Air Pollution Source: Dust

Grand Junction frequently experiences dust events where particulate matter blows into the area from the surrounding desert. In addition to this dust from the base of the Bookcliff Mountains and the desert south of the city along Highway 50, dust can originate from Utah or as far away as Russia. In the spring, that dust can coat the snow cover in the valley and surrounding mountains, resulting in snow melting sooner than normal, which hastens spring runoff and contributes to a lack of moisture later in the summer. Blowing dust from the desert north of I-70 has even created traffic hazards and low visibility for motorists between Grand Junction and Palisade.