Likely state of Colorado record diameter hailstone
Image credit: Becky Bolinger
Members of the National Weather Service office in Goodland, CO and the Colorado State University Climate Center visited a family north of Bethune, Colorado on August 14 afternoon to measure a hailstone which was reported August 13 as being the largest in the state of Colorado history.
The Colorado State climatologist measured the hailstone using a set of calipers to get the exact measurement to the hundredth of an inch, NWS said. "The hailstone measured 122.6 mm (4.83 inches) in diameter at its widest point."
The homeowner said that the hailstone was brought indoors and secured in a freezer approximately 30 minutes after falling due to safety concerns from ongoing severe weather.
"Social media pictures were taken soon after the hailstone had fallen yesterday which were higher than the 4.83 inches (122.6 mm) measurement. The hailstone weighed 8.5 ounces (240.9 g) and its widest circumference was 12 inches (304.8 mm) and 7/8 inches (22.2 mm)," NWS said.
At this time there is no official measurement, and the current state record for the largest hailstone measured remains 114.3 mm (4.5 inches).
Preliminary results from NWS Goodland and @ColoradoClimate survey. These results will undergo final review for an official measurement. pic.twitter.com/2E279DeTsa
— NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) August 14, 2019
@russ_schumacher and I got to take a trip of a lifetime to Bethune, CO today and measure a record setting hail stone. I love my job! Thanks to @BrianBledsoe and the homeowner for getting this information to us! #cowx pic.twitter.com/E8HGBxmsq3
— Becky Bolinger (@ClimateBecky) August 15, 2019
Photos show that it was even larger when it fell (and was about 30 mins between when it fell and was put in the freezer)…we will consider all information to establish "final" values, but it's clear that this will be a new record for Colorado! #cowx (2/2)
— ColoClimateCenter (@ColoradoClimate) August 14, 2019
@NWSBoulder @NWSGoodland I am verifying what looks to be a record setting hailstone for #cowx Am told this fell near Bethune this afternoon. Would easily beat the 4.5" record… Given the way the radar looked, I wouldn't be surprised. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/LiUazILn6r
— Brian Bledsoe (@BrianBledsoe) August 13, 2019
This is terrible…they made it through the record-setting hail yesterday with no damage because there were so few stones, but tonight they suffered damage from tennis ball sized hail. https://t.co/2xnUzDIylZ
— ColoClimateCenter (@ColoradoClimate) August 15, 2019
The Colorado State climatologist will be working with a committee of members from other agencies to take into account the social media pictures and their measurement along with the measurements taken today.
"When a final measurement is given we will share the information with our users," NWS meteorologists said.
@NWSGoodland between Burlington and Bethune on Hwy 24 looking west-northwest #cowx pic.twitter.com/Qeqf4P7RLd
— Brittany Newman (@Sturms112010) August 15, 2019
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