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4.2.5 Climate
Data recorded by the National Weather Service at the Colorado Springs Airport provides the basis for describing the general climate of the Colorado Springs area. Detailed information about Colorado weather can be found at National Weather Service Forecast Office in Pueblo, Colorado.
4.2.5.1 Location
Further development on the installation will be designed in response to local climatic conditions in order to provide a more comfortable environment, and reduce the demands for heating and cooling. The climate of Fort Carson is very pleasant most of the year, with 250+ days of sunshine, and can be best described as mid-latitude, semi-arid. The post has an approximate elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level and its weather is greatly modified by its proximity to the mountains. Fort Carson is protected from the harsh weather by two natural barriers: the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Monument Divide to the north. Fort Carson is located in the foothills of the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains and extends eastward to the gently undulating prairie. Immediately to the west, the mountains rise abruptly to heights averaging 11,000 feet with 14,110 foot Pikes Peak in the near background. To the north, the land slopes upwards reaching an average elevation of about 8,000 feet in 20 miles at the top of Monument Divide.
4.2.5.2 Temperature
The relatively mild temperatures are further moderated by the common low humidity levels experienced in this area. Uncomfortable temperature extremes, in either summer or winter, are rare and short in duration. July is the hottest month with an average high temperature of 84. January is the coldest month with an average low temperature of 16. An extreme high of 100 and an extreme low of -27 have been recorded. An important characteristic of Fort Carson's weather is the high percentage of clear, sunny days. Solar heat gain is a welcomed contribution during the winter months, and only modest protection from the sun is desirable during the summer.
4.2.5.3 Precipitation
Annual precipitation in the area is relatively sparse at 15 inches, with over 80% of precipitation occurring between April and September. Most rainfall during this time period is received in heavy downpours/summer thunderstorms. The average annual snowfall is 42 inches, with the heaviest accumulations occurring in March and April. Snowfall can be extremely variable in the area depending on elevation and exposure. Heavy, wet snows can occur in spring or fall and may cause significant damage, especially to weak trees. Snow cover usually lasts for only a few days and provides little protection for plants. Precipitation can vary greatly from location to location, day to day, month to month, and year to year. One significant daily cycle with regard to cloud cover occurs in the late spring and summer months with pronounced afternoon thundershowers. Hail can sometimes be a problem.
4.2.5.4 Winds
The prevailing winds on post are generally mild; however, wind speeds of 100 miles per hour or more have been recorded in the fall, winter, and spring due to the west-to-east Chinook winds. These damaging winds are clearly the exception; however, protected building entries and windbreaks can be effective elements.
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