High Wind — Animas River Basin, Colorado

2024-05-20 · Animas River Basin, Colorado

Event narrative

Winds across the zone ranged from 45 mph to near 65 mph. The peak recorded gust of 66 mph was recorded at KDRO ASOS at the Durango-La Plata County Airport on the evening of the 20th.

Wider weather episode

A deepening trough over the Pacific Northwest phased with a potent shortwave over the Baja Peninsula, pulling a strong jet northeastward toward the Four Corners. This, combined with generally clear skies that promoted deep mixing, allowed strong winds to reach the surface on the afternoon of the 20th. This event was confined mainly to Southeast Utah and Southwest Colorado.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1181613. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.