For 1/19/09: This blocking ridge that is keeping us in the high pressure is continuing it’s slow march across the west and won’t be clear of the area until the middle of the week. This means that we will see more of this steady high pressure holding until then with clear and sunny conditions dominating.

The classic strong inversion has now fully set up over the lower valleys with Crested Butte reporting an overnight low of 0 while Gunnison dropped to -14 degrees. This cold air will remain trapped until we see better mixing later in the week so expect this same trend and disparity in temperatures to continue. Daytime highs are continuing to hold right around that 30 degree mark with the lower valleys a little colder but the sunshine is making it feel a lot warmer.

We are definitely approaching the “too much of a good thing” stage with this sunshine but definitely get outside and take advantage of these incredible conditions. Wear plenty of sunshine and reapply often. Better start doing that snow dance.

Look for a complete Crested Butte and Gunnison weather report, 24 hour trends and real time weather information now available at WWW.CBTV.TV.