Weather Alert in Colorado
Hydrologic Outlook issued May 8 at 1:46PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
AREAS AFFECTED: Archuleta, CO; Delta, CO; Dolores, CO; Eagle, CO; Garfield, CO; Gunnison, CO; Hinsdale, CO; La Plata, CO; Montezuma, CO; Montrose, CO; Ouray, CO; Pitkin, CO; San Juan, CO; San Miguel, CO
DESCRIPTION: ESFGJT Risk of areal flooding and elevated stream flows from rapid snowmelt ...EXISTING CONDITIONS... Recent storms have brought several inches of new snow to mid to high elevations (8500' to 10,000') over the San Juans mountains, nosing along the Divide across Central Colorado. With forecast temperatures running 5 to 15 degrees above normal and the potential for showers and storms along the Divide each afternoon through the weekend, this region of western Colorado is vulnerable to enhanced runoff and elevated stream flows from rapid snowmelt. ...PRECIPITATION... Isolated to scattered showers and storms developing each afternoon favor high terrain across the southwest San Juans and along the spine of the Divide. Due to warming conditions, precipitation in the form of rain is possible as high as 10,000'. Although anticipated storm totals are low, generally 0.1" to 0.2", rain on snow could enhance the rate of snowmelt. ...STREAMFLOW CONDITIONS AND RUNOFF FORECASTS... Streams and rivers in the area will see elevated flows of dangerously cold water over the next several days. Low-lying areas across mountainous terrain (8500' to 10,000') are most susceptible to swelling of area streams and/or localized inundation. Stay away from fast moving water and exercise caution near riverbanks and streams. Updated weather and water products and forecasts are available from the NWS Grand Junction's website at: Www.weather.gov/gjt
INSTRUCTION: N/A
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Weather Topic: What are Shelf Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Shelf Clouds
Next Topic: Sleet
A shelf cloud is similar to a wall cloud, but forms at the front
of a storm cloud, instead of at the rear, where wall clouds form.
A shelf cloud is caused by a series of events set into motion by the advancing
storm; first, cool air settles along the ground where precipitation has just fallen.
As the cool air is brought in, the warmer air is displaced, and rises above it,
because it is less dense. When the warmer air reaches the bottom of the storm cloud,
it begins to cool again, and the resulting condensation is a visible shelf cloud.
Next Topic: Sleet
Weather Topic: What is Snow?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Snow
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake,
has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure.
Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup
of snow on the ground.
On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt
it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of
sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense
and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
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