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

The KSBS AWOS in Steamboat Springs recorded one hour where wind chill values were below 15F, and temperatures were below 25F. Winds were not at or above 10 mph, but wind chill values were sufficient to warrant inclusion. Temperatures ranged from -1F to 6F, and winds ranged from 6 mph to 8 mph. The coldest wind chill recorded during this period was -13F. 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.