High Wind — West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

2025-04-01 · West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

The Carbonate Hill mesonet site, located above 12000 feet in elevation, recorded a gust to 75 mph at approximately 2AM local time on the morning of April 1st. Wind gusts across the zone during the morning hours of April 1st ranged from 45 mph up to the peak gust of 75 mph. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received in association with this event.

Wider weather episode

A strong spring storm moved through the area on April 1st, bringing mountain snow and valley rain to the region, as well as much cooler temperatures in the wake of the associated cold front. Ahead of the cold front, the tightened pressure gradient aloft led to widespread strong, gusty southwesterly winds across the region. Some gusts across the higher elevations reached the 60-70 mph range, while valley locations gusted 50-60 mph.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1257576. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.