The local storm year, roughly

Winter
Strong downslope wind events; dry, cold snow
Spring
Heavy, wet snowstorms possible into April and sometimes May; wind continues
Early summer
Peak hail season, often with afternoon thunderstorms
Mid to late summer
Monsoon moisture brings heavy downpours and flash flooding risk
Fall
Generally calmer, with early snow possible and wind returning

Calendar of tasks

Adjust for your elevation; Monument and Woodland Park often run a few weeks behind the city for snow.

January to February
After each big wind day, walk the yard for shingles and check the attic. Keep a roof rake and flashlight handy.
March
Check trees near the house for weak or dead limbs before heavy spring snow. Clear gutters of winter debris.
April
Review your homeowner policy: wind and hail deductible, roof coverage type, water backup and flood options.
May
Take dated photos of the roof, siding, gutters and windows as a pre-hail baseline. Store them in the cloud.
June
Know where you will park cars during hail warnings. Keep a tarp, plastic sheeting and a staple gun or tape for small window breaks.
July
Clear window well drains and add covers. Extend downspouts away from the foundation before monsoon storms.
August
After each storm, check basements and walkout doors. Walk the yard for hail marks after any hail event.
September to October
Schedule any roof repairs before cold weather makes shingle sealing harder. Trim trees away from the roof.
November to December
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before outage season. Confirm generator setup is safe.

A small storm kit worth keeping

  • A heavy-duty tarp and a roll of plastic sheeting.
  • Duct tape, a utility knife and work gloves.
  • Flashlights and spare batteries.
  • Buckets and old towels for interior drips.
  • A printed copy of your policy's declarations page and claim reporting contact.
  • A list of the contractors and tree services you have already checked.

Why the baseline photos matter

Hail claims sometimes turn on whether a mark is new. A set of dated photos taken in late spring, before hail season, makes that question easier to answer. They also help after wind events, when you need to show which shingles were in place the day before.

Repeat the photos every year or two, and after any repair or replacement, so the record stays current.

Pair the photos with a short written note: the year the roof was installed, the shingle product if you know it, and any repairs since. Insurers and inspectors ask for these details often, and having them in one place shortens every storm conversation.

General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.