Yes -- photos, pls, if anyone had a chance to get some. We sail at 7300', at the foot of some 12,000' mountains. What the Nat'l site describes is a fairly typical wind pattern for a mountain lake.
Thirty-plus is almost certain at some point in the day; forty is a monthly sailing experience; we get hit by fifty once or twice a season. Afternoon katabatics (winds not always related to t-storms, but sometimes yes) can result in straightline winds over 60 mph. Often without warning, from a clear blue sky; often with shifts of over 100 degrees.
The same day I took this photo on Lake Granby, CO, we got knocked down by an airport-confirmed 60mph blast & nearly driven into the dam:
That was the first time our mast hit the water. The second came when I was singlehanding this year on our local lake. Really freakish microburst winds, one of which came with a big shift & I was too slow releasing the sheet. Reefed main only, and the stick still went under. I really, really thought it wasn't coming back. LPS on these boats can't be much over 100 degrees, can it?
We almost always sail with hatches closed and PFDs on around here. Mountain winds & cold glacial water will kill you toot sweet.
Was sailing with a guy whose friend
pitchpoled a C22 on Jackson Lake. Following wind -- gust so strong it just drove the bows straight to the lakebed.
Glad everyone emerged safe!