Friday, March 24, 2017

Heavy Snow Closes I-25 From Castle Rock to Colorado Springs

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The first precipitation for the Foothills and Eastern Plains since February 24; before that February 2.

2 Teens Illegally Climbing on Red Rocks Rescued

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You know spring has arrived when teens get themselves into a jam climbing Red Rocks. 1 climber fell 40 feet and was rushed to the hospital with head injuries. Another teen was stuck on a ledge and rescued.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Investigation Into Wildfires Started by Arsonists Ongoing in Jefferson County

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More than a dozen wildfires that started in the middle of Open Space Parks, far removed from roads, and during clear skies (no chance of lightning-initiated fire), are being investigated for possible arson and possibly by the same person.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Moose Races Downhill At Breckenridge

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I had no idea that moose can run that fast! The packed snow of the ski runs provides a path for the moose through the deep snow in the mountains.

3 Acre Wildfire in Ken Caryl Open Space Quickly Put Out Saturday Night

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This was about 1 mile north of where I saw a horseback rider smoking on Friday. Could have been started by a tossed cigarette butt or maybe was an arsonist.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Buckley Airman Dies After Hitting Tree at Eldora Ski Area

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Haxtun Wildfire Fully Contained After Burning 32,500 Acres

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4 homes completely destroyed, several others damaged, many outbuildings (haven't counted them all yet) and 200 cattle perished.

The 2nd largest grass fire in recent Colorado history ( I am sure that lightning-sparked grass fires in the 1800's and early 1900's probably were bigger because no one tried to put them out). Overall the 6th largest wildfire in Colorado.  The other 2 large grass fires on the eastern plains were in the epic drought year of 2012.  The Last Chance fire burned 44,000 acres and the Heartstrong fire burned 24,000 acres.

The fire was contained with lots of help from local farmers who cut fire lines to prevent the fire from reaching Haxtun. News Link

Another Wildfire Burning Near Sterling

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Small Wildfire Near Kittredge Put Out Quickly

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It's drier now than March, 2012 which setup the biggest wildfire season in Colorado. Let's hope for some moisture in April and May.

100 Acre Grass Fire Near Coors Brewery

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Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Strong Winds Flip Semi Onto Car, I-70 Near Georgetown

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

NASA Develops New Solar Storm Detection System

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Called Coronagraph, it will allow 15 minute warning window to shut down satellites and transformers to avid damage from coronal mass ejections.

4th Skier to Hit Tree at Breckenridge This Season Succumbs to Injuries

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Strong Winds Hamper Firefighting Efforts on Haxtun Wildfire

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A near miss for the town of Haxtun. 5 homes, 15 outbuildings and 200 cattle lost to the fire.

Strong Winds Blow Over Semis, Closes I-25 Near Wyoming Border

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Hurricane Force Winds Cause Widespread Damage in Central Mountain Towns

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100 MPH Winds Blow Out Windows, Knock Over Semis and Trees in Colorado Springs

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Mountaineer Falls 1,500 Feet Off Pyramid Peak

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This will be quite the story when the 23-year-old Californian Montoya has recovered and able to tell what happened. What's known so far is that Montoya fell 1,500 feet but was able to make his way down to the Maroon Bells Road over a 2 day period through a blinding blizzard. Rescue personnel found his ski gear stowed near the base of the mountain next to a massive avalanche runout.

Besdies poor judgement in tackling the peak during the high winds, he broke the #1 rule of winter backcountry outings by going alone.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Video of "Snownado" in Alma

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High winds this season causing many strange phenomena.

Grass Fire Near CO-WY Border Burns 2,000 Acres

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Last week's snow didn't last long. It is still very dry and the forecast is for warm and windy the next 10 days so we can expect a lot more people-caused wildfires.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Studies by Paleoscientists Show Flood Estimates for Western Rivers Vastly Underestimated

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This is an old problem in hydrology - making statistical estimates of 100, 500 and 1,000 year floods from a dataset of 100 years or less.

Mountain Lion Spotted in Gypsum

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Most US Wildfires Traced to People

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The study covers the period 1992-2012.
        84% of wildfires were started by people.
        Lightning and wind are responsible for the big fires with 56% of the total acerage burned.
        21% of people-caused wildfires were arson.
     

Happy 145th Birthday Yellowstone National Park

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America's first national park established in 1872.