Western weather: Weekend wind, dust and fire warnings

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Dangerous conditions expected across West Slope and Front Range southwest of Denver in the early part of the weekend, snow showers possible in the northwestern mountain ranges Saturday night

A classic spring high-wind scenario is setting up for Colorado and parts of the greater Southwest region, with the gusts up to near hurricane force possible. across ridges.

An array of wind-related weather warnings are in effect for the early part of the holiday weekend, with cooler temps and a chance of showers Sunday.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Campers out for their first trip of the summer season in Colorado and eastern Utah may want to make sure their tents are securely staked.

The National Weather Service has issued wind watches and warnings, dust storm warnings, as well as fire weather advisories and even a red flag fire warning for parts of Park County and the mountains southwest of Denver, where forest and grass fuels are very dry.

Along with the fire danger, drivers of high-profile vehicles like trucks and campers should also be aware of the potential for dangerous gusts, especially along north-south oriented highways. Fire restrictions are in place on BLm lands in western Colorado and other areas. Visit the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center for regional info on outdoor fire restrictions. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Weatherblog: Frost and fire danger

Posted on September 6, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Wilderness Sports supports independent journalism and sponsors the weatherblog.

A few scattered clouds developed over Frisco Sunday evening ahead of an approaching cold front that will drop high temperatures by 10 degrees Monday and bring widespread frost by Tuesday morning.

Widespread red flag warnings across much of Colorado and eastern Utah; the first widespread frost of the season could drop on western Colorado for Tuesday morning

SUMMIT COUNTY — Clouds and gusty winds developed Sunday ahead of a slow-moving cold front dropping down from the Pacific Northwest. Those winds and dry air ahead of the front combined to raise the fire danger to high across large parts of Colorado, with red flag warnings east and west of Summit County. The local area was not included in the red flag area but the fire danger in Summit Count is high, as fuels are quickly drying out from the monsoon rains. Under a high fire rating, fires start easily and spread rapidly through grass and brush.

Sunday evening, the front was stalled north of the I-70 corridor. It’s expected to weaken, with most of the moisture staying well north of Summit County, but it will drop temperatures by as much as 10 degrees on Monday, taking highs from the above-average readings of the last few days to several degrees below normal, making for a “crisp autumn day,” across the region, according to the Grand Junction-based forecasters. (more…)

Filed under: Summit County Colorado, Summit County snow and weather | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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