Lenticular clouds over Hartsel Colorado

The above image was taken in Hartsel Colorado. The aera is a low-lying bowl like valley surrounded by mountains. This geographic area is perfect for finding lenticular clouds. The rapid change in altitude as winds climb the mountains surrounding the valley generates a standing wave above the airflow. Lenticular clouds are generated by this standing wave and sit stationary about mountain peaks. The Lenticular cloud in the picture above is an altocumulus cloud. These clouds punctuate a stable atmosphere as required to maintain the flow of a standing wave.