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Dougco's turbulent weather due to 'upslope flow'

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Contributed by: Joseph Kirchmer/YourHub.com on 2/13/2008

If you feel like the weather in Douglas County is just a little - OK, a lot - more turbulent than the rest of the metro area, you might just be on to something.

According to Klaus Wolter, a meteorologist affiliated with the University of Colorado, the county often gets the the brunt of what's called an upslope flow from the north, air that flows toward higher terrain, and hence is forced to rise.

The added lift often results in widespread low cloudiness and precipitation if the air is stable, or an increased chance of thunderstorm development if the air is unstable, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Wolter said the upslope flow has been more severe for the county over the course of the last two years.

CBS4 forecaster Ed Greene also said the county's higher elevation contributes significantly to the added moisture and precipitation.

He should know. Greene, a Highlands Ranch resident, said a recent snowstorm dumped about 7 inches on his driveway, while his office in Denver received only about 2 inches.

"The folks in the southern and western foothills really do receive more snow," Greene said. "It's not a misconception."

Generally, Greene said he forecasts the southern and western suburbs of the metro to receive about twice the amount of snow or rain as Denver.

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