A consistent 40 degrees during the day, and sub-freezing but still double digit overnight temperatures are in the weekly forecast. Thanksgiving Day looks crispy in the morning and sunny through the day. Here’s more ahead of the feast.
1. Into February
The late fall and winter months into February are looking to remain unseasonably warm, according to the latest satellite imagery from NOAA. The week following Thanksgiving is expected to bring severe cold across the upper parts of the country, but less so for the San Luis Valley. There remains good water in the river, the wetlands, and agricultural fields. It’s the overall warming trends that are creating an imbalance for the Upper Rio Grande Basin.
2. The Rio Grande’s reservoir storage problem
The nearly 1,900-mile long Rio Grande has a reservoir storage problem – at 26 percent of capacity for the entire basin, according to a new study that is chock-full of relevant data pinned to the Rio Grande. “Climate scientists have reframed the long-running drought as the onset of long-term aridification and are forecasting additional river flow diminishment of 16-28% in coming decades as the climate continues to warm,” the study notes. Further drying puts farmers and cities who rely on the Rio Grande in an “existential water crisis.”
3. ‘We Are Water’ exhibit
At the Alamosa Public Library is a new interactive topographical map, or topo table, of the Rio Grande’s headwaters and the San Luis Valley. It’s part of a permanent “We Are Water” exhibit unveiled over the weekend by CU Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences program, along with local Valley partners. “This will live here forever,” said We Are Water program manager Tory Nau. The exhibit is part of Alamosa Library’s water education offerings and the library’s encouragement that learning about water as a natural resource begins at a young age and is knowledge carried through life.
4. Building a place to grow
It’s a striking building going up on the east end of the Boys and Girls Clubs headquarters off Highway 285 and 10th Street in Alamosa. The new Little Learners Academy is aiming to redefine early childhood care and preschool education for families in the San Luis Valley. That it’s the brainchild and construction project of Boys & Girls Clubs SLV, and has a definite path into the traditional after-school program, demonstrates an innovative strategy worthy of support.
5. LAST CHANCE: Tell us what you’re thankful for
This time of year, the Citizen is reminded how generous the universe has been to us. We live in a beautiful place, full of good people. So we are asking our readers to take turns around the virtual Thanksgiving table and share – in a photo – what they are grateful for about life here in the Valley. Snap a photo of your favorite place, something or someone you love. Even when times are tough, it’s good to be thankful.
DEADLINE for entries is Monday, Nov. 24, at noon.
We will post the best submissions on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Upload your picture and why you’re thankful with THIS LINK.
Or, email your photo with a description HERE.
6. Wolf Creek closure
If you’re headed over Wolf Creek Pass ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, beware of a CDOT closure. Wolf Creek Pass will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for approximately two hours from between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for “safety-critical helicopter operations.” CDOT is performing helicopter operations as part of its winter season avalanche mitigation efforts. Mid-morning closures for the same day are scheduled for Red Mountain Pass on US 550 and Lizard Head Pass between Telluride and Rico on CO 145. Wolf Creek will close between South Fork and Pagosa Springs. CDOT provides road conditions and travel information via https://www.cotrip.org/home
7. Two new champions for Adams State
There are always a lot of storylines with Adams State Cross Country. Saturday at the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Kenosha, Wis., was another first. The Grizzlies for the first time since competing at the NCAA DII level brought home both the women’s and men’s individual national cross country titles. Tristian Spence, who is leaving her own legacy on the championship-rich Adams State running program, cruised to victory in the women’s 6K, while Kidus Begashaw ran one of the guttsiest and heroic 10 kilometers you’ll see to claim the men’s title. Both are now national cross country champions, and on the campus of Adams State and in the community of Alamosa, there is no greater glory. FULL STORY.
On the teamside, Adams State was runnerup in the men’s standings and fourth in the women’s field. Top five team scores:
Men: Wingate 62; Adams State 71; Colorado Mines 121; Grand Valley St. 122; Western Colorado 162. Women: Grand Valley St. 65; Colorado Mines 69; Wingate 131; Adams State 168; Western Colorado 206.
Centauri, Sanford end football seasons
Buena Vista defeated Centauri High, 27-12, and Akron defeated Sanford 29-16 in semifinal round action of the Colorado High School state football playoffs. Centauri and Sanford were the last two Valley schools standing and both finished the season 10-2.
8. Today is a good day to support the Citizen
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It’s been our mission to keep the San Luis Valley informed and engaged. Thanks for trusting us to do that.