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Uncompahgre National Forest

Heat Advisory issued July 11 at 11:56AM MDT until July 13 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

11:56 AM — July 12th, 12:00 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon temperatures as high as 98 to 103 expected. * WHERE...Central Colorado River Basin and Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near record temperatures will be possible during the event especially on Sunday.

Heat Advisory issued July 11 at 11:56AM MDT until July 13 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

11:56 AM — July 12th, 12:00 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon temperatures as high as 97 to 102 expected. * WHERE...Four Corners/Upper Dolores River and Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near record high temperatures are possible during this event especially on Sunday during the peak of the event.

Air Quality Alert issued July 11 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

4:10 PM — July 12th, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Montrose, Ouray, San Juan and Hinsdale Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton and Lake City. WHEN...900 AM Saturday July 11 to 900 AM Sunday July 12 IMPACTS...Moderate to heavy smoke from the Gold Mountain Fire is possible throughout the advisory area through at least Sunday morning. The heaviest smoke is expected along the Highway 550 corridor. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Overview

Uncompahgre National Forest is part of the administratively combined Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests, covering over 3 million acres on Colorado's Western Slope. The Uncompahgre portion encompasses nearly 1 million acres across western Colorado, spanning from the Uncompahgre Plateau to the rugged San Juan Mountains with elevations ranging from 5,800 to over 14,000 feet. The forest is currently open with typical winter operations in effect. Active alerts include: winter travel restrictions in the Crested Butte area (began Dec 31, 2025), winter wildlife closures in the Almont Triangle (Dec 12-April 30), and temporary winter logging road closures on Grand Mesa (Mondays-Fridays through April 1, 2026). The forest is conducting prescribed pile burning operations as conditions allow. Multiple wilderness areas including Uncompahgre Wilderness have special regulations to protect wilderness character. Several campgrounds like Little Bear are closed for reconstruction. Forest roads are seasonally closed due to snow and spring mud conditions—contact individual ranger districts for current road status. The forest offers over 3,000 miles of trails, five 14ers, ten wilderness areas, and four scenic byways. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are required for motorized travel. Check avalanche forecasts and weather before heading out, as conditions change rapidly at elevation.

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