Most Streams Near Peak Runoff As Temperatures Climb
DENVER (CBS4) - Peak water runoff is being recorded on most Front Range streams as temperatures climb across the state. Just in the past five days, more than half of our mountain snow has melted at higher elevations. Although we're expecting even warmer temps through the weekend, streamflow is expected to decrease in the coming days.
Looking at the snow cover maps from NOAA, notice how much has melted in the past seven days. One week ago, there was still several feet of snow in the Flattops near Glenwood Springs, and in the Park Range near Steamboat. Compare that to today and you can see a significant loss of snowpack in those mountain ranges thanks to a jump in local temperatures.
The reason streamflow will decline is because there simply isn't much snow left to melt. Flood Advisories are still active for the Poudre River near Greeley and the canyon mouth near Fort Collins, as well as the South Platte River near Kersey. These are notorious high water zones this time of year, but only minor flooding is expected in low lying areas. Careful around the bike paths that cross under bridges — some of these will remain closed around Ft. Collins until the water recedes.
The 90s make a more regular appearance in Denver's forecast in the coming days. Once those rivers relax a little they'll be a great place to cool off!
Justin McHeffey provides nightly reports from the Mobile Weather Lab. He travels Colorado in search of Mother Nature's most powerful and beautiful conditions. Like his Facebook page Meteorologist Justin McHeffey and follow him on Twitter @WeatherMcHeffey.
