High Wind — Larimer & Boulder Counties Between 6000 & 9000 Feet, Colorado

2025-12-09 · Larimer & Boulder Counties Between 6000 & 9000 Feet, Colorado

Event narrative

An 87 mph wind gust was reported one mile northeast of Crisman. A National Weather Service employee reported a 71 mph wind gust as well as at least 9 trees uprooted or snapped, with some snapped approximately 20 feet off the ground. Across northern Larimer County, semi-trucks were blown over on Highway 287, causing the road to close closures. The Virginia Dale CDOT weather station reported an 83 mph wind gust and another wind station near this also reported a 87 mph wind gust.

Wider weather episode

Strong winds developed during the early morning hours of December 9th across the Front Range Mountains and Foothills. These winds strengthened and spread eastward through the morning and early afternoon hours of the 9th. Numerous gusts of 75 to 95 mph were recorded. Power outages between 5,000 to 10,000 were reported.

In the Fairplay area, the intense winds snapped branches and toppled trees. The winds destroyed a chicken coop, which sheared off 4x4 posts supporting a 16-foot section of the structure and scattered debris across his pasture. Highway 285 in Park County was closed for blowing snow and high winds. A CDOT station (Jefferson) along this stretch reported a wind gust of 83 mph at 4:38am on December 9th.

Across northern Larimer County, semi-trucks were blown over on 287 and I-25, causing road closures. The Virginia Dale CDOT weather station reported an 83 mph wind gust and another wind station near this also reported a 87 mph wind gust.

A National Weather Service Employee measured a 71 mph wind gust at his backyard sheltered weather station. At least 9 trees uprooted or snapped, with some snapped approximately 20 feet off the ground.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1297452. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.