Telluride hail storm history
San Miguel County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag
Telluride, located in San Miguel County, has experienced no hail events of 1 inch or larger in the past 10 years according to NOAA records. The largest recorded hailstone in the county measured 0.88 inches in diameter — smaller than a penny. The town's elevation of 8,750 feet and mountain geography create conditions that differ significantly from Colorado's Front Range, resulting in lower overall hail frequency.
When hail does occur in San Miguel County, it follows a delayed seasonal pattern compared to lower elevations. Peak activity typically occurs from June through August, with secondary activity possible in May. Telluride's afternoon convective storms during these months are shaped by mountain terrain and afternoon heating cycles, occurring 4 to 6 weeks later than typical Front Range hail season.
Annual frequency — last 10 years
When hail hits — monthly pattern
Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data
All recorded hail events
Of 2 recorded events, 0 (0%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.
A strong storm developed 7 miles south-southwest of Lake City producing pea to dime size hail with a…
Dime to quarter-sized hail accumulated in a yard on the east side of Norwood.
Only one documented hail event appears in NOAA records for San Miguel County, which includes Telluride. This low event count reflects both the area's genuine geographic protection and potential underreporting in mountain communities with lower population density and fewer weather observation stations.
NOAA Storm Events Database source