Chinook Wind: The Snow-Melting Breath of the Rockies
• Chinook winds are warm, dry gusts that can dramatically raise temperatures on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
• These winds, known as 'snow eaters,' melt early snow, offering brief relief from cold and impacting ecosystems.
• Understanding Chinook winds is crucial for preparedness and contributes to improved weather forecasting in mountainous regions.
Warm, dry winds descend eastern Rocky Mountains
Chinook winds, often referred to as 'snow eaters,' are warm, dry gusts that descend the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. These winds can cause temperatures to rise dramatically, sometimes by as much as 40°F in just a few hours. This rapid temperature change occurs when moist Pacific air crosses the mountain range, losing moisture as it ascends. The air then compresses and warms as it descends on the leeward side.
Related News