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Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, December 28, 2018
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Monday, December 24, 2018
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Monday, December 17, 2018
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Friday, December 14, 2018
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Long Dry Spell Intensifies Drought Conditions Across Colorado
News Link
Despite a good start to snowpack in the mountains, lower areas in the state have been very dry.
Despite a good start to snowpack in the mountains, lower areas in the state have been very dry.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
54 Avalanches Reported in Past Week
News Link
Historically, reported avalanches are only 10-15% of all avalanches that occur in Colorado's vast wilderness areas.
Historically, reported avalanches are only 10-15% of all avalanches that occur in Colorado's vast wilderness areas.
Monday, December 3, 2018
416 Wildfire in Durango Area Declared Extinguished 6 Months After It Started
News Link
The extreme drought conditions in southwest Colorado extended the burn much longer than usual.
The extreme drought conditions in southwest Colorado extended the burn much longer than usual.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Parks and Wildlife Warn About Aggressive Rutting Mule Deer
News Link
An old buck and a young buck got into it last week in my yard and took out a night light and part of a retaining wall.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Nobody Knows Why the Earth Just Rang Like a Bell
News Link
The Krakatoa supervolcano in Indonesia produced a worldwide seismic signature when it erupted in 1883, so submarine volcano is my bet. This brings up the interesting possibility that submarine supervolcanic eruptions have been occurring throughout geologic time that produce no atmospheric effects except carbon dioxide degassing. Should be easy enough to see what's happening near the island of Mayotte.
The Krakatoa supervolcano in Indonesia produced a worldwide seismic signature when it erupted in 1883, so submarine volcano is my bet. This brings up the interesting possibility that submarine supervolcanic eruptions have been occurring throughout geologic time that produce no atmospheric effects except carbon dioxide degassing. Should be easy enough to see what's happening near the island of Mayotte.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Monday, November 26, 2018
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Asteroid Blast May Have Leveled Biblical City of Sodom 3,700 Years Ago
News Link
An estimated 45,000 to 60,000 people were incinerated in the blast. This new data greatly increases the previous odds of injuries and deaths by asteroid or comet impacts from near zero to the range of 1 in 20 million. On the other hand, scientists believe we are now able to deflect or destroy the next potential deadly impactor.
Windsor Christmas Tree Farm Calls It Quits
News Link
Sad as it is to see a good-willed company go away, national forest christmas tree programs provide a valuable catastrophic wildfire prevention tool.
High Wind Warning for Front Range
News Link
A classic winter weather pattern - heavy snow in the mountains with high winds, sunny and warm along the Front Range.
Friday, November 23, 2018
CSU Prof Studies Wildfire Smoke in California
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Monday, November 19, 2018
Colorado Invests in Wildfire Modeling to Help Firefighters Shut Down Catastrophic Wildfires
News Link
Model uses terrain and weather forecasts to predict where wildfire and smoke will migrate over next 18 hours.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Friday, November 16, 2018
Ticks Transmit 20 Different Infections in the US
News Link
Mostly in the eastern and midwestern states.
In Colorado only, a better reference from CSU here -
Colorado Tick Fever most common tick disease transmitted by the Rocky Mountain
wood tick and American dog tick
wood tick and American dog tick
Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever, rare, by the American dog tick
Tickborne Relapsing Fever, very rare, by soft ticks associated with rodents
Tick Paralysis, rare, by the Rocky Mountain wood tick
Tularemia, very rare, by the Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick
associated with rabbits
associated with rabbits
All the tickborne disease cases were about 5 to 10 times more common in Colorado in the 1970's than now.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Couple Hunting Near Independence Mountain Survive 10 Days After Being Snowed In
News Link
Hunger finally led them to try and climb out in rough terrain where they eventually got a cell signal and rescuers found them.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Mountain Lion Kills Dog in Evergreen
News Link
Cat is trapped and held in a rehab center awaiting decision to relocate or euthanize. A very small percentage of mountain lions are unable to develop the skills necessary to hunt traditional prey. Darwinian selection prevails in all wildlife populations.
CDOT Engineer Invents Snow Proof Traffic Signal
News Link
LED traffic signals have low heat emissions and allow snow to build up and completely cover the signal. This has caused serious injury and deaths in resultant intersection crashes across the country.
LED traffic signals have low heat emissions and allow snow to build up and completely cover the signal. This has caused serious injury and deaths in resultant intersection crashes across the country.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Massive Boulders in Rockslide Narrowly Miss Home in Ouray
News Link
If you've ever been through Ouray, have to wonder how those homes on the east side of the road at the base of a massive cliff have survived this long.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Mountain Snowpack Off to Strongest Start in Years
News Link
Combined with 80% chance of El Nino forming this winter, good news for breaking the extreme drought in the San Juans.
Family Gives Warning About Handling Bats After Utah Man Dies of Rabies
News Link
For rabies and other diseases add all rodents - squirrels, prairie dogs, skunks, rabbits, ....
For rabies and other diseases add all rodents - squirrels, prairie dogs, skunks, rabbits, ....
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Declassified Documents Lead Navy to Conclude Solar Flares in 1972 Set Off Mines in Vietnam
News Link
Only post this because it documents intense solar flare activity in August 1972 that caused disruptions to the power grid in North America.
Only post this because it documents intense solar flare activity in August 1972 that caused disruptions to the power grid in North America.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Monday, November 5, 2018
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Subaru Is Favorite Target of Bears in Steamboat Springs
News Link
Another Subaru destroyed in Steamboat. Something about Subaru's design makes it easy for bears to open doors and then close when the bear gets in.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Outdoor Recreation Supports 500,000 Jobs, Generates $62 Billion in Colorado
News Link
About 20% of Colorado's 2017 GDP of $342 billion. Colorado's economy is dominated by real estate; related financing and insurance, and government services.
About 20% of Colorado's 2017 GDP of $342 billion. Colorado's economy is dominated by real estate; related financing and insurance, and government services.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Blizzard Buried Foothills and Eastern Plains 21 Years Ago
News Link
I remember the large number of trees that were snapped in half or toppled by 3 feet of snow in the foothills.
I remember the large number of trees that were snapped in half or toppled by 3 feet of snow in the foothills.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Monday, October 22, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Friday, October 19, 2018
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Hiker on South Arapaho Peak Swept Over Cliff by Avalanche
News Link
Despite a broken pelvis, the hiker was able to walk out and drive himself to the hospital.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Fox News Posts Fake News About Avalanche on Loveland Pass
Video
When I saw the headline, I thought how in the world could an avalanche be triggered by skiers when there is hardly any snow. The video of the "avalanche" shows a wind blown crust less than an inch thick and 3 feet wide breaks up next to the skier.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Monday, October 15, 2018
Prescribed Burns Mimic Natural Frequency of Low Intensity Forest Fires
News Link
Before Colorado was settled, grass and brush fires started by lightning would sweep clean the forest floors up to 10 times per century, leaving the tall, mature trees intact. Fire suppression allowed new trees sprouting up on the forest floor to grow 10 feet or more providing a ladder for fires and pests to reach the upper canopy that cause today's catastrophic forest fires. Prescribed burns or clearing and removing smaller trees are ways to simulate the natural cycle of low intensity fires that maintain a healthy forest.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Fresh Crop of CU Students Need to Be Rescued After Climbing Halfway Up Flatirons
News Link
2 CU students in tennis shoes, shorts and T-shirts along with a fresh burst of testosterone and no previous climbing experience were rescued in an annual ritual at the Boulder campus.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Bristlecone Pine Landscapes in Colorado
News Link
Colorado's bristlecones are shorter lived than those on the west coast. The oldest bristlecone in Colorado is 2,500 years old. Most live about 1,500 years near treeline at 11,000 to 12,000 feet. Bristlecones planted along the Front Range only live about 100 years. I have 3 bristlecones in my yard that are about 40 years old.
Search Continues for Missing Hiker on Longs Peak
News Link
Some statistics provided in this article
10,000 people attempted to make the summit this year, only half made it.
62 people have died climbing Longs, mostly from falls off cliffs
Some statistics provided in this article
10,000 people attempted to make the summit this year, only half made it.
62 people have died climbing Longs, mostly from falls off cliffs
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Loveland and Copper Get Out the Snow Guns
News Link
Unusually cold weather is coming this weekend which will help toward a possible opening by Halloween
Monday, October 8, 2018
Search Continues for Missing New Jersey Hiker on Long's Peak
News Link
Unfortunately, it happens far too often that out-of-state visitors are not informed or prepared for conditions when climbing a 14er.
Unfortunately, it happens far too often that out-of-state visitors are not informed or prepared for conditions when climbing a 14er.
Bears Open Car Door in Lookout Mountain and Leave After Finding Nothing
News Link
Owner's security cam captured the action. This is a first as far as reporting goes. Usually the bears get in the car somehow closing the door behind them, then destroys the vehicle in a panic trying to get out.
Owner's security cam captured the action. This is a first as far as reporting goes. Usually the bears get in the car somehow closing the door behind them, then destroys the vehicle in a panic trying to get out.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Friday, October 5, 2018
More Than 250 People Have Died Since 2011 Taking Selfies
News Link
US in top 4 with India, Russia and Pakistan. No info on injuries but statistically probably about 750 to 1,000 injured.
US in top 4 with India, Russia and Pakistan. No info on injuries but statistically probably about 750 to 1,000 injured.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Monday, October 1, 2018
61-Year-Old Mountain Biker Done In on Snowmass Freeride Trail
News Link
Whether its climbing, mountain biking, skiing, or kayaking you have to acknowledge when you are past the age of handling double black conditions.
Whether its climbing, mountain biking, skiing, or kayaking you have to acknowledge when you are past the age of handling double black conditions.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Fish Kill in Poudre River May Be Due To Natural Causes
News Link
Low flow and sudden warm up may have depleted oxygen or contaminants may have been dumped in river. Investigation underway.
Low flow and sudden warm up may have depleted oxygen or contaminants may have been dumped in river. Investigation underway.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Friday, September 21, 2018
Rockslide Closes Hwy 9 Near Green Mountain Reservoir
News Link
A chronic rockslide location. If slides are occurring during the extended drought conditions this year, watch out when it gets wet.
A chronic rockslide location. If slides are occurring during the extended drought conditions this year, watch out when it gets wet.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Monday, September 17, 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Friday, September 14, 2018
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Dog Attacks Cyclist in Colorado Springs Park, Dog Owner Leaves the Scene
News Link
Another off-leash incident in Colorado, the woman is worried about rabies and the irresponsible party has not come forward.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
After 76 Days Spring Wildfire 100% Contained, Burned 108,000 Acres
News Link
3rd largest wildfire in Colorado History behind the 2013 West Fork Fire 109,632 acres and the 2002 Hayman Fire 138,114 acres.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Monday, September 3, 2018
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Friday, August 31, 2018
50th 90 Degree Day in Denver Is 11th Highest on Record
News Link
2 more will tie for 10th highest in 1978. 2012 had the highest number of 90 degree days at 73.
2 more will tie for 10th highest in 1978. 2012 had the highest number of 90 degree days at 73.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Monday, August 27, 2018
Sunday, August 26, 2018
West Nile Case Confirmed in Clear Creek County
News Link
The first West Nile case in Clear Creek County since 2003, the 12th case in Colorado this year.
NASA Global Map of Wildfires 2000 - 2017 Shows Wildfires Burning All the Time
News Link
Slash and burn fires for agriculture burn in large areas of the Amazon rainforest and sub-Saharan Africa every year. Forest and grass fires happen in Canada, the Steppes of Eurasia, the Serengeti Plains and Pampas during periodic cycles of drought.
Slash and burn fires for agriculture burn in large areas of the Amazon rainforest and sub-Saharan Africa every year. Forest and grass fires happen in Canada, the Steppes of Eurasia, the Serengeti Plains and Pampas during periodic cycles of drought.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Friday, August 24, 2018
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Lightning Strike Starts House Fire in Colorado Springs
News Link
This is the 3rd one in Colorado Springs the past month.
This is the 3rd one in Colorado Springs the past month.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Typical Tabloid Article About "Near Miss" Asteroid
News Link
Hurtling by at 20,000 mph! As big as a pyramid! Coming within 3 million miles! ( More than 10 times the distance to the moon)
10 Year Study of Mountain Lions to Be Presented in Public Meeting
News Link
The study shows that 99% of the time mountain lions stick to the wild and natural food sources. One cat was tracked for 8 years, which occasionally ate livestock but always returned to elk and deer.
The study shows that 99% of the time mountain lions stick to the wild and natural food sources. One cat was tracked for 8 years, which occasionally ate livestock but always returned to elk and deer.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Monday, August 20, 2018
Smoke in Colorado Seriously Bad for Your Health
News Link
I am in Salida today and the air is downright foul even at high altitude. Rode the Monarch Crest Trail today because I can't wait until October or November for the air quality to improve. Not sure it was worth it. The usually stunning views were smothered in a brown haze. The air was smelly and caused my nose to run, a headache (taken care of with 2 ibuprofen), and seriously irritated my throat, lungs and eyes.
The main source of dangerous smoke levels is the Pacific Northwest - BC, Alberta, California, Washington state and Montana. Smoke plume with air quality monitoring data and fire locations.
I am in Salida today and the air is downright foul even at high altitude. Rode the Monarch Crest Trail today because I can't wait until October or November for the air quality to improve. Not sure it was worth it. The usually stunning views were smothered in a brown haze. The air was smelly and caused my nose to run, a headache (taken care of with 2 ibuprofen), and seriously irritated my throat, lungs and eyes.
The main source of dangerous smoke levels is the Pacific Northwest - BC, Alberta, California, Washington state and Montana. Smoke plume with air quality monitoring data and fire locations.
So Far, Major Earthquakes Below Average
There were 7 major quakes (magnitude 7 or above) in 2017, below the long term average of 12 to 15 major quakes per year. A CU researcher's paper published in Oct, 2017 and posted here predicts that we can expect major quakes to increase to 17 to 20 quakes in one year sometime in the next 5 years. Despite the press hype surrounding the recent quakes in New Guinea and Fiji, 2018 is on track for a below average number of major quakes.
The USGS reports 6 major quakes in 2018 (as of 8/19/2018)
7.5 Honduras
7.1 Peru
7.9 Alaska
7.2 Mexico
7.5 Papua New Guinea
8.2 Fiji
Update: I might have spoken a day too soon. 7.3 Quake Strikes Venezuela 7.1 Quake Hits Peru 8/24
7.8 Quake Fiji 9/6 9/28 7.7. Indonesia
The USGS reports 6 major quakes in 2018 (as of 8/19/2018)
7.5 Honduras
7.1 Peru
7.9 Alaska
7.2 Mexico
7.5 Papua New Guinea
8.2 Fiji
Update: I might have spoken a day too soon. 7.3 Quake Strikes Venezuela 7.1 Quake Hits Peru 8/24
7.8 Quake Fiji 9/6 9/28 7.7. Indonesia
Firefighting Price Tag for 1,585 Colorado Wildfires So Far Is $145 Million
News Link
432,000 acres burned so far is 2nd highest behind 619,000 acres in 2002. 385,000 acres were burned in 2012 with $538 million in property damages.
Study Looks At Environmental Impacts of Increasing Moose Population in the Rocky Mountains
News Link
Moose were not a native species in Colorado, introduced in 1978 the current moose population is approaching 3,000.
Hiker in Ireland Struck and Injured by Leaping Mountain Sheep
News Link
To my knowledge, this type of incident has not happened in Colorado but is definitely a possibility with the ever increasing number of people in the backcountry.
To my knowledge, this type of incident has not happened in Colorado but is definitely a possibility with the ever increasing number of people in the backcountry.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Hail Damage Is Increasing in Colorado Because There Are More People Here
News Link
In 1960, Colorado's population was 1,750,000. By 1990 it had increased to 3,300,000 and currently is approaching 6,000,000. The migration to Colorado started after WWII when the federal government established the Federal Center in Lakewood that housed offices for the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Land Management, the US Geological Survey and currently hosts 28 different agencies.
Credit:US Census Bureau
Friday, August 17, 2018
Thursday, August 16, 2018
NASA Compilation of Smoke Travelling in the Jet Stream From 2017 Wildfires
Link
Similar to what is currently happening, smoke from Pacific NW wildfires travels through Wyoming and through to the east coast with some dipping southward along the Front Range. My casual observations the last few days are that smoke is travelling along low terrain in river drainages. Probably because air with a high concentration of smoke particles is more dense than clean air.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Monday, August 13, 2018
Thick Wildfire Haze Over Front Range, Lot of Smoke Coming From Canada
You can see it, taste it, smell it. Burning eyes and headache all day.
Here is a smoke plume map. There are a lot of fires in British Columbia that aren't getting any press.
Firefighters Rescue Dog From Rocky Ledge in Deer Creek Canyon
News Link
Jefferson County has an ordinance that requires dogs be on-leash. Will this dog owner be fined for letting his dog off-leash and will he be required to pay for the West Metro rescue?
Jefferson County has an ordinance that requires dogs be on-leash. Will this dog owner be fined for letting his dog off-leash and will he be required to pay for the West Metro rescue?
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Mountain Lion Breaks Into Boulder House, Eats Cat
News Link
Very, very unusual. The cat looks like a yearling and there must have been an easily accessible entrance.
Very, very unusual. The cat looks like a yearling and there must have been an easily accessible entrance.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Monday, August 6, 2018
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Cache Creek Fire Near Rifle Was Started by Lightning
News Link
A recent article stated that 90% of wildfires in the US are human-caused. Articles I researched 5 years ago stated that 90% of wildfires in Colorado are started by lightning, burn less than 40 acres and generally quickly put out. The large wildfires are usually human-caused. The Hayman wildfire in 2002, the largest in Colorado history, was started deliberately by an arsonist.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Beaver in RMNP Tests Positive for Tularemia
News Link
First time I have seen a beaver reported. Beavers are rodents, so it's not too surprising.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Hailstorms Are More Dangerous in Colorado Than Other Parts of the Country
News Link
A combination of faster hailstone speed at altitude, and high storm frequency over populated areas.
20 People Hospitalized by Large Hailstones and Tornado in Brush Last Week
News Link
Some pictures of large cuts and bruises suffered by a family in a car that had the windshields blown out. Baseball-sized hail can break bones and grapefruit-sized hail killed n infant in Fort Collins in 1979.
Largest Colorado Wildfires Mostly Contained But Smoke Is Thick Over the Front Range
News Link
My unscientific observation is that the smoke today is the worst ever. More than 2002 or 2012.
Durango Man Caught Feeding Bears for 3rd Time, Fined $1000
News Link
Someone should tell this guy about the woman in Ouray that fed bears. She was killed and eaten by a bear in 2009.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Monday, July 30, 2018
Firefighters Contain Lake Christine Wildfire Near Populated Areas
News Link
Efforts are now being focused on containing the northward expansion of the fire into the White River National Forest.
3 Tornadoes and Multiple Reports of Large, Damaging Hail Reported on Eastern Plains Sunday
News Link
Tornado damage reported in Brush, hail up to 2.5". The 0.25" of rain forecast for Denver metro didn't materialize yesterday and looks like the the monsoon is over for now. Recent rains have ended the drought in northeastern Colorado.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Friday, July 27, 2018
Monarch Lake Area Sees Most Calls for Search and Rescue
News Link
Monarch Lake is the starting point for backpacking trips into a wilderness section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The few times I have been there, the vast majority of backcountry backpackers encountered have been inexperienced visitors from out-of-state.
Bear Spotted in Parker Neighborhood
News Link
There was an elk in my back yard yesterday. Wildlife seems to be coming down from the high country very early this year. Could be a lack of natural foods because of the summer-long drought.
There was an elk in my back yard yesterday. Wildlife seems to be coming down from the high country very early this year. Could be a lack of natural foods because of the summer-long drought.
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