Better late than never? Snowpocalypse 2021 makes up for lost time

On March 13, many of us went to bed feeling a little sheepish about buying into the hype of winter storm Xylia, which local forecasters had teased all week with predictions of improbable snow totals and comparisons to the memorable blizzard of March 2003. Store shelves had been cleared, events were rescheduled, and we looked forward to engaging in treasured snow-day traditions.

But after a few false starts on Saturday afternoon, it appeared that Xylia was destined to be a bust. By all appearances, Boulder County would get a decent amount of snow-and much needed moisture- and then things would be back to normal by Monday, at the latest.

As it turned out, Xylia was just getting started, and, by Sunday morning, the robust spring storm had grown into a genuine blizzard, and the heavy, wet snow was accumulating fast. By mid-afternoon, there were up to 16 inches on the ground in many parts of Niwot and Gunbarrel, with gusting winds creating 4 to 5-foot drifts.

Many Niwotians made the most of it by grabbing their winter sports gear and taking to the snow-packed streets, but shovels and snow-blowers were also a common sight, until it became impossible to keep up.

By the time it all ended on Monday morning, the storm had left behind at least 20 inches in most parts of eastern Boulder County, making it among the snowiest of the past 30 years. Crucially, that is equivalent to approximately four inches of rain, and could pull the state back from the precipice of drought. (See more photos here.)