When does peak fire season occur in Colorado's high country?

The peak fire season in Colorado's high country typically occurs from late spring until mid-autumn. This timeframe aligns with the climatic conditions prevalent in the region during these months. As temperatures rise and vegetation becomes dry and more susceptible to ignition, the likelihood of wildfires increases significantly.

In late spring, snowmelt occurs, but as the season progresses into summer and early autumn, the warmer temperatures lead to dry grasses and foliage, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. The most significant fire activity often happens during the hottest months when dry thunderstorms can also contribute to ignitions.

The other options refer to periods that do not align with the environmental conditions conducive to wildfires in this region. For instance, winter until early spring usually sees snow cover, which minimizes fire risk, while a year-round fire season indicates a constant risk that is more associated with very arid climates, not specifically representative of Colorado’s high country. Thus, the choice identifying late spring to mid-autumn captures the seasonal patterns accurately.