Coloradans from Denver to Colorado Springs may soon hear thunderous booms or feel slight tremors during freezing winter evenings, but these are not seismic activity. According to the Colorado Geological Survey, those startling sounds were most likely frost quakes, which are sudden cracking events in frozen ground triggered by significant temperature fluctuations.
Frost quakes, also known scientifically as cryoseisms, occur when rain or melting snow seeps into the earth and freezes too quickly. The stored water swells into ice, creating pressure until the ground splits, releasing energy with a loud, explosive bang. The occurrence may feel like a tiny earthquake, but it is quick and localized.
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Meteorologists say circumstances are optimal this week in the Front Range and Eastern Plains, where recent snowmelt and nightly lows in the single digits may combine to cause frost quakes. These are most likely to occur when there is insufficient snow cover to keep the soil from freezing completely.
Frost quakes typically occur between midnight and sunrise, when the coldest temperatures are at their most extreme. While they rarely cause damage, people may detect rattling windows or tiny cracks in driveways and pavement.
Experts propose fixing drainage and keeping water away from home foundations before the next freeze to reduce risk.
