Stratton, CO Hail Storm – May 2026

A severe hail storm tracked through Stratton, CO on May 29, 2026, producing 2.08-inch stones and a mix of radar-detected and spotter-verified reports from mid-afternoon into the evening.

What Happened

The first surface observations tied to the event arrived in the mid-afternoon. Spotters in the Stratton area reported hail around 3:12 PM MDT (21:12 UTC) with an image and a 1.13-inch measurement, followed by a spotter call near 3:46 PM MDT (21:46 UTC) that estimated roughly 1 inch. A third spotter network report about the same period recorded 0.88-inch stones. Those field reports preceded a string of 11 NWS alerts from 3:44 PM MDT to 10:18 PM MDT. Early alerts at 3:44 PM MDT and 4:25 PM MDT were driven by dual-polarization radar hail detection and matched the timing of the spotter observations. Several later messages were issued as NWS warning-only alerts. Radar again detected larger cores later in the sequence, including a significant radar-detected hail signature recorded at 8:19 PM MDT (02:19 UTC). The event combined short-lived radar cores and intermittent spotter verification as it moved across the Stratton metro area.

Damage Assessment

Field reports show the strongest surface impacts were concentrated in and immediately around Stratton during the early to mid-afternoon window. The 3:12 PM MDT spotter image captured intact hail measuring about 1.13 inches. Two additional spotter-verified reports within the same timeframe noted stones near 1.0 inch and 0.88 inch. Radar-detected hail cores later in the evening indicate additional areas of larger stones passed near the metro area, but the ground-truth reports center on the mid-afternoon Stratton observations.

On-site evidence reported to the NWS and observer networks described typical rock-sized impacts in residential neighborhoods where spotters recorded their observations. Vehicle panels and exposed metal fixtures in the parts of Stratton closest to those reports should be inspected for circular dents and paint disruption consistent with the measured stones. Photographic evidence submitted with the 3:12 PM report shows distinct, rounded hail fragments on hard surfaces. No broad, townwide collapse or widespread catastrophic failure was reported in the observer notes for this event.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs in the Stratton metro area first, prioritizing properties within the immediate vicinity of the 3:12 PM and 3:46 PM spotter reports. Focus on shingle loss patterns, granule displacement, and point-impact perforations on metal flashing. Asphalt shingle systems exposed to stones around 1 inch often show granule removal and edge scuffs; roofs that already had weathering may register more visible material loss. Photograph all findings and geotag images where possible to match field evidence to the event timeline.

Check vehicle fleets and lightweight metal buildings reported in central Stratton for shallow, circular dents and paint cracking. HVAC units and exposed condensers reported near residential properties should be evaluated for bent fins, coil damage, and broken fan guards. For siding and window inspections, prioritize north- and west-facing elevations where the radar track and spotter reports indicate the cores passed through earliest in the late afternoon pulse.