High Wind — West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

2025-02-07 · West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

The Carbonate Hill mesonet station recorded a wind gust to 81 mph at 1100 AM MST on February 7th. This was the peak gust of the day, as wind began to diminish during the afternoon in this area. Other gusts around the zone ranged from 45 mph to 60 mph, with the peak gust being this 81 mph gust at Carbonate Hill. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received.

Wider weather episode

Unseasonably warm temperatures and clear skies promoted deep mixing on the 7th of February. In the meantime, the pressure gradient aloft was tightening ahead of a cold and strong low pressure system approaching the area from the west, leading to strong winds at upper levels. The unusual warmth of the day promoted deep mixing, tapping into those strong upper level winds and bringing strong gusts down to the surface. Higher elevations and the valleys of northeast Utah and northwest Colorado saw the peak gusts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1239322. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.