Chase Log: August 16, 2010

It was eight-years in the making, my first TRUE Colorado tornadoes broke a long standing Colorado curse and gave me some of the most incredible tornado video I have ever shot in my life! Today was a true Colorado day, and for the first time, I can finally say, I was there!

It was a late decision for me to call today a chase day as I had given consideration to chasing it the day before well into the morning. But after getting home from some errands, I decided to pack the car and venture out, cancelling evening plans and calling into the station to let them know I’d be chasing for them instead of going in.

I ventured out I-70 and had just rolled through Watkins when tornado warnings went up. Scott Hammell among others were reporting tornadoes and funnels from storms forming along the targeted convergence boundary that had setup near I-70 around Deer Trail. Of course, it was shaping up to be a typical Colorado chase for me… too late. Fortunately I did see several of the funnels from I-70 near Byers that were spinning around near Agate and south of Deer Trail, including one that would be a confirmed tornado by those closer.

Skinny tornado near Agata/Deer Trail looking south from I-70 near Byers (for the time, I thought this was it for me).

I made a quick stop in Deer Trail to top off my gas tank, then ventured out from Agate where I met with Dann Cianca, Michael Carlson, and Kendell Larouche. We chatted for a few before heading north to catch developing storms on colliding boundaries south of Brush near CO-71.

Riding behind Michael, Dann, and Kendell northbound on CO-71 with the towers going up over the road.

A storm that was sitting stationary along CO-71 near Nine Mile Corner (10 miles south of Brush) went severe warned. After stopping briefly to chat with the gang, I ventured north hoping to get into some hail. After crossing the “hail core” on CO-71 and venturing just east of the highway on a county road, I decided the severe warning wasn’t worth while as there was NO hail on the side of the road, and barely a few pennies falling.

I turned around to head back to CO-71 when I saw a thick funnel spinning almost directly overhead (and just a hair to my south).

At this point, I was looking for a ground circulation to confirm this as a tornado (#2 on the day). In the distance, to my west/southwest, I saw the debris swirl. I zoomed in from the funnel to check the ground and saw the dirt swirl on the ground. Next thing I new, I was looking through the lens to see this tornado destroying an outbuilding.

Video still of power flash due to a large piece of flying debris hitting nearby powerlines.

I continued filming this tornado until it roped out with the funnel stretching what I think was over a mile from the cloud to the ground. I then ventured over along County Road N where I witnessed the destruction of the building. I talked to a couple farmers to ensure everyone was all right (live stock as well). A horse trailer was rolled from a nearby yard and landed in the middle of the county road.

Rolled horse trailer near the destroyed barn.

In the midst of my conversation with the rancher whose newly built shed was destroyed, I turned around to see this… tornado #3..

Third tornado snaking it’s way down near the property.

I shot this tornado as I left the property where it eventually roped out as I sat at CO-71 at County Road N.

A few photos I shot of the last two tornadoes between shooting video…

Ninemile Corner Tornado

1 of 4

Storms up north were forming, but the linear nature and quick movement of these storms indicated the boundary tornado generation was probably done. I ventured up to Brush where I eventually met with a successful crew of happy Colorado chasers to toast our tornadoes over a nice truck stop steak! Upon the conclusion of dinner, a nice shelf cloud rolled overhead, closing out an amazing chase day!

Beautiful shelf cloud rolling along I-76 and over Brush with a brief wind gust and some light rain.

While I have seen tornadoes in Colorado since 2002, today was my first true, beautiful Colorado tornado, and I paired up and topped them off with some of the most amazing video I have ever shot. Today, the Colorado curse was destroyed; I can finally say I beat a curse that has haunted me for years. These two tornadoes will be two I remember from Colorado!

A special thanks to the crew whom I was able to enjoy a celebratory steak dinner with in Brush! It was a terrific day for the Colorado chasers who were treated to an August show that we got to enjoy on our own in our own state! My buddy, Dann Cianca, posted his chase story from that day. See link below.