Blowing wind conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park on January 19.
Blowing wind conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park on January 19. Credit: RMNP

An Extreme Cold Watch was issued for yesterday, January 19, and today, January 20, for all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Yesterday’s high was expected to be just 3 degrees F at Bear Lake, with a low reaching down to -16°F and minimum wind chill forecasted at -27 degrees F. The west side of the park, meanwhile, was expected to see a high of 5 degrees, and low of -24°F, and a minimum wind chill at -22 degrees F.

If that’s not cold enough, forecasts point towards today, January 20, being even colder. Bear Lake’s forecasted high is -5°F and forecasted low is -15°F, while the wind chill is predicted to be as low as -41°F. On the park’s west side, the high is forecasted at -3°, and the low is set at -18°F. Wind gusts yesterday were 30-40mph at Bear Lake and 15-20mph at the west side of the park.

The park recommends limiting time exposed to the cold air, and efforts should be taken to protect oneself from hypothermia, frost bite, and other cold illnesses.

All vehicles (including 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-Wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16” tread. If your vehicle does not have properly rated tires, you must use an approved traction control device. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires.” – Rocky Mountain National Park

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