Dense Fog in Central Yampa River Basin, Colorado

Widespread dense fog developed within the Yampa River Basin during the morning of February 13. The KCAG ASOS at the Craig-Moffat County Airport reported two prolonged periods of 1/4-mile visibility due to dense fog and freezing fog, once before sunrise and once after. Several hours of reduced visibility above 1/4 mile due to mist and fog were also observed during the morning. The KEEO ASOS at the Meeker Coulter Field Airport observed almost three hours of 1/4-mile visibility due to freezing fog prior to sunrise. The KHDN AWOS at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport also reported several prolonged periods of 1/4-mile visibility due to dense fog and freezing fog both before and after sunrise. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received.

Relatively clear early-day skies on February 12 led to isolated convection with rain and snow showers across portions of western Colorado. Some valleys were already saturated or near-saturated due to periods of precipitation over the prior days. As such, in spite of dense cloud cover lingering overnight and lacking radiational cooling, saturated surface conditions paired with weakening winds were capable of producing areas of dense fog on the morning on February 13.