Olathe, CO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Olathe, Montrose County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Olathe?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 46 days in the Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin forecast zone and Montrose County — the most common reported hazard around Olathe, mostly in December and February. Next come high winds (35 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (20 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 46 | Mar 2024 | — |
| High winds | 35 | May 2026 | May 21, 2002 · $100,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 20 | Jun 2024 | Jun 5, 2009 · $20,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 19 | Oct 2022 | Jun 24, 2021 · $650,000 damage |
| Flooding | 15 | Aug 2023 | May 24, 2023 · $10,000 damage |
| Debris flows | 8 | Aug 2024 | Jul 24, 2021 · $5,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Jan 2025 | Dec 4, 2005 · $100,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 6 | Apr 2024 | Apr 14, 2024 · $65,000 damage |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin forecast zone and Montrose County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Olathe get?
A normal year brings about 22 inches of snow to Olathe, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Montrose #2 weather station 10.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (6.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2.7 | 6.9 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Olathe?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGJX (Grand Junction, CO), about 34 miles north-northwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Olathe | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGJX Grand Junction, CO | 34 mi north-northwest | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KFTG Denver/Boulder, CO | 201 mi east-northeast | 29,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KPUX Pueblo, CO | 206 mi east | 30,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Olathe
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 5 tornadoes within 25 miles of Olathe. Most came in September and May. The strongest was an F1 on May 6, 2005, which touched down near town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 29, 2014, which touched down about 18 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 4 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on August 30, 2000.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Olathe's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Olathe radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Olathe, CO?
KGJX (Grand Junction, CO), about 34 miles north-northwest. KFTG (Denver/Boulder, CO) is 201 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Olathe?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Olathe the lowest scan from KGJX is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Olathe free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Olathe, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Delta, CO radar 12 mi
- Montrose, CO radar 12 mi
- Orchard City, CO radar 15 mi
- Cedaredge, CO radar 20 mi
- Paonia, CO radar 28 mi
- Ridgway, CO radar 34 mi
- Palisade, CO radar 40 mi
- Grand Junction, CO radar 46 mi
- Telluride, CO radar 47 mi
- Mountain Village, CO radar 47 mi