View of downtown Rifle, Colorado Monday, March 21 as dust storm arrived. Click photo to see real-time statistics on air quality in Garfield County.

March 21, 2011

Air Quality Advisory

Blowing dust advisory for western and southwestern Colorado from 1 PM until 9 PM Monday March 21, 2011. Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 1 PM Monday March 21, 2011.

Blowing dust is possible across areas of western and southwestern Colorado Monday afternoon and evening as strong winds move across drier areas of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Winds gusting to 45 to 60 mph in these areas may contribute to blowing dust. Grand Junction, Rifle, Montrose, Pagosa Springs, Delta, Cortez, Durango, Telluride, Alamosa, Aspen, and nearby areas may be affected.

If significant blowing dust is present and reducing visibility to less than 10 miles across a wide area, the elderly, the very young, and those with respiratory problems should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. Limiting outdoor exposure is also advised.

Garfield County Air Quality online camera - view levels of particulate matters and other readings real-time year-round.