Dense Fog — Debeque To Silt Corridor, Colorado

2026-01-04 · Debeque To Silt Corridor, Colorado

Event narrative

Widespread dense fog developed within valleys along I-70 during the morning of January 4. The KRIL ASOS at the Rifle Garfield County Airport reported 1/4-mile visibility due to dense fog for about a half an hour between 5:30-6:00 AM. After a brief period of improved visibilities, dense fog redeveloped around 7:00 AM. Visibilities reached 1/4 mile or less for about 3.5 hours before dissipating. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received.

Wider weather episode

High pressure set up across western Colorado overnight from January 3 to 4, leading to clear skies and light winds. Pools of strong moisture remained within many valleys though from precipitation earlier in January. With this, cooling overnight temperatures led to a saturated near-surface environment and widespread dense fog.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1309965. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.