Began the day in Loveland, CO and made an initial drive to Cheyenne, WY as morning data and analysis indicated a decent chance for supercells developing off the Cheyenne Ridge by the afternoon. After sitting there for a couple of hours and checking the latest and greatest rendition of the RUC and obs, made my way back south to Fort Morgan. The initial storm developed near DIA and I headed southwest down I76 to Roggen. Turning south, I was quickly greeted to some jaw-dropping structure as the storm moved northeast of DIA. I followed it east on Hwy52/Co Rd 12 with great structure continuing to near Hoyt, CO. This storm eventually weakened (I assume from from the influence of upstream convection) and I dropped south on Winview Mile Rd to Hwy 36 to intercept the new intensifying storm northwest of Limon, CO. This storm displayed similar structure to the first but for some reason decided to produce the two (possibly 3) tornadoes neat Deer Trail/Last Chance. I observed the first from about 5 miles away on Hwy 36, about 10 miles west of Last Chance. I repositioned a bit further west and south when the second tornado developed about 2 miles to my southwest. There was also a brief time when a third ground circulation developed to the southwest of my position, although I was unable to determine if this was the remnant circulation of the first tornado or another tornadic circulation. In any event, this circulation did not maintain itself long with the other tornado continuing within the occluded region for about 5-7 minutes. When this tornado dissipated, I was positioned in the northwest part of the vault and of course was soon bombarded with big hail. Heading back east on Hwy 36, I observed 3-4 inch hail, which did some damage to the windshield (its still drivable though). Met up with Josh, Barb, Al, Pam, and Mick near Lindon and followed the storm to near Anton, observing great structure on the south and southwest side of the updraft, before calling it a day.
RSS
Began the day in Loveland, CO and made an initial drive to Cheyenne, WY as morning data and analysis indicated a decent chance for supercells developing off the Cheyenne Ridge by the afternoon. After sitting there for a couple of hours and checking the latest and greatest rendition of the RUC and obs, made my way back south to Fort Morgan. The initial storm developed near DIA and I headed southwest down I76 to Roggen. Turning south, I was quickly greeted to some jaw-dropping structure as the storm moved northeast of DIA. I followed it east on Hwy52/Co Rd 12 with great structure continuing to near Hoyt, CO. This storm eventually weakened (I assume from from the influence of upstream convection) and I dropped south on Winview Mile Rd to Hwy 36 to intercept the new intensifying storm northwest of Limon, CO. This storm displayed similar structure to the first but for some reason decided to produce the two (possibly 3) tornadoes neat Deer Trail/Last Chance. I observed the first from about 5 miles away on Hwy 36, about 10 miles west of Last Chance. I repositioned a bit further west and south when the second tornado developed about 2 miles to my southwest. There was also a brief time when a third ground circulation developed to the southwest of my position, although I was unable to determine if this was the remnant circulation of the first tornado or another tornadic circulation. In any event, this circulation did not maintain itself long with the other tornado continuing within the occluded region for about 5-7 minutes. When this tornado dissipated, I was positioned in the northwest part of the vault and of course was soon bombarded with big hail. Heading back east on Hwy 36, I observed 3-4 inch hail, which did some damage to the windshield (its still drivable though). Met up with Josh, Barb, Al, Pam, and Mick near Lindon and followed the storm to near Anton, observing great structure on the south and southwest side of the updraft, before calling it a day.
Amazing photos D I really do love these. The Supercell NE of DIA is my favorite.
Thanks C!