Colorado Schools Close as Heavy Snow Blankets Front Range
Colorado school closures May 2026
A powerful late-season snowstorm has caused widespread disruptions across Colorado’s Front Range, forcing dozens of school districts and universities to cancel operations on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The storm, characterized by heavy, wet “Miracle May” snow, intensified Tuesday evening and is expected to continue through Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the Denver metro area, the foothills, and the northern mountains, where total accumulations could reach between 8 and 20 inches in some localized areas.
The state’s largest districts, including Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and Jeffco Public Schools, announced full closures late Tuesday to ensure student and staff safety. Other major districts such as Douglas County, Boulder Valley, Poudre School District, and Thompson School District have also called off classes.
Higher education institutions are not exempt, as Colorado State University in Fort Collins shuttered its campus during the final week of the spring semester, citing dangerous travel conditions and the risk of falling tree branches due to the snow’s high moisture content.
| District/Institution | Status for May 6, 2026 |
| Denver Public Schools | Closed |
| Aurora Public Schools | Closed |
| Jeffco Public Schools | Closed |
| Poudre School District | Closed |
| Boulder Valley School District | Closed |
| Colorado State University | Closed |
Travel conditions remain hazardous throughout the region, with the Colorado Department of Transportation reporting slick roads and multiple accidents on major arteries, including Interstate 70 near the foothills. Visibility was significantly reduced overnight due to a combination of heavy snowfall and dense fog, leading to de-icing operations and flight delays at Denver International Airport.
While the moisture provides a much-needed boost to the state’s snowpack following a dry winter, officials warn that the weight of the snow poses a threat to power lines and early spring vegetation. Warmer temperatures are forecasted to return by Thursday, facilitating a rapid melt of the record-breaking spring accumulation.
