When is the last frost in Powderhorn, CO?

For ZIP code 81243, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 21, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Cochetopa Creek, CO weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after July 7.

When is the first frost in Powderhorn, CO?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is September 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 21, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 81243?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 74 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 81243Powderhorn, CO

The average last spring frost in Powderhorn is June 21 and the average first fall frost is September 5, giving a typical growing season of about 74 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jun 21
Average first fall frost: Sep 5
Growing season: 74 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	—	—	44 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jun 7 · Jun 21 · Jul 7	Aug 21 · Sep 5 · Sep 16	74 days	100%
Hard freeze (28°F)	May 24 · Jun 7 · Jun 22	Sep 4 · Sep 16 · Sep 26	100 days	100%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 81243 is matched to the NOAA station Cochetopa Creek, CO, 35.1 km away, at 8,006 ft elevation (39 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Cochetopa Creek, CO (used)	8,006 ft	Jun 21	Sep 5
Blue Mesa Lake, CO	7,568 ft	Jun 9	Sep 16
Gunnison 3Sw, CO	7,622 ft	—	—
Lake City 1Nne, CO	8,714 ft	Jun 9	Sep 17

Frost dates near Powderhorn

Gunnison, CO 81231 · last —, first —
Cimarron, CO 81220 · last Jun 9, first Sep 16
Lake City, CO 81235 · last Jun 15, first Sep 11
Parlin, CO 81239 · last Jun 20, first Sep 8
Creede, CO 81130 · last —, first —
Ohio City, CO 81237 · last Jun 20, first Sep 8
Ouray, CO 81427 · last May 17, first Oct 1
Ridgway, CO 81432 · last Jun 11, first Sep 13

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Powderhorn, CO?: For ZIP code 81243, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 21, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Cochetopa Creek, CO weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after July 7.
When is the first frost in Powderhorn, CO?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is September 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 21, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 81243?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 74 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.