SPM 09-14-2022: Rain Returns for Western Slope

Issue Date: Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Issue Time: 11:45 AM MDT

Summary:

Rain returned for most of the western slope on Tuesday, as the remnants of Tropical Storm Kay made their way into the region. Precipitable water was above average and plentiful, and a series of upper-level disturbances combined to produce appreciable rainfall west of the Divide. East of the Divide, dry low-level air was entrenched and prevented any precipitation.

The heaviest rainfall was observed from the Grand Valley south-southeastward across the Southwest Slope and into the southern San Juans where amounts of 0.25-0.75” were common. Notable rainfall totals, including locally higher amounts than 0.75”, include:

• 0.85” near both Rico and west of Durango
• 0.76” near both Montrose and Big Bear Park
• 0.67” near both Hesperus and Rico
• 0.55” east of Durango

Farther north across the Northwest Slope, rainfall amounts were lighter with generally 0.25” or less.

No flooding was reported yesterday. For precipitation estimates in our area, check out the map below. Remember, if you observe flooding in your area, you can use the “Report a Flood” page to make a flood report when you can safely do so.

Click Here For Map Overview

The map below shows radar-estimated, rainfall gage-adjusted Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) across Colorado. The map is updated daily during the operational season (May 1 – Sep 30) by 11AM. The following six layers are currently available: 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour total precipitation, as well as maximum 1-hour, 2-hour and 6-hour precipitation over the past 24 hour period (to estimate where flash flooding may have occurred). The accumulation ending time is 7AM of the date shown in the bottom right corner. Also shown optionally are vulnerable fire burn areas (post 2012), which are updated throughout the season to include new, vulnerable burn areas. The home button in the top left corner resets the map to the original zoom.