High Wind in Central Colorado River Basin, Colorado

The Hangman, Burns 3NW RAWS site recorded a gust to 58 mph at approximately 11:55 AM MDT, while other sensors around the zone recorded gusts above 45 mph throughout the day. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received in association with this event.

A trough dropping out of the Pacific Northwest on the 20th helped to tighten the pressure gradient aloft. This in turn worked to increase surface winds across eastern Utah and western Colorado. In addition, a ridge of high pressure that was still partly in place on the 20th promoted clear skies and deep mixing, helping to mix down even stronger winds to the surface. This pattern lingered into the afternoon of the 21st, allowing for a few late wind gusts to pop up at higher elevations of northwest Colorado.