Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in Central Yampa River Basin, Colorado

The KEEO ASOS in Meeker and KCAG ASOS in Craig reported approximately 6 hours of wind chill values below the 15F threshold. The majority of this period did not see wind speeds at or above 10 mph, but temperatures were well below the 25F required, and wind chills were sufficiently cold that they were counted. Temperatures ranged from -6F to 0F, and wind speeds ranged from 6 mph to 13 mph. The coldest wind chill value recorded during this period was -24F. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received.

A cold front ushered in an arctic airmass on the evening of January 17th, as well as bringing widespread wind and snow to eastern Utah and western Colorado. This arctic airmass was reinforced over the course of the next week by several passing waves with their own associated cold fronts. Temperatures during this period were 15-20 degrees below normal, and in some places close to 30 degrees below normal. With temperatures this cold, any amount of wind would produce a dangerously cold wind chill. The coldest period of this event was January 20th to the 22nd, with temperatures finally beginning to moderate after the 23rd.