Lenticular Clouds

This spectacular, multi hued formation of so called lenticular clouds was observed over Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colo. Professional photographer Richard H. Hahn snapped the magnificent view soon after sunset at 5:02 p.m. MST (7:02 EST) on Jan. 5. Lenticular clouds form when waves of moist, fast moving air are pushed upward by winds and ascend over high mountains. At the mountains higher altitude, the moist airs water droplets cool and expand, and the water vapor condenses. When the air moves over the mountain top and descends to uniformly humid air conditions, lenticular clouds form.