December 29, 2005 - Stay Connect To The Current Weather With Desktop Alert

With an unsettled New Year's weekend in store, this would be a great time to check out all the great new features recently added to our weather page here on TheDENVERChannel. Click on Weather Tools in the blue menu on the left for a complete tour.

The new Desktop Alert feature will likely become a favorite. It allows you to keep the current news and weather headlines right on your desktop. A link is also available in the navigation menu.

This weekend will be unsettled as a strong northwest flow of winds aloft keeps a series of disturbances moving through the state. For the most part the stormy weather will stay in the mountains, where over a foot of new snow is likely by early next week in the northern and central locations.

Here in Denver and on the plains, we'll see bouts of clouds and cooler temperatures, with some snow possible as the weekend ends.

The blog will be on a small vacation until next week, but be sure to check back starting Tuesday. On behalf of everyone at 7NEWS, we wish you a prosperous and safe 2006.

December 28, 2005 - The NEW Desktop Alert, Download It Today

The latest feature available to you on TheDENVERChannel.com is our new and improved desktop alert. This free and easy to download feature allows you to stay connected to the latest news headlines and current weather. It also gives you access to 10 different radar views and Mike's blog.

For those who had the previous version of desktop alert, you do need to uninstall the former copy and download the updated version.

You can find a link to the Desktop Alert in the blue navigation menu on the left of this page.

December 27, 2005 - Weather Proverbs From Nature

People have been forecasting the weather for years, long before the era of Doppler Radars and Satellites. It was thought that animals, plants, and other aspects of nature gave signs to changes in the weather.

A few of the more popular include...

Red Sky at night, sailor's delight. Red Sky in the morning, sailor take warning.

Mare's tails and mackerel scales make tall ships take in their sails.

Clear Moon, frost soon.

A year of snow, a year of plenty.

Halo around the Sun or Moon, rain or snow soon.

Rainbow in the morning gives you fair warning.

When the stars begin to huddle, the Earth will soon become a puddle.

Have a great day! Stay with 7NEWS for all the latest news, weather, and sports!

December 26, 2005 - Today Will Be Another Mild One

Today will be a great day to wash the car, do a little yard work, go for a jog, or to start taking down all the Christmas decorations outside. Denver and the eastern plains will enjoy more temperatures in the 60s before a cold front brings a cooldown for Tuesday.

With the new storm system expect mountain snow showers to be on the increase in the high country, where a fresh 5 to 10 inches is possible by midweek.

December 25, 2005 - Merry Christmas

Get ready for record highs today on the eastern plains of Colorado. Denver's record high of 66 degrees may not stand.

December 24, 2005 - No White Christmas This Year For Eastern Colorado

The chances are already low for a White Christmas in Eastern Colorado, less than 20% for snow to actually fall on the holiday itself, and less than 40% to have snow pack measuring an inch or more.

This year, it will be downright balmy as temperatures on Christmas Eve soar into the 50s for eastern Colorado, and the 60s on Christmas Day.

If you want some snow, jump on I-70 and head west where some of the mountains have 5 to 10 feet of snow pack, thanks to the snowy beginning to December.

December 23, 2005 - Increased Avalanche Danger This Weekend

Windy weather, warm temperatures of the past few days, and more snow in the forecast is making for pockets of high avalanche danger in parts of the high country this weekend.

Over 2 dozen hard and soft slab avalanches were reported in the Summit county area alone over the past few days.

One avalanche on Friday buried two hikers and one lost his life.

The 24/7 Weather Center has a winter newsletter located under Weather News in the navigation menu on the left of this page. Be sure and check out this helpful information about winter weather in Colorado.

Have a safe weekend and if your plans include some recreation in the back country, be very careful.

December 22, 2005 - Get Your Personalized Holiday Travel Forecast

Students from Metro State College here in Denver will be staffing the Holiday Travel Line tonight between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.! Watch 7NEWS this evening for the number to call for your free, personal holiday forecast.

Last night the line was staffed by meteorology majors from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. They took 143 calls and gave forecasts as close as Bennett, Colorado and as far away as destinations in Brazil.

If you are about to hit the road, give us a call tonight and we'll give you a forecast for your destination.

December 21, 2005 - The Difference Between Sea Ice and Land Ice

Sea ice forms, grows, and melts strictly in the ocean. Things like glaciers are considered land ice. Icebergs are chunks of ice that break off from glaciers and dump into the oceans.

Lake Ice is fresh water and freezes in a smooth layer, unlike sea ice which can form into various shapes and forms because the ocean water is always mixing. It is also salt water as opposed to fresh water.

Fresh water is less dense than salt water at the freezing point, and therefore it stays and forms at the surface. (kind of how ice cubes rise to the surface of your drink)

In contrast, salt in the ocean water causes it to become more dense as it nears the freezing point, and therefore it tends to sink. This results in sea ice forming slowly. because it sinks away from the cool surface before it is cold enough to freeze.

Also, ocean water requires more time to reach the freezing point because of the water depth. Salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water. Salt water freezes at approximately 29 degrees while fresh water freezes at 32 degrees.

Be sure to watch our 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts tonight and Thursday for the number to our Holiday Travel Forecast line, staffed by meteorology students from Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley.

December 20, 2005 - The Importance Of Sea Ice

Sea ice influences the global climate, even though it is only found in the polar regions. Because the surface of sea ice is so bright, most of the sunlight that hits it is reflected back into space. Because of this, temperatures in the polar regions remain quite cool.

If gradual warming over time melts sea ice, more solar energy is absorbed at the surface. This results in a rise of temperatures, and a cycle of warming and melting. The cycle is halted once the dark days of the polar winter returns.

Sea ice also affects the movement of ocean currents. When sea ice forms, much of the salt is ejected into the ocean below. Because salty water is more dense than fresh water, it sinks. This overturning helps contribute to the global ocean circulation. Cold water moves along the ocean floor from the poles to the equator while warm water moves from the equator toward the poles. This circulation is necessary to maintain mild weather in places like Europe.

Sea ice can also affect shipping and transportation routes, as well as wildlife and people who rely on the sea ice to hunt and travel.

Tomorrow we will look at the difference between sea ice and things like glaciers and lake ice.

Be sure to watch our 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts this Wednesday and Thursday for the number to the Holiday Travel Forecast line, staffed by meteorology students from Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. You can get a forecast for anywhere in the world where you might be traveling this holiday.

December 19, 2005 - Facts About Sea Ice

Sea ice is found in remote polar oceans, and covers nearly 10 million square miles on average. (That is 2.5 times the size of Canada)

You may never actually see sea ice in your lifetime, but it is a critical part of our planet because it affects climate, wildlife, and the people who live in the Arctic.

Sea ice is simply frozen ocean water! It forms, grows, and melts in the ocean.

Ice, icebergs, glaciers, ice sheets, and ice shelves all originate on land. Most sea ice is found in the Arctic and Antarctic, but can exist as far south as Bohai Bay, China.

In tomorrow's blog we will talk about why sea ice is so important, and why scientists study it!

For now, enjoy the warmer temperatures in store for Colorado and stay with 7NEWS for the latest news, weather, and sports information. Be sure to watch our 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts this Wednesday and Thursday for the number to our Holiday Travel Forecast line, staffed by meteorology students from Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley.

Have a great week!

December 18, 2005 - One More Cold Day, Warmer Days Ahead

It's another chiller of a day across Colorado with teens and lower 20s on the plains, 20s in the mountains, and 30s on the western slope.

Drier air will take over as we move through the day and this should bring an end to the snow showers in Denver.

Warmer weather is on the way for Monday!

December 17, 2005 - Don't Get Ava-"Lunched" This Winter

With the cold and snowy weather this month bringing such a nice snowpack to many areas, combined with the upcoming holiday weekend...many of you may head out for a little winter recreation.

If you plan on going out of bounds and venturing into the backcountry, take a few minutes and get the latest information, as well as a quick safety review.

Remember, you can always get a detailed forecast by the hour with our point-and-click My 24/7 Weather. It is fast, free, and easy to use. Best of all you don't have to register for this service. To try it now, click here.

Thousands of avalanches occur each year in the mountains of the United States, with about 2,000 on average each season in Colorado. With the enormous popularity of winter sports, this poses a significant threat.

Over the past 10 years, Colorado has led the nation with highest number of fatalities from avalanches, averaging 6 per year.

Your first line of defense is to know a little about avalanches. They typically happen after a fresh snowfall and most occur on slopes of 30 to 45°. A significant snowfall may result in an unstable snowpack.

By waiting 36 hours after a heavy snow, you may allow the snowpack to become more stable.

Staying in valleys away from avalanche chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes, all can help to minimize your avalanche risk.

You are typically safe at a commercial ski area, and you should always respect their rules and stay in bounds.

Here are some additional avalanche safety rules...

Never travel alone

Always have one or more companions with you, even a small avalanche can be fatal. It is entirely possible that if you are alone and get trapped, you may not be found until spring!

If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches, do it one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche is accidentally triggered.

All members of your party should wear an avalanche beacon, and carry other rescue equipment such as a shovel and probe pole.

Here in Colorado, avalanche conditions are monitored and forecasted by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).

December 16, 2005 - My 24/7 Weather Helps Your Weekend Plans

A cold and snowy weekend is in store for much of Colorado, including right here in the Denver Metro Area as well as the high country.

If you have plans this weekend, be it a Christmas Party or Christmas Shopping, a day at the ski resort or just the usual weekend errands, My 24/7 Weather has an hourly forecast for you.

All you have to do is click on the My 24/7 Weather button in the blue navigation menu on the left of this page. The Denver Metro map defaults, but there is a thumbnail of Colorado and the Nation below that you can click on too. Once you are on the map you need, just click your location.

It's that simple! Fast, free, and easy to use.

Stay safe this weekend when out and about, and bundle up! It is going to be cold. The 24/7 Weather Center will stay on alert to bring you all the latest forecast information both on the television and right here online.

December 15, 2005 - The Chill Continues Across Colorado

If you think it has been a chilly month so far, you are right! In fact, Denver is averaging about 8 degrees below normal so far this December. The frigid weather of the 6th-8th really helped to drive that monthly total down. Without that arctic outbreak, we would still be running about 4 degrees below normal. If we keep this streak up, December 2005 could end in the top 10 coldest on record. Right now we are on track to finish as the 5th coldest.

The next seven days will continue below average, with a chance for getting back to seasonal temperatures by next Wednesday!

If you are getting those Christmas Travel Plans in order, remember we will have our Holiday Travel Forecast Line available on Wednesday and Thursday, December 21st and 22nd, between 5:00 and 6:30 PM. Stay tuned for more details!

December 14, 2005 - Highest Full Moon Until 2023 Coming Up

Skywatchers, get ready! We have a special treat in store tomorrow.

December's full moon is always special. As seen from the Northern Hemisphere, the December full moon always travels a higher-than-usual path across the sky. But the full moon for this month travels an even higher path than usual because we're at the peak of a major lunar standstill cycle.

A lunar standstill is similar to a solstice, when the sun travels its most northern or southern path. The solstice marks the sun's northernmost or southernmost point in our sky. A lunar standstill marks the moon's northernmost or southernmost point in the sky.

Solstices happen two times each year: the summer solstice and winter solstice. Lunar standstills happen every two weeks. They happen more often because the moon moves around Earth once a month. Major lunar standstills, however, happen much less frequently. The cycle actually will only repeat itself once every 18.6 years.

So just what does this mean? Come midnight on Thursday, you will be able to go outside in this chilly December weather and find the Moon very high in the sky, straight overhead.

By September of 2006 the current lunar standstill cycle will be over. We'll have to wait nearly 20 more years for a December Full Moon to be this high in the sky again!

December 13, 2005 - More Cool & Unsettled Weather Coming

A swift northwest flow of air in the upper levels will keep Colorado cool and unsettled starting today and lasting right through the weekend.

The northern mountains will see an ongoing chance for snow, which is great news for the ski resorts and the snowpack. Northern Colorado water basins are well above 100% of average right now compared to the normal snowpack. Southwest Colorado is the driest, with some areas less than 50% of average.

In Denver, get ready for 20s and 30s through the extended forecast period, with occasional chances for snow showers, some as early as tonight.

Another shot of arctic air may dive down the spine of the Rockies come Sunday into Monday, so stay with us for the latest forecast!

So far this month, the average monthly temperature has been nearly 11 degrees below normal for Denver.

December 12, 2005 - Precipitation Study Looking For Snow Observers

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Study (CoCoRaHS) has been in Colorado since the late 1990s. The project began in Larimer county and spread to surrounding areas during the early 2000s, including the Denver Metro in 2002.

Today, CoCoRaHS is in 10 states and will soon be expanding to an 11th. Volunteers acquire a rain gauge and hail pad to deploy in their yard for a very minimal fee through the project and then collect precipitation data.

Data is reported directly to their website and real-time maps are generated for every county. Observer data is also stored on the website so you can go back and generate reports.

Where several gauges are located in an area, you can really see the unique precipitation patterns that sweep through after a storm, and this data is extremely valuable to various kinds of research and operational practices.

Winter is a great time to become an observer because snow is one of the most unique forms of precipitation in terms of snowfall patterns and characteristics. Water content varies from snow to snow and how it fell and accumulated due to wind all makes for a very interesting observation.

If you would like to learn more about becoming an observer, or if you just want to check the maps and see what has been happening in your county...visit their website by clicking here.

December 11, 2005 - Get Ready For More Melting Today

With temperatures getting back to seasonal levels and even higher in some places, we'll melt some more snow today. Often a snowfall in the Denver area or on the eastern plains is gone within just a few days of falling. This time of year, with the sun angle nearing its lowest point on the horizon, it tends to stick with us a bit longer.

A few light snow showers will enter the forecast along with cooler weather come Tuesday into Wednesday.

For now, enjoy this great car wash weather and have a great week ahead!

December 10, 2005 - Great Weekend For Some Car Washing

Mostly sunny skies will dominate the state this weekend and most all locations see temperatures above freezing. In Denver and on the plains, the mercury will approach 50 degrees.

This will be a great weekend to wash all that dirt and grime off your car from the winter blast this past week.

December 9, 2005 - Finally Above Freezing

Many locations will finally climb above the freezing mark today, especially over the eastern plains. But don't put that jacket away just yet. It isn't even winter yet!

This cold snap was a chilly one, with many places setting new record lows that dated back to 1978! Denver, Steamboat Springs, Colorado Springs and Gunnison are such places.

We will see a pretty quiet stretch of seasonal weather from now through the weekend, with unsettled weather moving in by the middle of next week.

Don't forget that the inagural issue of the 24/7 Weather Center's seasonal newsletter is now available for you to download right here on TheDenverChannel. Just look under Weather News!

December 8, 2005 - Download Your Copy Of The 24/7 Weather Center's Newsletter Today

The inagural issue of the 24/7 Weather Center's seasonal newsletter is now available for you to download right here on TheDenverChannel.

Just click on the Weather News button in the blue sub-navigation menu here on our weather page. It is listed under headlines. This will open in a PDF file format for you to read and/or print.

We hope you enjoy this fact-filled weather resource!

December 7, 2005 - The End Is In Sight For Hurricane Epsilon

Hurricane Epsilon is nearing its end over the central Atlantic, but not before adding even more records to the already astounding 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Prior to Epsilon, there have only been four other tropical systems that were active outside of the normal tropical season, which runs from June 1 through November 30 each year.

Epsilon also claims the longest lived hurricane in the month of December. The system formed on November 29th and has sustained hurricane status at least 48 consecutive hours since. Winds peaked at 85 mph on the 4th of this month.

An approaching front and strong wind shear from the west will sweep Epsilon up and bring this record storm to an end by Friday.

December 6, 2005 - Hurricane Force Winds Raked The Foothills

The hurricane-force winds that raked the foothills and adjacent plains on Monday have calmed, but not before leaving their mark.

Peak gusts measured include 109 MPH just southwest of Kenosha Pass, 98 mph at the Technology Center near Rocky Flats, 88 mph at the NCAR Mesa Lab in southwest Boulder, and 75 mph at Genessee.

At about 10:30 a.m. Monday, winds blew down a wall of a house that was under construction, injuring two workers. One worker was trapped until firefighters arrived at the home, located at 14000 block of East 26th Place in Aurora. One worker was taken on trauma alert to Medical Center of Aurora. The second man was also taken to the hospital by ambulance. Their injuries are not life threatening, but firefighters did not release the names or conditions of the victims.

High winds and icy roads contributed to a number of accidents on C-470 in the morning hours. The eastbound lanes of the highway were closed between Interstate 70 and Morrison Road to allow emergency crews to remove a number of accidents.

An airplace was flipped over at the JeffCO Airport.

The windy weather also caused some rolling power outages in the north metro area. Four schools in the Adams 12 School District planned to close early on Monday. Children who ride the bus to school will be given rides home on the bus.

December 5, 2005 - Protecting Yourself From The Windchill

The next few days will be windy and cold, sometimes a deadly combination if you aren't prepared when outdoors.

Often when a winter storm is expected, the first thing on everyone's mind is how many inches of snow can we expect. Often times we overlook the fact that winter storms bring very cold temperatures and strong winds...a deadly combination, especially in the aftermath of a storm system.

The windchill is an "apparent" temperature the body feels, which actually measures the amount of heat lost by the body due to the wind and cold. Two consequences of exposure to the cold and wind are hypothermia and frostbite.

Let's say for example that the air temperature outside is 5° below zero with a 20 MPH wind. The apparent temperature to your body would be about -30°. In other words, your body will think and react (lose heat) in the same manner as it would if the air temperature was actually -30° with no wind present.

When the windchill values reach -25° your body can experience frostbite in as little as 15 minutes.

Frostbite first affects exposed body tissue where blood circulation may be limited, such as fingers and toes. Your ears and nose are also highly susceptible. You should always make sure your body parts are well covered. When frostbite sets in, the area will turn pale or white in appearance. If you notice this happening, hold that part of your body close to warm skin so that the flow of blood returns.

Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter killer. You often hear this as the cause of death when a stranded traveler, hiker, climber, or hunter dies. Surprisingly, hypothermia can set in with temperatures as warm as 50°. If your clothes are wet, you have an even higher chance of hypothermia setting in.

Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If you suspect hypothermia is setting in you need to seek immediate medical attention. If no help is available, the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids and blankets. Wet clothes should be replaced with dry garments.

So what do you need to do for survival?

Have access to a windchill chart and listen for the latest forecast here on 7NEWS when you have outdoor plans. If wind chills are forecast to be a concern, the National Weather Service will issue a Windchill Advisory or Warning for the area. Even if there aren't any advisories in effect for potentially dangerous windchill, you should still pay attention to the forecasted temperature and wind when you have outdoor plans, especially for extended periods of time.

Otherwise...when outdoors enjoying wintertime...dress in layers, stay dry, stay covered, and stay informed.

December 4, 2005 - On This Date in History, 40 Hours Of Snow Began In Denver

On this date in 1913, snow began flying at 4:30 AM in the Denver Area and didn't stop until just before midnight on the 5th! In that 40 hours the city picked up 37.6 inches of snow.

By noon on the 4th traffic was in a snarl, including railroads.

Many workers downtown couldn't make it home that evening. Local hotels, auditoriums, and jails became shelters.

Very cold weather following the storm kept the snow on the ground for quite some time, and it took up to a week to clear some roads of the snow.

In the foothills it was even worse, with the two-day snowfall at Georgetown measuring 71 inches!

December 3, 2005 - Colder Days Ahead

The colder weather and light snow this weekend is just a taste of what is to come by early next week. Tuesday and Wednesday will bring some more light snows to Denver, the Front Range, and Eastern Plains...but the real story will be cold temperatures. Highs will struggle to the upper teens and lower 20s, while overnight lows will flirt with the 0° mark.

Remember, you can always get a detailed forecast by the hour with our point-and-click My 24/7 Weather. It is fast, free, and easy to use. Best of all you don't have to register for this service. To try it now, click here.

The snowpack is really building up across the high country. Most locations have anywhere from 2 to 10 feet on the ground! It is time to start thinking about avalanche safety so if you have plans to head into the backcountry this weekend...take a minute to read the following information.

Thousands of avalanches occur each year in the mountains of the United States, with about 2,000 on average each season in Colorado. With the enormous popularity of winter sports, this poses a significant threat.

Over the past 10 years, Colorado has led the nation with highest number of fatalities from avalanches, averaging 6 per year.

Your first line of defense is to know a little about avalanches. They typically happen after a fresh snowfall and most occur on slopes of 30 to 45°. A significant snowfall may result in an unstable snowpack.

By waiting 36 hours after a heavy snow, you may allow the snowpack to become more stable.

Staying in valleys away from avalanche chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes, all can help to minimize your avalanche risk.

You are typically safe at a commercial ski area, and you should always respect their rules and stay in bounds.

Here are some additional avalanche safety rules...

Never travel alone

Always have one or more companions with you, even a small avalanche can be fatal. It is entirely possible that if you are alone and get trapped, you may not be found until spring!

If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches, do it one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche is accidentally triggered.

All members of your party should wear an avalanche beacon, and carry other rescue equipment such as a shovel and probe pole.

Here in Colorado, avalanche conditions are monitored and forecasted by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).

December 2, 2005 - Record Snows At Resorts

November 2005 was one of the snowiest in a decade for parts of Colorado's High Country, with many northern ski resorts reporting four to seven feet of snow so far this season. Recall last year that the central and southern mountains saw copious amounts of snow, while the northern peaks ended drier than normal.

Keystone reported 51 inches during November, 75 percent more than the historical average

Copper Mountain had its snowiest open in 23 years with more than 6 feet

Steamboat's four to six feet of powder is the snowiest November on record for the resort

Breckenridge is at 140 percent of average for snowfall this year

Vail is 45 inches ahead of normal for this season's snowfall

December 1, 2005 - November Weather Stats

The month of November closed out well above normal on temperatures for Denver, even with this cold pattern over the last four days. Our average temperature was 42.5° which is 5° above normal. That wasn't good enough to get into the top 10 warmest Novembers on record.

The highest temperature during November 2005 was 75° both on the 2nd and 8th, with the lowest being 7° (one of our favorite temperatures at 7NEWS) on the morning of the 29th.

In the rain gauge we saw just under a half inch of precipitation, with 0.48" of accumulation. That is half an inch shy of where we should have been for the month. Officially, what is normally one of the snowiest months of the year was extremely dry, with just an inch of the white stuff measured. That is just under 10" below normal. This will allow November 2005 to become the 7th "least snowiest" November on record.

Barometric pressure ranged from a high of 30.51" on the 17th to a low of 29.29" on the 26th with that intense Thanksgiving Weekend storm system.

There were no daily weather records set or tied last month.