trailhead, it offers stunning views of the Arapaho Glacier and surrounding peaks, making it a challenging yet rewarding destination.