Castle Rock turns into a snowy retreat in early May
On Tuesday, a late-season snowstorm swept across Castle Rock, Colorado, surprising residents with a sudden transformation from spring rain to a thick, steady snowfall. The abrupt change painted the town white, delivering a brief but memorable winter revival in the heart of Douglas County.
Temperatures dipped into the mid-30s Fahrenheit (around 1–2 °C) by early afternoon, prompting the rain to shift into snow. While overall accumulation was modest, it was enough to create slick streets and icy sidewalks, prompting caution among drivers and pedestrians alike.
Castle Rock local Tony Dyson noted, “Probably 2 o’clock, it started with light flakes and then, you know… and it’s still light flakes. I’m hoping it would be more!” His remarks reflect the community’s mixed sentiment — some surprised, some nostalgic — but all too familiar with Colorado’s unpredictable spring patterns. Dyson also pointed out that many locals keep their snow tires on through Memorial Day, a nod to the region’s notorious spring cold snaps.
As snow settled gently across lawns and rooftops, wildlife showed signs of adaptation too. A deer, seen navigating a quiet, snow-dusted field, appeared visibly puzzled — a reflection of how quickly the environment had shifted.
For those indoors, the atmosphere was far from unwelcome. One rescued Shih Tzu, curled up by the fireplace, seemed to capture the moment best — proving that for some, a spring snowstorm brings peace, comfort, and warmth. “My wife’s birthday is on April 19th,” another local shared. “So it always snows on her birthday. After that, it’s just a gift.”
More snowfall is possible into the evening, and while travel might remain tricky, for many in Castle Rock, this snowy surprise served as a beautiful reminder of Colorado’s untamed spring charm.