September 17, 2024
[The Las Animas Courthouse, Trinidad, CO.]
Colorado Flood Threat
[The following is a press release from the Colorado Water Conservation Board]
— Flooding is NOT expected today
— Fire-Burn Forecast Summary: 1 burn area under MODERATE threat, 4 burn areas under LOW threat; click HERE for more information.
A noteworthy cold front has set up over eastern Utah and is producing lines of rain and a few thunderstorms over western parts of Colorado this morning. Strong southwesterly steering flow aloft is present ahead of a cut-off Low over northern Nevada. As the cut-off Low moves northeast toward Wyoming, the cold front is expected to progress to the east resulting in an active weather day across Colorado.
Let’s start with western Colorado since rain is already in progress. Notable cloud cover is present which should limit daytime heating. Maximum high temperatures over lower elevations should be held down into the 70s°F. However, dynamic lift aloft and mid-level instability will continue to support thunderstorm activity along and east of the cold front. PW at Grand Junction is at 0.96 inches this morning, but available moisture is expected to plummet behind the frontal passage. Thus, a few stronger thunderstorms may produce localized heavy rainfall and gusty winds this afternoon. Due to fast steering flow and limited instability, maximum 1-hour rain intensity is forecast to stay below an inch. Other than these embedded scattered thunderstorms, the front is likely to continue to produce bands of rain. Over southwestern Colorado, isolated 6-hour rainfall totals up to 1.5 inches are possible. Since this would be a more gradual rain and yesterday’s rainfall totals stayed under 1.5 inches, no flooding threat has been issued.
With the front heading east, lines of rain with embedded thunderstorms are likely to continue marching toward the eastern border through late this evening. Moderate instability is likely over the eastern Plains thanks to afternoon temperatures in the upper 80s°F and dew points in the 50s°F. PW over Dodge City is at 1.21 inches this morning, and a gradient of PW values in the 1.0-1.2-inch range is likely over eastern counties through late this evening. Any heavy rain rates within thunderstorms are likely to be short-lived due to fast flow aloft. However, a few spots along the eastern border may see 1.5 inches of rain falling within a 2-hour period. Strong winds and damaging thunderstorm gusts likely pose more of a threat than today’s rainfall, and no flooding threat has been issued.
Zone-Specific Forecasts:
Northwest Slope, Northern Mountains, Grand Valley, Central Mountains, Southwest Slope, San Juan Mountains & San Luis Valley:
Currently, lines of rain with embedded thunderstorms are present over western counties while isolated showers are present ahead of the line. As the cold front moves to the east, bands of rain are expected to continue to line up along and just ahead of it. Scattered thunderstorms are also anticipated. Within thunderstorms, isolated 1-hour rainfall rates up to 0.85 inches are possible. Isolated portions of the Southwest Slope and San Juan Mountains may see new rainfall adding up to 1.5 inches, but since this likely occurs over a 6-hour period, NO flooding threat has been issued.
Also note that the front will bring rather robust winds this afternoon. Widespread sustained winds of 15-25 mph are likely and numerous gusts of 30-45 mph are likely. Within thunderstorms, isolated severe gusts of 60-70 mph are possible.
Prime time: Ongoing to 3:00 P.M./6:00 P.M. (west/east)
Front Range, Southeast Mountains, Raton Ridge, Urban Corridor, Palmer Ridge, Northeast Plains & Southeast Plains:
Widespread sustained southerly winds of 15-30 mph are likely and numerous gusts of 30-45 mph are likely this afternoon, strongest over the Plains. The cold front is expected to bring bands of rain moving from west to east throughout the afternoon and evening hours. Scattered thunderstorms are expected within the line. Isolated showers or thunderstorms may trail behind the line prior to the front passing. Within thunderstorms, isolated severe gusts of 60-80 mph are possible with the Northeast Plains having the strongest storm potential. Isolated large hail is also possible. Within thunderstorms, isolated 1-hour rainfall rates up to 0.85 inches are possible. Along the eastern border, isolated 2-hour rainfall amounts up to 1.50 inches are possible. Flooding is NOT expected.
Prime time: Noon to 9:00 P.M. (west); 3:00 P.M. to Midnight (east).
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Leaf-peeping season: Find fall colors at Colorado state parks
[The following is a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife]
Colorado’s vibrant “leaf-peeping” season has officially begun as patches of color pop among the trees. While the stunning fall foliage display is worthy of the annual crowds at Colorado state parks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages state park visitors to protect our natural resources while enjoying them.
As a valued visitor to Colorado's state parks, you play a crucial role in preserving our natural resources. Your respect for shared outdoor spaces and adherence to the guidelines outlined below can significantly contribute to conservation, ensuring our parks remain beautiful for generations to come.
“We ask that folks “rushing for gold” plan and have location backup plans because parks get crowded and parking is limited at certain trailheads,” said Todd Farrow, park manager at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. “Please only park in designated areas and remember that parking along roads is prohibited.”
Know Before You Go
To ensure a smooth visit, always have a backup plan if your desired trailhead or park is crowded. Remember, park rangers can issue parking tickets or even tow vehicles that park illegally or block traffic.
Plan your visit with the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales)
Use the State Park Finder to explore a comprehensive map of Colorado state parks
Visit a park during the week or plan an early morning adventure to avoid crowds
Stick To Trails
Shortcuts and that perfect selfie can be tempting, but staying on the trail will decrease your risk of injury and protect trailside plants and local wildlife.
Print or download a trail map to follow the marked trail
Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads and trail maps
Leave It as You Find It
Parking in designated areas is critical — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation, ignite wildfires in dry grass, and block first-responder vehicles in case of an emergency.
Help keep our trees healthy by not carving into them or pulling down branches
Avoid stacking rocks because they stabilize and protect the erosion of trails
Keep Wildlife Wild
Many species call Colorado home, making it the perfect destination for wildlife watching on state park trails. However, wildlife can get aggressive if they aren’t given enough space or approached by humans.
Elk and moose are in a rut (mating season), so give them space and do not approach them because they can get territorial and attack when they feel threatened.
Keep dogs leashed and put waste bags in a trash can. Do not hang waste bags on trees or in toilets.
If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local CPW office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance.
Share our Trails and Parks
Being kind and considerate to others outdoors helps build more inclusive spaces and allows everyone a personal connection to nature.
“How we explore our outdoor spaces matters. Conservation starts small, but all of our proactive steps to leave a state park better than we found it adds up in a meaningful way,” said Farrow. “No matter where you plan to explore this fall, please respect our natural resources, park staff, volunteers, and fellow recreationists.”
Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and support our state parks, search and rescue teams, avalanche safety, wildlife conservation, and outdoor education. The pass provides access to all Colorado state parks and helps fund important conservation and safety initiatives. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild.
Comics
Dry Bar Comedy
Going Blind From Laser Eye Surgery, Don Friesen
Finding Colorado
The Colorado State Soil is Seitz.
Go West Film Festival
Through a celebration of classic and contemporary Western film, the Go West Film Festival explores social and environmental issues currently impacting the West, enhancing a deeper understanding of the nexus between Western myth and reality.
For more information:
Resources
Colorado Rattlesnake Camera
Until next time,