Weather Radar Site Planned for Bondad in 2021

Monday, September 28, 2020 at 10:08 AM

The weather radar station, which will be funded by a $1.7 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, fills a gap in monitoring for the region. Radars in Grand Junction, Albuquerque and Flagstaff have poor visibility below 25,000 feet, missing many of the storms that impact La Plata County.

From LaPlata County, CO:

Monday, September 28, 2020

La Plata County and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe have partnered to identify a site that will host a permanent weather radar station in La Plata County. The site, on tribal trust lands along U.S. Highway 550 near Bondad, is the current location of the Tribe’s ambient air monitoring station that tracks air quality and meteorological conditions. The air monitoring station has been in operation for more than 25 years and collocating a radar station with the monitoring equipment will both improve weather forecasting and enhance climate change studies.

“We are so appreciative of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s partnership with La Plata County in providing a site for this critical project,” said Clyde Church, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “Bringing a permanent weather radar station to Southwest Colorado will boost preparedness and awareness throughout the Four Corners.”

“The weather radar station is a collaborative relation with the County. Where we keep the communication continuing so that works for both the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and La Plata County. Here we are having that share with each other for the betterment of the Tribe and the county,” said Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Christine Sage.

La Plata County and Southern Ute Indian Tribe staff will work together to move the weather radar station project forward, with the goal of completion by the end of 2021.

More from Local News

Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.

On KSJE Now:

The Scott Michlin Morning Program
8:05am - 9:00am

Newsmakers, local information and current events.
BBC News
9:00am - 9:05am
Roving With The Arts
9:05am - 10:00am