Durango hail storm history
La Plata County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
Durango, located in La Plata County, has experienced 2 documented hail events of 1 inch or larger in the past 10 years, making significant hail damage relatively uncommon in the area. The largest recorded hailstone in Durango measured 1.25 inches in diameter. The city's elevation and mountain geography create different storm patterns than lower-elevation areas of Colorado.
Hail in Durango occurs most frequently during June, July, and August, with May representing a secondary risk month. The mountain geography delays peak hail season by 4 to 6 weeks compared to the Front Range, with afternoon convective storms being most common during the summer months. This timing pattern reflects Durango's unique position in southwestern Colorado's weather system.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 8 recorded events, 2 (25%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
At 1452 MST on September 11, a trained spotter reported 1 inch diameter hail 2 miles NNW of Falfa, C…
A severe thunderstorm moved through the Durango east area producing hail from half inch to a little …
Penny sized hail fell 4 miles south of Vallecito in La Plata County.
Hail estimated to be the size of golf balls was reported in Oxford.
A severe thunderstorm produced large hail measured to be the size of quarters southeast of Stoner.
A severe thunderstorm produced large hail the size of quarters south of Marvel.
Durango's low event count reflects both genuine geographic protection and NOAA's reporting density for rural mountain areas. With only 2 recorded events in 10 years, any single storm represents a significant statistical outlier rather than an established trend. Homeowners should not interpret low historical frequency as zero risk, particularly during peak summer months.
NOAA Storm Events Database source