Dense Fog — Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

2026-01-02 to 2026-01-03 · Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

Event narrative

Areas of dense fog developed within lower valleys along US-50 overnight on January 2 and 3. The KMTJ ASOS at the Montrose Regional Airport reported 1/4-mile visibility due to freezing fog for about an hour near midnight. The KAJZ AWOS at the Blake Field Delta Airport reported multiple brief periods of reduced visibility prior to sunrise as well as over three hours of 1/4-mile visibility near and after sunrise due to dense fog. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received.

Wider weather episode

Potent surface moisture lingered within Colorado valleys overnight on January 2 and 3 resulting from widespread rain and snow over the prior two days. A deep upper-level ridge moving overhead made way for clear skies though. With the resulting radiational cooling, overnight surface conditions became saturated and supported widespread dense fog development.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1309237. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.