Golf ball-sized hail detected near Laramie, WY on August 22, 2026

Damage assessment

The radar-confirmed strike landed approximately 8 miles southeast of downtown Laramie, with one hail report logged countywide that day. At 2.25 inches, architectural asphalt shingles take a hard hit — granule loss is likely widespread, and bruising to the mat beneath is common at this size, which crosses the threshold from cosmetic into functional damage. Roofs older than 10 years are particularly exposed; aged shingles have less elasticity and fail at impact points that newer material might survive. Albany County's record event was 2.5 inches in May 2018, so this storm falls just below that benchmark but still ranks among the more serious events in the local history.

Laramie repair cost reference

Historical context

This event ranks second among 31 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Albany County over the past decade, based on magnitude. The largest on record remains the 2.5-inch event from May 27, 2018. August has produced only 3 events in the county over 10 years, so while not unprecedented, a storm of this size this late in the season is uncommon.

Storm system

This was not an isolated event. The same system produced reports across multiple Colorado counties the same day, including 3.25-inch hail in Arapahoe County — indicating a broad, active severe weather corridor stretching from southeastern Wyoming into the Colorado Front Range.

Contractor guidance

Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 1 to 2 weeks in the Laramie market, which is manageable now but can lengthen if regional demand spikes. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate following significant hail events in the area, consistent with Laramie's pattern of drawing outside contractors after major storms. Wyoming has no state-level roofing contractor license, so verification falls on the homeowner — request proof of general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and industry certifications such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster before signing anything. Any contractor who offers to waive your deductible should be treated as a red flag; that arrangement can implicate insurance fraud under Wyoming statutes.

Permits & building code

At 2.25 inches, full roof replacement is a realistic outcome depending on shingle age and condition, though some newer roofs may qualify for repair only — a licensed inspector's assessment determines which path applies. Albany County requires a permit for roofing work; the contractor pulls it, cost runs $150 to $350, and an inspection is required upon completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–30% discount with most Wyoming insurers.