Issue Date: Friday, August 5th, 2016
Issue Time: 9:00AM MDT
Summary
Very high moisture content provided by an aging monsoon surge helped to produce widespread showers and thunderstorms across southwest, central and southeast Colorado on Thursday. Yesterday’s precipitable water value at Grand Junction peaked at just over 1.4 inches, which exceeds the 95th percentile for early August. Scattered showers, ongoing in the morning, quickly gained in coverage and intensity with the still-strong August heating. Although rain intensities were generally reduced compared to Thursday, many 24-hour total observations were in the 0.5 to 1.0 inch range though higher values were assuredly seen between gages. An observation in La Plata County noted a 15-minute rainfall of 0.57 inches. Numerous flood advisories and warnings were hoisted over the Grand Valley and Southwest Slope for flash flooding though no official reports were received this morning.
Meanwhile, over the Divide, even heavier rainfall rates were seen over the Southeast Plains where up to 3 inches likely occurred in rural parts of Baca County. Two areal flood advisories were hoisted for this region during the afternoon and evening hours. A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued, though no hail/wind reports were received as of this morning.
Overall, the last three day stretch has resulted in widespread areas receiving over 1 inch of rainfall, with up to 6 inches of rainfall observed for isolated parts of southwest and southeast Colorado. The excellent news is that the rainfall fell in relatively steady fashion, which as many residents know, is never a guarantee for our state.
For rainfall estimates specific to your area, check out our Storm Total Precipitation map below.
