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situated in a valley (elevation 4,849 feet), surrounded by mountains and is greatly <br />influenced by the valley winds rather than the synoptic winds. The mine site is, however, <br />located above a valley on a mesa (elevation approximately 5,700 feet) and is therefore <br />more likely to be subject to the synoptic winds from the west to southwest (Dosken, 1980 <br />and Benson, 1979). <br />The RAWS data indicates that the mean annual Nucla area winds speeds vary from 5.2 <br />to 6.1 mph from the south. Maximum gusts range from 54 to 58 mph from the <br />southwest. <br />Precipitation and Temperature <br />Norwood and Uravan, Colorado are the locations of the nearest precipitation and <br />temperature data to the New Horizon Mine. It should be stressed that these stations <br />may not accurately represent the conditions at the Nucla Mine. Both stations are located <br />deep within valleys, and are subject to localized conditions such as cold air drainage into <br />the lower valleys. Generally, however, the data presented in Tables 2.04.8-1 and <br />• 2.04.8-2 are representative of the local mine area. <br />Table 2.04.8-1 presents monthly precipitation normals for the Norwood Station for the <br />period 1951 through 1980. Monthly precipitation normals for the Uravan Station are not <br />published. Also presented are monthly precipitation totals for the year 1986 for both <br />stations. <br />Table 2.04.8-2 presents monthly temperature normals for the Norwood Station for the <br />period 1951 through 1980. Monthly temperature normals for the Uravan Station are not <br />published. Also presented are monthly average temperatures for the year 1986 for both <br />stations. <br />The Nucla RAWS indicates a precipitation range of 3.67 to 10.47 inches for the complete <br />years 1999 to 2001. The year to date total for 2002 of 1.57 inches reflects an incomplete <br />year and the regional drought conditions that started in 2001. <br />• 2.04.8 - 4 <br />