High Wind — Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

2024-04-05 · Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

Event narrative

Wind gusts across the zone ranged from 45 mph to near 65 mph. The peak recorded gust of 61 mph occurred at the KMTJ ASOS at the Montrose Regional Airport. This was the only location to record gusts above 58 mph.

Wider weather episode

A deep trough of low pressure approached eastern Utah and western Colorado from the west, with a strong 140 knot jet aloft wrapping around the trough's base. This jet, combined with a very tight southwesterly pressure gradient aloft, brought very strong winds to the region ahead of an impressive cold front. Wind gusts ranged from 45 mph to 65 mph across valley locations, while mountain locations saw gusts up to 90 mph.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1178110. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.