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Weekend Could Bring Rapid Rises On Mountain Waterways

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - Watch for rapidly changing conditions on rivers and streams in Colorado's high country this weekend as a hot and dry weather pattern settles over the state.

The threat will last into next week.

ECMWF Jet Stream Forecast
A ridge of high pressure will build into Colorado starting this weekend. (credit: Colorado's Weather Center)

Starting this weekend, temperatures are expected to be as warm as 70 degrees in elevations up to 10,000 feet with overnight lows staying above freezing.

This will accelerate the melt of remaining snowpack across Colorado and cause rivers to rapidly rise and flow fast.

Trail Ridge Road Snow Clearing In Rocky Mountain National Park
(credit: Rocky Mountain National Park)

The good news is that no widespread precipitation is expected over the next several days which should allow rivers to rise and then slowly fall as the snowmelt season peaks and comes to an end.

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.

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