textproduct: Grand Junction

KEY MESSAGES

- Rivers and other waterways across southwest Colorado and southeast Utah remain high due to runoff. Several Flood Warnings remain in effect.

- A quick-hitting round of valley rain and mountain snow moves through along the I-70 corridor Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night. Slick travel is expected to develop over mountain passes.

- Warmer and drier conditions highlight the remainder of the seven-day forecast.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 108 PM MST Tue Nov 3 2026

FLOODING CONTINUES ALONG RIVERS, CREEKS, STREAMS:

While today's forecast features dry conditions, flooding will continue along local rivers, creeks, streams, etc. as an abundance of water works through the system. Locations closer to the headwaters will see declining river levels with many sites falling below action stage today. Locations further downstream will see delayed impacts with some just cresting and others yet to crest over the next 24 hours. Visit water.noaa.gov for the latest river forecasts in your area.

QUICK-HITTING MID WEEK SYSTEM:

A low pressure system currently located in northern California will track towards eastern Utah and western Colorado over the next 36 hours. This progressive system will bring valley rain and mountain snow to the region Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night. Slick conditions are expected to develop over mountain passes with 3- 6" of snow possible above 10,000 feet. Lesser amounts are possible above 8,000 feet. Slow down and watch for rapidly changing road conditions if you are out and about!

The biggest point of concern and uncertainty with this system is how much convective enhancement will be realized on Wednesday afternoon. If rain/snow rates are enhanced from convection, the potential for impacts increases. Localized flash flooding is possible if stronger rain showers/storms develop over saturated or flood-prone areas, and hazardous travel conditions could develop over areas that see convective bursts of snow.

LOOKING AHEAD:

A dry forecast is favored for Thursday and beyond with warming above seasonal normals by the weekend. The only thing that could derail the dry forecast is the passage of another fast-moving low pressure system Friday PM. At this time, the more favorable moisture looks to remain north of the local forecast area, but we will continue to monitor this timeframe for some light valley rain/mountain snow.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 1047 AM MST Tue Nov 3 2026

VFR conditions are expected to prevail today. A few low stratus clouds and fog have yet to clear out at KHDN and KDRO, but are expected to do so in the next couple hours. Winds remain mostly light and terrain driven today, as high pressure works through the region. Tonight, a system crosses the Great Basin and will bring some mid and upper level cloud cover to much of the region. Held off on breakpoint ceilings for this TAF package, but a few rain and snow showers Wednesday morning could produce some lower ceilings and brief visibility reductions. Confidence on aviation impacts remains low, so included PROB30 language at KCNY, KMTJ, and KTEX.

HYDROLOGY

Issued at 108 PM MST Tue Nov 3 2026

While drier sensible weather has moved in, flooding concerns remain heightened. Many rivers across southwest Colorado and southeast Utah remain above flood stage. River levels have or will soon recede closer to the headwaters, but continue to rise further downstream. This is also true of smaller creeks, streams, washes, and arroyos.

GJT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CO...None. UT...None.