High Wind in Central Yampa River Basin, Colorado

The peak gust of 63 mph was recorded at the KHDN AWOS in Hayden, CO at 5:09 PM MDT. Other gusts throughout the region ranged from 47 mph to 53 mph during the period of highest winds. No reports of injuries, damages, or fatalities were received in association with this high wind event.

A very strong Pacific system moved into the region, with a potent 170 knot jet streak aloft and a strong surface cold front. As a result, winds began to increase through the afternoon on the 14th, peaking with the cold frontal passage. Areas across northwest Colorado first saw impacts in the evening of the 14th, with the strong winds spreading southward through the early morning hours of the 15th. Highest wind gusts, up to around 100 mph, were confined to elevations above 10,000 feet, thus limiting impacts from the event.