Colorado T-Storm Advice
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 72
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From: Salmon Creek Wa
Colorado T-Storm Advice
We will be riding for 4+ days over Labor day threw the mountians and need to know how to deal with the afternoon T-storms--
Are they widely scattered, do you wait them out or drive threw them--do they last very long or is there a time frame that they will clear out..
We are on a trip that does not leave much room for "issues" so any advice on what to expect is appreciated--thanks
Are they widely scattered, do you wait them out or drive threw them--do they last very long or is there a time frame that they will clear out..
We are on a trip that does not leave much room for "issues" so any advice on what to expect is appreciated--thanks
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 498
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From: Timbuktu
The thunderstorms here in Colorado are very quick moving systems. In the mountains, the thunderstorms in my opinion, are not as violent as the storms that develop in the plains.
However, the WIND is worse than the rain.
If you're riding in the plains, I'd highly suggest keeping an eye on a radar map and look for "red cells".
I was working in the eastern plains, and on my way home I saw to the west what looked like one hell of a storm brewing. My worst thought was Tornado.... I watched this system move right in front of me over the road and I drove right into it. The wind was so strong, my service van couldn't go faster than 40mph, the steering wheel was at 9 O' clock, a semi truck was stopped in the middle of the road rocking on its wheels, visibility was 0 from the powerful rain and hail, that my wipers at full speed couldn't clear. The dirt and grass was blowing all over the place too. I was looking for a funnel.... But this was just a severe Colorado plains thunderstorm....
The weather in the mountains can get severe too but the are plenty of overpasses to take refuge if it gets too bad... In the plains however... Not so much... Not even a shallow ditch to lay in to hide from a Tornado.
Depending where you're coming from and where you're going I can help you plan you're route if needed.
However, the WIND is worse than the rain.
If you're riding in the plains, I'd highly suggest keeping an eye on a radar map and look for "red cells".
I was working in the eastern plains, and on my way home I saw to the west what looked like one hell of a storm brewing. My worst thought was Tornado.... I watched this system move right in front of me over the road and I drove right into it. The wind was so strong, my service van couldn't go faster than 40mph, the steering wheel was at 9 O' clock, a semi truck was stopped in the middle of the road rocking on its wheels, visibility was 0 from the powerful rain and hail, that my wipers at full speed couldn't clear. The dirt and grass was blowing all over the place too. I was looking for a funnel.... But this was just a severe Colorado plains thunderstorm....
The weather in the mountains can get severe too but the are plenty of overpasses to take refuge if it gets too bad... In the plains however... Not so much... Not even a shallow ditch to lay in to hide from a Tornado.
Depending where you're coming from and where you're going I can help you plan you're route if needed.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
It snowed above 13k yesterday! 
Start early in the mountains as the rain generally hits anytime from around 11:30-2:00. We have been getting HEAVY monsoon rains the past 10 days with rain (sleet and a bit of snow) everyday.
SJ Ron
Start early in the mountains as the rain generally hits anytime from around 11:30-2:00. We have been getting HEAVY monsoon rains the past 10 days with rain (sleet and a bit of snow) everyday.
SJ Ron
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bloomfield, NM
We rode the Million Dollar Highway and Black Canyon two weeks ago. Had rain all the way from Montrose to Durango on the way home. It is raining around here every day.
We usually just ride through it unless there is a lot of lightening. Watch for places where rocks have fallen off the side if the mountain and into the road.
Bill
We usually just ride through it unless there is a lot of lightening. Watch for places where rocks have fallen off the side if the mountain and into the road.
Bill
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 282
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From: Overgaard, AZ
My strategy is ride early - we did San Juan Skyway 2.5 weeks ago and started our days at 6AM or so and ended up where we wanted to be by 2pm or so - dodged it pretty good but we did get wet some - part of the season there, not a ton you can do about it.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: WPB, FL
Hope This Can Help
My best advice would be to travel with a 2 iron golf club. If it starts to storm, just pull over, pull out the 2 iron and start waving it at the sky! Everyone knows that even god can't hit a 2 iron!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
We have had rain (lots of it!) 16 of the past 17 days as the monsoon has been in full swing, but I have heard the monsoon might begin waning (from a couple weather sources) in another week or so. Let's hope, the mud is getting deep around here. SJ Ron
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