Rocky Mountain National Park Impacts

Rocky Mountain National Park Weather Briefing Page

Lightning Legend Lightning Safety Tips

Risk Level		Definition
	None	No lightning risk
	Limited	Thunderstorms expected to be isolated to scattered in coverage. Atmospheric conditions support cloud to ground lightning strikes in and near thunderstorms.
	Elevated	Thunderstorms expected to be numerous in coverage. Atmospheric conditions support cloud to ground lightning strikes in and near thunderstorms.
	Significant	Widespread thunderstorms are expected. Atmospheric conditions support cloud to ground lightning strikes in and near thunderstorms.
	Extreme	Thunderstorms are expected with nearly continuous cloud to ground lightning strikes in and near thunderstorms.

Today's Fire Potential

	Low	Open burning is usually safe with proper containers and precautions under low fire danger conditions. Residents should always check on local ordinances that prohibit open burning under any conditions.
	Moderate	Open burning is usually safe with the proper precautions. Burning should be done in the early morning and late evening to avoid windier and drier conditions from midday through mid-afternoon. Residents should always check on local ordinances that prohibit open burning under any conditions.
	High	Approaching Red Flag conditions. All open burning is discouraged due to increased wind and lower humidity except by experienced fire personnel. Increasing winds and lower humidity contribute to drying fuels. Fires escape control more easily and containment is difficult for inexperienced fire personnel.
	Very High	Open burning should not be attempted. Open fires can quickly escape and are very difficult to control, even for experienced fire fighters. Conditions exceed minimum criteria for a Red Flag Warning in most cases.
	Severe	Very strong winds, well in excess of Red Flag Criteria combined with moderate to low humidity. Fires will spread very quickly with spot fires common. Fire control is extremely difficult due to very strong winds.

***These definitions are geared towards the general public and general emergency management and should not be confused with the standard National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) adjectives used by wildland fire personnel

Real Time Lightning Data

Number of Lightning Strikes over a 2 Minute Period provided by COLMA (updated every 60 seconds)

Latest Radar Image
(Brightest Colors indicate Strongest Storms)