La Junta hail storm history
Otero County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
La Junta, located in Otero County, experiences hail damage risk as part of the Eastern Plains hail corridor. Over the past 10 years, the city has recorded 11 hail events of 1 inch or larger, with 4 of those reaching severe levels of 1.5 inches or greater. The largest recorded hailstone in the area measured 2 inches in diameter, falling during a storm on August 4, 2025.
Hail in La Junta follows a distinct seasonal pattern tied to spring and summer thunderstorm activity. The peak risk period occurs from May through July, with secondary activity in April and August. Storms in this region typically track northeast from the Rocky Mountains across the Eastern Plains, bringing high-frequency hail events throughout the growing season.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 107 recorded events, 40 (37%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
Hail measured to 2 inches fell in central Bent County.
Report from mPING. Hail measured to 1.25 inches occurred in Bent County.
A trained spotter reported hail of 0.88 inches in diameter.
A public source reported hail of 1.5 inches in diameter.
One inch measured hail was reported.
A NWS employee reported hail the size of 1.25 inches in diameter.
A trained spotter reported quarter size hail, with a few bigger stones estimated at 1.5 inches in di…
Reported by Law Enforcement.
Trained spotter reported.
Reported from a trained spotter.
Local Law Enforcement reported one-inch hail.
Quarter size hail along Highway 50, just east of Fort Lyon.
Trained spotter reported large hail, 1 inch.
A report from CoCoRaHS relayed one inch hail was the largest stone found but that it also hailed for…
Public reported 2 inch hail.
Storm chaser reported penny size hail southeast of Sugar City.
Television media relayed report of nickel hail in Fowler.
Wind driven, large hail broke windows and destroyed crops in and around Higbee.
The 11 documented events in La Junta represent confirmed reports from NOAA and public sources over a 10-year period. Otero County records show 13 total documented hail events, indicating that some storms affect areas outside the city proper. Report density may vary by year depending on storm track and populated areas affected.
NOAA Storm Events Database source