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Ref. Page No.M2009-006 00114 <br /> 6.4.11 EXHIBIT K—Climate Information <br /> The climate of Larimer County varies greatly with elevation. Average annual precipitation <br /> within the region ranges from less than 16 inches (41 cm) per year in eastern Larimer County <br /> to over 40 inches per year in the high mountains (see Chart K-1 below). <br /> Chart K-1 Average Annual Precipitation in Larimer County,CO <br /> Annual <br /> Precipitation <br /> (inches) , <br /> 12-16 <br /> 16-20 <br /> 20-25 ' <br /> 25-30 <br /> 30-40 <br /> 40-50 <br /> The climate of Larimer County is dominated, like most of the Colorado Piedmont, by <br /> continental air masses. Precipitation events originate in the Pacific, Arctic, or the Gulf of <br /> Mexico. The Continental Divide to the west is also influential in determining the area's <br /> climate, helping to generate occasional high winds and intense summer precipitation. <br /> Winters are generally cold, with the valleys often recording lower temperatures than the <br /> surrounding mountains because of cold air drainage. Summers are warm or hot on the <br /> plains and in the valleys and cool in the mountains. Climate data from Fort Collins are fairly <br /> typical of the eastern plains and data from Estes Park are typical for the mountainous parts <br /> of the county. In July, generally the hottest month in Fort Collins, high temperatures average <br /> 850 F and lows average 560 F. During January, the coldest month in Fort Collins, high <br /> temperatures average 410 F and lows average 140 F. The growing season is about 140 days <br /> on the plains and about 90 days for the area around Estes Park (U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation <br /> Service 1980). <br />