Baseball-sized hail detected near Fountain, CO on August 16, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Fountain monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-indicated strike center was approximately 6 miles northwest of downtown Fountain, with one hail report logged across El Paso County that day. At 3.5 inches — baseball size — standard architectural asphalt shingles face near-certain functional damage, not merely cosmetic bruising. Granule loss, cracked mat, and broken tabs are expected outcomes at this magnitude, and older shingles with worn surfaces are at the highest risk of through-damage. This event ranks third by magnitude in the county's 10-year record; the largest recorded event reached 4 inches on August 5, 2023.
On a home at Fountain's median value of $374,600, a 2% wind/hail deductible runs $7,492. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof after a storm of this magnitude is $6,834, with a replacement scenario running approximately $11,390. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, you're better off repairing out of pocket — the typical repair cost falls below your deductible. Filing a claim likely isn't worth it unless a full inspection reveals significantly more damage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fountain inspection
Fountain repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks third out of 138 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in El Paso County over the past 10 years, placing it among the most significant on record. The county's largest documented event was 4 inches on August 5, 2023. August has produced 45 hail events in the county over the past decade, running above the monthly average and trailing only July's 49.
Storm system
The same day, half-dollar-sized hail of 1.25 inches was reported near both Laramie, Wyoming and Douglas, Colorado, with quarter-sized hail in Weld County — suggesting this was part of a broader convective outbreak across the region rather than a single isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1 to 2 weeks, and storm chaser risk is assessed as low for Fountain, with most post-storm capacity arriving from contractors based in larger nearby markets. Colorado does not issue a state roofing license, but Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000, and that contract must include specific consumer protections — ask to see it before work begins. Verify current general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and confirm the contractor has a verifiable local business address. Under C.R.S. § 6-22-105, any contractor who offers to waive or rebate your deductible is breaking Colorado law — walk away.
Permits & building code
At 3.5 inches, full roof replacement is the more likely outcome than spot repair on standard asphalt shingles. The contractor pulls the permit in Fountain, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $100 to $250. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph all roof surfaces, gutters, downspouts, window screens, and any exterior AC units before conditions change — date-stamp every image.
- 2Get a repair estimate from a licensed contractor before contacting your insurer — at these numbers, out-of-pocket repair is likely cheaper than filing a claim.
- 3Vet any contractor before signing: request proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and ask for the written contract required under C.R.S. § 6-22-105.
- 4Keep a file of all inspection reports, photographs, contractor bids, and any written correspondence related to storm damage.
- 5Report any contractor who offers to absorb or waive your deductible — violations under C.R.S. § 6-22-105 constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fountain inspection
Hail magnitude and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via SWDI; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.