For 4/11/09: Regional radar is showing a strong concentration of moisture lifting northward over the San Juans and Montrose but this line seems to be holding just clear of us. Look for a western push in the flow to introduce the brunt of this system through the afternoon with precipitation expected into Sunday. The big variable on the front end of this system are the temperatures and we are likely to see rain at the south end of the valley and a mix moving up in elevation with the snow line holding around 8500ft.

Overnight lows stayed very warm with Crested Butte reporting 29 degrees while Gunnison stayed above freezing at 33 degrees. Gunnison is holding well above freezing early and should climb to the mid 40’s before the day is done and this will bring rain unless the cold front from the north introduces some big changes. Highs for Crested Butte should top out around 38 degrees but the divide will remain the weather backstop for both moisture from the south and cold from the north.

So with this mild southern flow it’s looking like some rain will be a real possibility. This will knock down the lingering dust and be good news for folks suffering respiratory irritation from the dirty air. Really I’m not sure the valley has ever needed a good washing more but this will have a significant effect on the snowpack and anyone with backcountry aspirations should take note of the warm nights. It’s shaping up to be a good inside day. 

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