Sunday, May 31, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
One Year Anniversary of the Colbran Landslide
News Link
Biggest Landslide in Colorado history, 3 died.
Biggest Landslide in Colorado history, 3 died.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Trail Runner in Boulder Severely Injured When Boulder Rolls Over and Traps His Leg
News Link
The trail runner slipped and grabbed the boulder to avoid falling over. The boulder broke loose and rolled over his leg. Chalk this one up to the unusually wet conditions.
The trail runner slipped and grabbed the boulder to avoid falling over. The boulder broke loose and rolled over his leg. Chalk this one up to the unusually wet conditions.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
How To Protect Your Pets and Animals From Rabies
News Link
Last year, 130 animals tested positive for rabies in Colorado, including 93 bats, 32 skunks, and five others. Of these, 76 animals were known or strongly suspected of exposing 101 domestic animals and 57 humans to rabies.
Last year, 130 animals tested positive for rabies in Colorado, including 93 bats, 32 skunks, and five others. Of these, 76 animals were known or strongly suspected of exposing 101 domestic animals and 57 humans to rabies.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Live Updates of Flooding in the Colorado Springs Area
News Link
Forecasts of 1/2 inch of rain for this afternoon will almost certainly produce flash flooding all along the Front Range. The ground is completely saturated from 3 straight weeks of daily rain and all precip hitting the ground now will immediately run off. Here is a photo of a normally dry drainage in the Open Space near my house.
With 10 days forward of daily rain forecast, there is no end in site. An upslope condition that goes on for 4 weeks has to be a record for Colorado.
Forecasts of 1/2 inch of rain for this afternoon will almost certainly produce flash flooding all along the Front Range. The ground is completely saturated from 3 straight weeks of daily rain and all precip hitting the ground now will immediately run off. Here is a photo of a normally dry drainage in the Open Space near my house.
With 10 days forward of daily rain forecast, there is no end in site. An upslope condition that goes on for 4 weeks has to be a record for Colorado.
Swedish Man Shows How to Avoid A Bear Attack
Video
In addition to "getting big" and yelling at the bear, clapping your hands sharply above your head to make a sound like a rifle shot causes the bear to run away. I have personally experienced this, as well as several people in my neighborhood.
In addition to "getting big" and yelling at the bear, clapping your hands sharply above your head to make a sound like a rifle shot causes the bear to run away. I have personally experienced this, as well as several people in my neighborhood.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Strong El Nino Could Produce Severe Flooding in Colorado
News Link
The last strong El Nino was in 1997 when 14 inches of rain fell in less than 8 hours in Fort Collins.
The last strong El Nino was in 1997 when 14 inches of rain fell in less than 8 hours in Fort Collins.
Monday, May 18, 2015
A Training Program for Your Dog to Avoid Rattlesnakes
News Link
A tough love approach using electric shock collars.
A tough love approach using electric shock collars.
Weld County Road 5 Closed Because of Flood Damage
News Link
Flooding can happen with sustained low rates of rainfall. May rainfall for the Morrison foothills area was 2.72 inches. 2.36 inches is forecast over the next 10 days which will certainly produce flooding. If we get a sudden warmup in June that sends snowmelt rushing down from the mountains, there could be major flooding this year. If a major upslope event followed that we could see a catastrophic event like the June, 1965 floods.
Flooding can happen with sustained low rates of rainfall. May rainfall for the Morrison foothills area was 2.72 inches. 2.36 inches is forecast over the next 10 days which will certainly produce flooding. If we get a sudden warmup in June that sends snowmelt rushing down from the mountains, there could be major flooding this year. If a major upslope event followed that we could see a catastrophic event like the June, 1965 floods.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Brain Damage from Lightning Strikes Causes Rare Savant Syndrome
News Link
This report includes some examples of people with brain injuries that suddenly developed extraordinary art talent. Tony Cicoria was struck by lightning in 1994 in Colorado and developed an intense interest in piano playing and composition afterward.
This report includes some examples of people with brain injuries that suddenly developed extraordinary art talent. Tony Cicoria was struck by lightning in 1994 in Colorado and developed an intense interest in piano playing and composition afterward.
Flooding Closes Many Popular Trails In Colorado Springs Area
News Link
The daily rainfall for weeks on end has produced the wettest conditions ever in our local Open Space Parks. The El Nino of 1998 was the only time I remember similar conditions but this year has been wetter than 1998 and the forecast is for 10 straight days of rain going forward from here. The El Nino that began in March appears to be on track to be one of the strongest observed.
The daily rainfall for weeks on end has produced the wettest conditions ever in our local Open Space Parks. The El Nino of 1998 was the only time I remember similar conditions but this year has been wetter than 1998 and the forecast is for 10 straight days of rain going forward from here. The El Nino that began in March appears to be on track to be one of the strongest observed.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Congress Warned About Solar Flare EMP That Could Destroy Power Infrastructure
News Link
Protection for the whole country would only cost about $2 billion but our brilliant politicians think this is too much. The problem with the advocates' approach is the low probability of a powerful solar flare. If they instead said it would protect against EMPs from nuclear warheads ignited in the atmosphere above major cities launched from Russia, they might have better luck getting this done.
Protection for the whole country would only cost about $2 billion but our brilliant politicians think this is too much. The problem with the advocates' approach is the low probability of a powerful solar flare. If they instead said it would protect against EMPs from nuclear warheads ignited in the atmosphere above major cities launched from Russia, they might have better luck getting this done.
Tourists Stand Next to Volcano in Nicaragua While It Erupts
News Link
Some candidates for the Darwin award.
Some candidates for the Darwin award.
Jogger Seeking Shelter Under Tree Is Injured When Lightning Strikes Tree
News Link
Didn't I just post a few days ago about don't seek shelter under trees?
Didn't I just post a few days ago about don't seek shelter under trees?
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Here Is A Great Example of Brit Tabloid Sensationalism Press About an Asteroid
News Link
An asteroid this large has been tracked and known about for a long time.
An asteroid this large has been tracked and known about for a long time.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Flooding Hits Front Range and Eastern Colorado
Rock Slide Briefly Closes Hwy 67, Hwy 24 Shut Down for Potential Debris Flows
News Link
Power out in Woodland Park.
Power out in Woodland Park.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Severe Weather Hits Colorado
News Link
Golf ball sized hail, tornadoes, snow, freezing temps and flooding - the whole tamale. I rode at Bear Creek Park yesterday and the water level in the reservoir is up 10 feet. The bathrooms at the boat ramp are completely submerged and the road along the inside base of the dam and the parking lots along Bear Creek are also under water. The only other time I have seen this since 1996 was during the great floods of 2013 when the water level in the reservoir rose over 30 feet.
Golf ball sized hail, tornadoes, snow, freezing temps and flooding - the whole tamale. I rode at Bear Creek Park yesterday and the water level in the reservoir is up 10 feet. The bathrooms at the boat ramp are completely submerged and the road along the inside base of the dam and the parking lots along Bear Creek are also under water. The only other time I have seen this since 1996 was during the great floods of 2013 when the water level in the reservoir rose over 30 feet.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
Flesh Eating Bacteria Contracted at Florida Beach
News Link
I knew Florida's ocean water quality wasn't great but this is the first report I am aware of that flesh-eating bacteria are in the sea water. In Colorado there are at most a few cases per year usually caused by a bike crash that scrapes open a wound with soil ground into it.
I knew Florida's ocean water quality wasn't great but this is the first report I am aware of that flesh-eating bacteria are in the sea water. In Colorado there are at most a few cases per year usually caused by a bike crash that scrapes open a wound with soil ground into it.
Colorado Springs Family Worries About Their Children After Mountain Lion Kills 2 Deer in Their Yard
News Link
Parks and Wildlife won't try and relocate the mountain lion since deer are their main source of food. If it attacked pets, it would be relocated.
Parks and Wildlife won't try and relocate the mountain lion since deer are their main source of food. If it attacked pets, it would be relocated.
Video of Super Flare on Sun
News Link
The first concrete evidence of a super flare from the sun. If a flare of this size shoots off in the direction of earth, there would be a huge EMP that would cause havoc to all electrical systems where the radiation blast hits. The chances that this will happen are very, very small. Since this is the first super flare that has been recorded, they probably happen once every 50 years or less often. The chances that a flare of this size would occur on the surface of the sun directed at the earth at the precise position in its annual orbit around the sun I haven't calculated but I would guess the odds of that are similar to the chances of being struck by a large meteor which is about once every 1 to 10 million years. The 24 hour rotation of the earth's surface facing the sun would give a 50-50 probability to whether the radiation blast would hit land or be over open ocean. The seasonal tilt of the earth for winter or summer would also come into play. You can worry about this if you want, but chances are that you won't see it in your lifetime.
The first concrete evidence of a super flare from the sun. If a flare of this size shoots off in the direction of earth, there would be a huge EMP that would cause havoc to all electrical systems where the radiation blast hits. The chances that this will happen are very, very small. Since this is the first super flare that has been recorded, they probably happen once every 50 years or less often. The chances that a flare of this size would occur on the surface of the sun directed at the earth at the precise position in its annual orbit around the sun I haven't calculated but I would guess the odds of that are similar to the chances of being struck by a large meteor which is about once every 1 to 10 million years. The 24 hour rotation of the earth's surface facing the sun would give a 50-50 probability to whether the radiation blast would hit land or be over open ocean. The seasonal tilt of the earth for winter or summer would also come into play. You can worry about this if you want, but chances are that you won't see it in your lifetime.
Teen Struck By Lightning Still in Coma, Struggling To Survive
News Link
Colorado should require education about natural hazards as part of the elementary school program.
Colorado should require education about natural hazards as part of the elementary school program.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
How to Avoid Being Struck by Lightning
Colorado's Front Range is particularly prone to lightning with over 500,000 ground strikes between Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park every year. 2 to 3 people are killed and 13 injured on average each year in Colorado. In reviewing all the documented casualties of lightning strikes in Colorado dating back to 1950 for the book, I have observed there are several common situations which result in people being struck by lightning.
People are human lightning rods. A living person is a highly charged bundle of electrical activity because of our nervous system. A group of people obviously multiplies the effect. Put an individual or a group of people in a large, flat open field where their bodies are the high point, or standing on a high, exposed ridge line greatly increases the chances of being struck by lightning when thunder can be heard or lightning seen in the area. Add some metal to the equation like standing next to a car or small airplane, power poles, tent poles, golf clubs, fishing poles, rifles, boats, bikes, umbrellas, backpacks and whatever other situation involves metal and the chances of being struck go up even more. Some common situations that result in people being struck by lightning during a storm include sports teams practicing in an open field, golfers, hikers along open, exposed high points and bike riders. Hikers are the most frequent victims of lightning strikes. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and Pike's Peak outside Colorado Springs are two places that people (mostly visiting tourists who are unaware of the danger) are regularly struck by lightning. 2 visitors were killed and 7 injured on hiking trails just off Trail Ridge Road on 2 successive days last July despite large signs warning of the danger posted at the trail heads. The most unusual situation involving metal was a couple of skiers killed in an April lightning storm at Vail. The most unusual group situation that was documented in 2004 was a group of college students in an annual event where golf balls were driven off into the distance from the edge of a high mesa near Granby. Over 30 students with golf clubs standing in the open on a high spot during a lightning storm! 19 were injured when a lightning bolt struck. So, what to do if you find yourself in this situation? Groups should disperse, head down hill or indoors and ditch any metal objects. For those that climb 14ers, when the static electricity gets so high that your hair stands on end, forget bagging that 14er and head downhill.
Avoid natural lightning rods. Trees are the most common natural lightning rod. Large solitary trees in the middle of open fields, or on or near ridge lines look like a great place to take shelter. Don't do it! or even be close to a tree in that situation. There are many examples of people being struck by lightning while seeking shelter under a tree. Lightning often-times causes a tree to completely explode sending wood shrapnel out at high velocity. The air blast from a lightning bolt can also cause injuries. The other natural lightning rod of significance is exposed ridge tops, especially above tree line.
Your chances of being struck by lightning are very low, even if you are in an exposed, higher risk situation. For Colorado, I have estimated the odds at about 1 in 650,000 in any given year.
People are human lightning rods. A living person is a highly charged bundle of electrical activity because of our nervous system. A group of people obviously multiplies the effect. Put an individual or a group of people in a large, flat open field where their bodies are the high point, or standing on a high, exposed ridge line greatly increases the chances of being struck by lightning when thunder can be heard or lightning seen in the area. Add some metal to the equation like standing next to a car or small airplane, power poles, tent poles, golf clubs, fishing poles, rifles, boats, bikes, umbrellas, backpacks and whatever other situation involves metal and the chances of being struck go up even more. Some common situations that result in people being struck by lightning during a storm include sports teams practicing in an open field, golfers, hikers along open, exposed high points and bike riders. Hikers are the most frequent victims of lightning strikes. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and Pike's Peak outside Colorado Springs are two places that people (mostly visiting tourists who are unaware of the danger) are regularly struck by lightning. 2 visitors were killed and 7 injured on hiking trails just off Trail Ridge Road on 2 successive days last July despite large signs warning of the danger posted at the trail heads. The most unusual situation involving metal was a couple of skiers killed in an April lightning storm at Vail. The most unusual group situation that was documented in 2004 was a group of college students in an annual event where golf balls were driven off into the distance from the edge of a high mesa near Granby. Over 30 students with golf clubs standing in the open on a high spot during a lightning storm! 19 were injured when a lightning bolt struck. So, what to do if you find yourself in this situation? Groups should disperse, head down hill or indoors and ditch any metal objects. For those that climb 14ers, when the static electricity gets so high that your hair stands on end, forget bagging that 14er and head downhill.
Avoid natural lightning rods. Trees are the most common natural lightning rod. Large solitary trees in the middle of open fields, or on or near ridge lines look like a great place to take shelter. Don't do it! or even be close to a tree in that situation. There are many examples of people being struck by lightning while seeking shelter under a tree. Lightning often-times causes a tree to completely explode sending wood shrapnel out at high velocity. The air blast from a lightning bolt can also cause injuries. The other natural lightning rod of significance is exposed ridge tops, especially above tree line.
Your chances of being struck by lightning are very low, even if you are in an exposed, higher risk situation. For Colorado, I have estimated the odds at about 1 in 650,000 in any given year.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Teenager Critically Injured After Lightning Strike in Aurora
News Link
Walking along a high spot on a hill - you become a human lightning rod.
Walking along a high spot on a hill - you become a human lightning rod.
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