High Wind — Eastern Uinta Basin, Utah

2025-02-07 · Eastern Uinta Basin, Utah

Event narrative

The Vernal West mesonet station recorded a peak gust to 60 mph at 220 PM MST on February 7th. This was the only gust above 58 mph. Gusts around the region ranged from 45 mph to 55 mph. 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 1239327. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.