High Wind — Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

2024-03-02 · Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

Event narrative

The peak gust of 62 mph was recorded twice, once at the ASOS KMTJ at the Montrose Regional Airport at 2:03 PM, and also at the mesonet site 2 NW Montrose, also at 2:03 PM. Other recorded gusts across the zone ranged from 45 mph to 60 mph. Reports of power outages in Montrose County were also recorded during this period, per Delta-Montrose Electric Association.

Wider weather episode

A strong Pacific low pressure trough moved into the Pacific Northwest and dropped south through the Great Basin in the days leading up to March 1st. At the base of this trough, a 160 knot jet aloft tracked overhead of eastern Utah and western Colorado beginning on the 1st, with daytime heating starting to mix down these much stronger southwest winds. Winds peaked during the late morning and afternoon hours on the 2nd as the pressure gradient through the atmosphere tightened up ahead of a strong cold front. Strongest winds were observed just prior to the cold front's passage, and led to numerous reports of power outages, downed trees, and even a few small brush fires.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1168934. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.