Western Slope
Coverage of Western Slope in the Nexus archive.
- Coloradans begin cleanup after rainstorms caused Western Slope mudslides
Coloradans are beginning cleanup efforts after rainstorms triggered mudslides on the Western Slope. The mudslides stranded 21 people, blocked roads, and caused flooding at Main Street, a school, and a historic theater in Telluride.
- Near-record Denver heat Monday to start sizzling week for Front Range
Denver faces near-record heat with a Heat Advisory in effect for the I-25 corridor, while Northwestern Colorado experiences an Extreme Heat Warning with temperatures up to 106°F. The week will remain sweltering, with the Denver metro hitting mid to upper-90s daily, and wildfires persisting under dry conditions. A potential monsoon moisture shift could bring rain next weekend.
- Summer sizzle continues Sunday; near-record heat early next week
A powerful high-pressure ridge is causing record-breaking heat across Colorado, with Denver metro temperatures reaching the upper 90s and parts of the Western Slope hitting triple digits. Extreme Heat Warnings and Ozone Action Day Alerts are in effect, with near-record temperatures expected early next week before potential monsoon moisture returns by next weekend.
- Near record heat Sunday in Colorado, lingering through next week
Denver experienced scorching midsummer heat with temperatures 8-10 degrees above previous highs, part of a prolonged heat wave expected to last over a week. The heat increases fire danger and health risks, with Extreme Heat Warnings in effect for parts of northwestern Colorado through Monday.
- Sheriff frustrated after 'lack of respect' during Colorado search and rescue
A sheriff in Colorado expressed frustration over a man's actions following a search and rescue request, which officials described as showing a 'profound lack of respect for effort and resources.'
- Denver ranked most polluted global major city in U.S. as wildfire smoke, ozone cloud Front Range
Denver was ranked the most polluted major city in the U.S. due to wildfire smoke and elevated ozone levels. An ozone action day alert is in effect for Colorado's Front Range Urban Corridor, with health officials warning against outdoor activity. Seven major wildfires are burning in Colorado, contributing to the pollution.
- Aspen Acres fire expands overnight, continuing onward march into Fourth of July holiday
The Aspen Acres fire southwest of Pueblo expanded by 10,000 acres overnight, becoming the 8th largest fire by acreage in Colorado history. The Snyder fire on the Western Slope reported major gains, while other fires experienced modest growth.
- Western wildfires expected to send smoke into Denver
Wildfires on the Western Slope and Utah border are sending smoke toward Denver, causing unhealthy air quality levels with high ozone and particulates. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment warns of health risks, particularly for those with asthma, while the Snyder fire near the Utah border has grown to 28,000 acres and killed three firefighters.
- Puelo Fire Department reacts to Western Slope fire deaths
Three firefighters were killed, and two others were injured while battling the Snyder Fire near the Colorado-Utah border. The tragedy has caused heartbreak across Colorado’s firefighting community.
- Fire breaks out in Western Slope after tree falls on power line
A fire broke out in Colorado's Western Slope at 5:30 p.m. on June 27 after a tree fell onto a power line. Officials attribute the cause of the fire to the tree contacting the power line.
- Pre-evacuation notice in Western Slope as fires in Utah reach Colorado
A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Western Slope as fires from Utah, specifically the Jones and Snyder Mesa fires, have crossed into Colorado, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
- Denver weather: Storm threat ends, heat and mountain fire danger return
Denver's weather forecast shows the end of a stormy pattern, with hot and dry conditions returning, increasing fire danger in mountainous and Western Slope regions. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for Saturday in these areas.
- More isolated thunderstorms across the Eastern Plains
Isolated thunderstorms are expected across the Eastern Plains, with potential hail and gusty winds near Denver. Temperatures will return to near normal this week, but a red flag warning for elevated fire danger will take effect this weekend due to high winds and low humidity.
- Shooting range at Basalt State Wildlife Area closed until further notice
The shooting range at Basalt State Wildlife Area has been closed until further notice due to extreme fire danger. The closure affects the Western Slope region.
- A cooler and stormy day in store for most of Colorado
Colorado is experiencing a cooler, stormy day with scattered showers and a risk of severe weather on the Eastern Plains. Fire danger will temporarily decrease but a red flag warning is issued for the Western Slope on Friday, followed by a return to hotter, drier conditions this weekend.
- High fire danger for all of western Colorado
High temperatures and strong winds in western Colorado have escalated fire danger, with red flag warnings in effect. A brief cooldown is expected Thursday, but hot conditions return later in the week.
- Hot and dry weather settles in across Colorado
Hot and dry weather is causing temperatures to rise into the 90s across Colorado, increasing fire danger with red flag warnings and fire weather watches in effect. A brief cooldown is expected Thursday, but temperatures will return to the 90s by Friday and Saturday.