SPM 09-01-2017: Numerous Showers And Storms Across High Country And Foothills

Issue Date: Friday, September 1, 2017
Issue Time: 10:40AM MDT

Summary:

An incoming disturbance provided enough upward motion that combined with a bit of atmospheric instability to create numerous to widespread showers and storms across the higher elevations. This sounds more ominous than it was given most storms only lasted for a 15-30 minute period. Showers were the common precipitation form west of the Continental Divide with a few tenths of rainfall reported, while thunderstorms were added in the mix to the east. Storms moved at a rapid pace, preventing much rainfall at a given locale. However, a few storms grew big enough to produce short-term heavy rainfall. The highest observed rainfall amounts were across the Front Range and Palmer Divide with up to 0.8 inches being reported. However, radar based estimates suggest up to 2 inches fell in localized parts of Morgan, Adams and Fremont counties though unfortunately it was difficult to confirm this without ground based measurements. A cluster of storms prompted a brief Flash Flood Warning for the East Peak fire scar, where up to 1 inch of rainfall may have fallen.

In addition to the rainfall, gusty winds were reported across many higher elevation locations. For example, gusts up to 57 and 51 mph were reported in Rio Blanco and Eagle counties, respectively.

Flooding was not reported on Thursday. For rainfall estimates in your area, check out our State Precipitation Map below.

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 6AM of the date shown in the bottom right corner. Also shown optionally are fire burn areas since 2012. The home button in the top left corner resets the map to the original zoom.

Note: We have identified a possible underestimation in QPE over the southwest part of the state. We are working to on this issue, and will provide an update as soon as possible.