A layer of dust in Northern Colorado could put the state at risk of some fairly heavy flooding in the future. According to CBS News Colorado, dust from the four corners region of the state has made its way as far north as Rabbit Ears Pass, carried onto the state’s snowpack by the wind.
“It really accelerates and increases the rate in which snow melts. The sun is the big driver of snowmelt in Colorado, and you add dust or things like ash and particles from fire that really lowers the reflectivity, meaning the snow is going to absorb a lot more energy and melt the snowpack faster.”ย – CSU’s Steven Fassnacht
The last time a large layer of dust has the reached northern Colorado was back in 2006, with the weather event creating both a potential for heavy flooding and lower water levels in some rivers come the fall.
According to CBS, floods caused by this layer of dust are not likely to be as significant as those that occurred in 2013. So, if you live in Colorado, there’s no need to panic.
Image Credit: CBSย Colorado via YouTube