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COLORADO - CDOT CONTINUES TO CLOSE GLENWOOD FOR FEAR OF BURN SCAR MUDSLIDES

 

 

 

 

CWPMA is getting calls with increasing frequency from members frustrated with CDOT’s ongoing closures of Glenwood canyon.  I-70 is a vital corridor that continues to see the impacts of the fires from last year but it is also the key hazardous material route for petroleum fuels distribution to the western slope. The alternative routes through Craig, or through HWY 50 (when it isn’t closed 90 percent of the time during the week), place an enormous burden on the logistics of fuel supply.  CDOT’s freight Office has been monitoring the issue and has begun issuing the following alerts to try and give the trucking industry a heads up and as much lead time as possible.  Please let me know if you would like to be added to the distribution lists.

Convective Outlook

Conditions Monday are similar to last weekend, with a strong ridge of high pressure positioned to our W. A slight uptick in moisture should help isolated storms fire over the mountains this afternoon, which will slowly drift E/SE during the afternoon and evening. Storms will struggle to transition to lower elevations, but we can't completely rule out a weak, gusty storm impacting the I-25 Corridor. Much of today's activity will be high-based in nature, and severe weather and meaningful rainfall are unlikely.

The pattern starts to shift Tuesday, as Pacific energy drops down out of the Northern Rockies into our neighborhood. Subtropical moisture from the S will also increase, setting the stage for an uptick in shower and storm activity. Look for scattered to numerous storms over the mountains, especially over the San Juans where the best moisture resides. Coverage over the Western Slope and plains will be more isolated in nature, but a few clusters of storms will likely impact some areas. The threat for heavy rainfall will also increase over sensitive burn scars, given the uptick in moisture levels. Showers and weak storms may persist into the overnight period.

Wednesday will be the most active day of the forecast period with subtropical moisture in place, along with a disturbance + cold front impacting the eastern half of Colorado. Numerous showers and storms appear likely for much of Colorado, some of which may produce moderate to heavy rainfall. If temperatures warm sufficiently, the severe threat will also increase over the foothills and plains, where stronger storms could produce large hail and damaging winds.

Fire Weather Outlook

Localized fire weather concerns are possible over the Western Slope Monday due to low minimum relative humidity, hot temperatures, and stressed fuels. A few thunderstorms are also possible over the mountains this afternoon, which may produce lightning and gusty winds, but little measurable rainfall. Moisture increases beginning Tuesday, limiting fire weather concerns statewide. Lightning and new fire ignitions will remain a threat as storm chances increase across the region.

MDSS

https://www.webmdss.com/

NOAA Storm Prediction Center

https://www.spc.noaa.gov/

Rocky Mountain Fire Coordination Center

https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/

CDOT Fire Weather Page

https://www.weather.gov/bou/CDOTFireWeather

CDOT Forecasts Online
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1JGn1G

 

MAPS

 

CGRS
Eaton