June 12, 2006 Storm Chase | Northeast WY Photogenic Sub Severe Storms

June 12, 2006 Storm Chase | Northeast WY Photogenic Sub-Severe Storms
All photos © Copyright 2006 Matt Ziebell

There wasn't much of anything interesting about today's setup. A few ridge riding shortwave troughs would be moving over the central and northern Rockies this afternoon, so I decided to go all the way north from Sterling, CO to Gillette, WY where there would be some better shear in stock. While en route, I passed by the Black Hills during the mid-afternoon and snapped a shot of some meager MDT Cu underway there. I continued west and eventually had some decent echoes showing up on radar southwest of Gillette. I got to town and found a scenic spot to watch as this now linearizing mass came barreling through. I was expecting a little more severity, but was happy with what I saw. On a side note, it's not uncommon for the majority of motels in Gillette to be booked solid Mon-Fri (this according to the clerk at the Holiday Inn Express). I settled on a Days Inn for $92 after discount - and this was on a Monday...sheesh! I'm unsure if the lack of vacancy is due to all the coal miners receiving temporary lodging or what. The town has at least nine decent motels and it still took me almost an hour to find vacancy. Next time I'm in Gillette, I'll sleep in one of those fine lookin' open pit coal mines outside of town.

Black Hills convection while en route

Strong storm nearing Gillette

Golfers speeding through their holes

Outflow warning!

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