Huerfano County Flood Update: Spanish Peaks Flood II

Information provided by Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management's public information officer at 8 a.m.

Summary of Flood

• A flash flood was reported to the Huerfano County Dispatch at approximately 9:45 p.m. at the Scout Ranch in Huerfano County.

• 151 scouts, including staff have been evacuated to Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg. Red Cross on site.

• Five people were treated for minor injuries at Spanish Peaks Regional Hospital. Structure damage unknown. 

• Jurisdiction:   Huerfano County

• Cooperating Agencies: Huerfano County Fire, LaVeta Fire, Huerfano County EMS, Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management, Trinidad EMS, RE-1 School District, Red Cross, Spanish Peaks Regional Hospital 

• Management Strategies: Damage Assessment
  

Upper Bear Creek Flood: Huerfano County, Colorado: July 8, 2014 at 1:45 p.m.

Information provided by Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management public information officer.

A flash flood moved through the East Peak burn scar early Tuesday morning. The call was received at approximately 3:15 a.m.

Ninety-six scouts including troop leaders from the Kansas and Colorado area were evacuated to Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg. The Red Cross provided meals and shelter for evacuees. County Rd. 340 at the Shangri La entrance was closed for several hours and is now open. Evacuations orders have been lifted and the scouts have re-entered the ranch.

Incident Fast Facts

• Elevation: 8,500 ft.
• Cause: Flash Flood
• Jurisdiction: Huerfano County
• Cooperating Agencies: Huerfano County Fire Department, La Veta Fire, Huerfano County Road and Bridge, Red Cross, Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management, Huerfano County EMS
• Management Strategies: Life safety, property protection, debris removal, weather monitoring for re-entry and damage assessment.

Upper Bear Creek Flood: Huerfano County, Colorado: July 8 at 9:25 a.m.

Information provided by Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management PIO.

A flash flood moved through the East Peak burn scar early Tuesday morning. The call was received at approximately 3:15 a.m.

96 scouts including troop leaders from the Kansas and Colorado area were evacuated to Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg. The Red Cross has been providing meals and shelter for evacuees. County Rd. 340 at the Shangri La entrance is currently closed.

No other evacuations ordered. Elevation: 8,500 ft.

• Cause: Flash Flood
• Jurisdiction: Huerfano County
• Cooperating Agencies: Huerfano County Fire Department, La Veta Fire, Huerfano County Road and Bridge, Red Cross, Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management, Huerfano County EMS
• Management Strategies: Life safety, property protection, debris removal, weather monitoring for re-entry and damage assessment.

Flooding and Flash Flooding: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week

As we saw last September flooding can be a major problem in Colorado.

The flash flooding in September damaged a number of streams and mitigation is ongoing to remove debris and shore up heavily damaged areas along the streams in and near the foothills from Larimer County to El Paso County. The snowpack in the South Platte Basin is above normal so there is concern when the melt occurs that streams may not be able to handle a fast melt. The rate at which runoff occurs is dependent on a number of factors including the depth of the snow, how fast hot temperatures develop and whether thunderstorms drop heavy rain on the snowpack with runoff combining with falling rain. In 2011 we had a similar high snowpack with minimal flood issues as the warm days and cool nights moderated the rate of the snow melt. The peak snowmelt season is usually extends from late May through early June.

In September over eight inches of rain fell over a large area of the foothills from northern Jefferson to northern Larimer counties. All this rain filled area creeks and rivers causing considerable flash flooding. Runoff from area streams combined to cause major flooding along the South Platte River.

Flash flooding refers to dangerous sudden rise in water along a creek, river or over a normally dry land area. Flash floods result from heavy rainfall, sudden breaks in river ice jams and dam or levee failures. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours and can move at surprisingly high speeds, striking with little warning. Flash floods are quite destructive because of the force of the moving water and the debris that accumulates in flood waters such as trees and boulders which can destroy roadways, bridges and buildings.

Other complications in Colorado are recent fires which raise the flood threat when locally heavy rain falls on recently burn scars. Residents in and near burned areas near Mancos, Debeque or in the Front Range Foothills from Larimer to El Paso Counties should plan ahead on response actions for flooding.

The National Weather Service will discuss flood and flash flood potential in daily hazardous weather outlooks and in the weather story on National Weather Service websites. On days with a high threat for flooding you may hear:

• A flash flood or flood watch which means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the watch area.
• A flood warning which means that flooding is imminent or has been reported along a river.
• A flash flood warning which means that flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area act quickly. If advised to evacuate do so immediately. Go to higher ground or climb to safety before access is cut off by flood waters.
• An urban flood advisory will be issued for impact flooding that is not in itself life threatening. In an urban area if you were commuting during rush hour during a flood advisory you could expect some intersections to be underwater and a much longer commute. A small stream flood advisory might be issued when flow is bankful with minor lowland flooding along the stream.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. Do not enter a flooded roadway, instead turn around, do not drown. In rapidly rising waters backing up away from water may be safer. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles and you also cannot tell if the road is damaged beneath moving water.

Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week continues through this Saturday.

Understanding Severe Weather Watches and Warnings: Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week

The National Weather Service sees the potential for severe weather and a stream of weather information flows from the National Weather Service forecast offices to you.

Each National Weather Service forecast office has a web site, a facebook page and a twitter feed where you can find graphical weather stories which highlight upcoming weather hazards. The Hazardous Weather Outlook, a text product, it is also available which highlights weather hazards sometimes seven days in advance.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma also forecasts the chance for severe weather across the country several days in advance. These outlooks will tell you if there is a chance for severe weather and if you are in a slight risk, moderate risk or high risk area for severe weather.

If severe weather becomes likely within six hours a watch will be issued alerting you to the increased risk for severe weather. If you are in or close to the watch area you should plan where to go for shelter if severe weather occurs. If high wind is a threat tying down or bringing loose objects indoors would be a wise move. If large hail is a threat protecting your vehicle would be a good idea.

Then forecasters at the local National Weather Service office will monitor satellite and radar data and collaborate with severe weather spotters. Forecasters will issue warnings to alert you of the imminent severe weather threat. The warnings are sent out in many different ways in order to reach the most people possible.

A warning is an urgent message telling you that severe weather or flooding is imminent or is occurring. Warnings are usually issued for an area smaller than a county.

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for wind gusts of 58 MPH or higher or for hail one inch in diameter or larger.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent or occurring.

A flash flood warning is issued for rapidly developing life threatening flooding.

Before and during severe weather you can receive watches, warnings and advisories on NOAA all hazards weather radio.

Most weather radio receivers have a built in tone alert which is activated by the national weather service when watches and warnings are issued. You will also see warnings on the internet, your smartphone with wireless emergency alert (WEA) messages or hear them on your local radio or television stations.

Do not be caught off guard. Know how to receive watch and warning information and know what to do when severe weather threatens. Specific safety information will be available each day of this Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.

This guest blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colorado.

Thunderstorm Season is Approaching. Are you Ready?

The National Weather Service wants everyone to be part of a Weather Ready Nation. Colorado is an annual host for tornadoes, flash floods, hail, killer lightning and wind damage. Are you Weather READY?  Now is the time to make sure you know How to stay safe when severe weather threatens.  The week of APRIL 14 - 20 is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Now is the time to learn more about Severe weather in Colorado and develop severe weather preparedness plans. 

Each year for the past 20 years there have been an average of 50 tornadoes in Colorado, three people killed by lightning and another 13 injured by lightning. 

The National Weather Service offices which cover Colorado will issue a series of public information statements during the week covering the following topics:

• Monday:  Watches and Warnings
• Tuesday:  Tornadoes and Tornadoe Safety
• Wednesday:  Flood and Flash Flood Safety
• Thursday:  Downburst Wind and Hail
• Friday:  Lighting and Lightning Safety
• Saturday:  A Reivew of the Week

Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for a variety of thunderstorm hazards. Make sure you have a way to receive warnings. If you live in a community with a siren understand the protocol for sounding those sirens. If you have a relatively new cell phone you will receive tornado and flash flood warnings on your phone if you are in the area of the warning. NOAA Weather Radios are a great way to monitor the weather and receive warnings and they can be found and most hardware or electronics stores.

Safety information, watches, warnings, forecasts, past weather and much more information is available at  your local National Weather Service websites:

• WWW.WEATHER.GOV/DENVER NWS DENVER WEB SITE
• WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PUEBLO NWS PUEBLO WEB SITE
• WWW.WEATHER.GOV/GOODLAND NWS GOODLAND WEB SITE
• WWW.WEATHER.GOV/GJT NWS GRAND JUNCTION WEB SITE

Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week: Flash Floods

Today’s topic during this Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week is flash floods.    

Flash floods are no strangers to Colorado. Since the year 1900 nearly 300 people have been killed in flash floods across the Centennial State.  

Flash Flood History

In terms of lives lost the worst flash flood occurred on July 31, 1976 in the Big Thompson Canyon between Estes Park and Loveland.  A nearly stationary storm produced around 12 inches of rain in four hours claiming 144 lives.

Three other notable flash floods in Colorado were:

1. In 1904 just north of Pueblo a bridge failed and around 100 people drowned when a passenger train plunged into Fountain Creek.
2. Last year nine people drowned during the historic September rain episode, which was a combination of flash floods and river floods. These floods were much more extensive than the Big Thompson Canyon flood of 1976, but because of timely and accurate warnings many lives were saved.
3. The 1997 Fort Collins episode killed five people and caused $200 million of property damage.

Flash Flood

A flash flood is defined as a rapid rise in water levels generally occurring in less than six hours along large creeks, normally dry washes, arroyos or over normally dry land area and can occur with little advanced notice.  

Flash floods frequently result from high rainfall rates and infrequently result from dam failures, levee failures or sudden breaks in river ice jams.  Flash floods are very destructive due to the force of the moving water and the accompanying debris. This tremendous force can easily damage or destroy roadways, bridges and buildings. 

In recent years Colorado has seen major flooding and damage when heavy rains have occurred on wildfire burn scar areas.  If you are in or near a burn scar area you need to plan ahead.  Be aware of general flash flood plans and procedures that have been developed and implemented by your local emergency management officials. You should know your flash flood risks and make your plans to save your life and those around you.

The National Weather Service forecast offices will discuss flash flood potential in Daily Hazardous Weather Outlooks and in Graphical Weather Stories on National Weather Service forecast office web sites. 

During days when flash flooding is possible a flash flood watch will be issued.  

During days when flash flooding is likely or occurring a flash flood warning will be issued. 

When a flash flood warning is issued for your area you need to act quickly if you are in a drainage area or in other low spots.  Know your escape routes to higher ground and act as quickly as possible. It may be just a short walk or climb to that higher ground.

Many flash flood deaths occur in vehicles.  Do not drive through a flooded roadway.  The water may be much deeper than you think because the roadway may be damaged or washed away. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles. Instead turn around, don’t drown.  

For more information on flood safety go to Http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week continues through this Saturday. 

This blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service Pueblo

NWS Shares the Types of Flooding that Occur in Colorado

Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week:  Types of Flooding

Flooding can be a major problem in Colorado as we saw recently in September 2013. Heavy rain fell over a large area of the foothills resulting in flash flooding in the foothills. All the water that fell ended up in the South Platte River, with major river flooding occurring from Greeley to the state line.

River Flooding

River flooding can result from heavy rain during the summer and from rapid snow melt or thunderstorm rains combining with runoff from melting snow.

Flash Flooding

Flash flooding refers to a dangerous sudden rise in water in a canyon or along a creek or wash, or over a normally dry land area. Flash floods result from heavy rainfall, sudden breaks in river ice jams, and dam or levee failures. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours, and can move at surprisingly high speeds, striking with little warning. Flash floods are quite destructive because of the force of the moving water and the debris that accumulates in flood waters, such as trees and boulders, which can destroy roadways, bridges and buildings.

Flooding

Another complication in Colorado is the serious flooding that can result when heavy rain falls on recently burned areas. Residents in and near recently burned areas near Mancos, near Debeque, and in the Front Range foothills should plan ahead on response actions for flooding.

The National Weather Service will discuss flood and flash flood potential in daily hazardous weather outlooks and in the weather story on National Weather Service websites. On days with a high threat for flooding you may hear:

“A flash flood or flood watch...which means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the watch area. “

A flood warning, which means that flooding is imminent or has been reported along a river.

A flash flood warning, which means that flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area act quickly, if advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Go to higher ground or climb to safety before access is cut off by flood waters.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. Do not enter a flooded roadway, instead turn around, do not drown. In rapidly rising waters, backing up away from water may be safer. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles and you also cannot tell if the road is damaged beneath the water.

Colorado flood safety and wildfire awareness week continues through this Saturday

Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week: March 16-22

Flood and wildfire season is approaching:  Know your risks, Make your plans, and Improve your outcome.

 

The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and our READYColorado program have joined the National Weather Service's Colorado forecast offices to share information that will make those living and visiting Colorado more prepared.  Visit our COEmergency.com and READYColorado.com websites each day to learn more on floods and wildfires.  Here is the first preparedness blog written by Tom Magnuson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service Pueblo

The National Weather Service wants everyone to be part of a Weather Ready Nation.  Colorado has more than its fair share of floods, flash floods and wildfires.  You should be Weather Ready and know how to stay safe when floods and wildfires affect your area.

Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed this week, March 16 – 22, as Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week.  Now is the time to learn about flood and wildfire risks in Colorado and to develop your plans to improve your outcome.

Floodprone areas have been identified in over 250 cities and towns and in all of the 64 counties in Colorado.  Over 250,000 people live in floodplains in Colorado.  There are estimated to be 65,000 homes and 15,000 commercial, industrial and business structures in identified floodplains.  There are likely many more structures located within unmapped flood hazard areas.  The value of the property, structures and contents located in the identified floodplains is estimated to be nearly $15 billion.

Floods and flash floods have killed over 400 people in Colorado since the turn of the 20^th Century.  The historic weather pattern of September 2013 reminds us all that floods are a major concern across the Centennial state.  Floods have caused billions of dollars of damage in Colorado.

On average 2500 wildfires occur across Colorado each year.  Since 2013 eight people have been killed when wildfires occurred in the wildland urban interface (WUI).

The National Weather Service forecast offices which service Colorado will issue a series of public information statements during this Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week covering the following topics:

• Sunday:  Introduction to the Week
• Monday:  Flood Watches and Warnings
• Tuesday:  River Floods
• Wednesday:  Flash Floods
• Thursday:  Fire Forecasts, Watches and Warnings
• Friday:  Wildfire Safety and Mitigation
• Saturday:  Review of the Week

More information on floods and wildfires is available at your local National Weather Service websites:

• www.weather.gov/Denver
• www.weather.gov/Pueblo
• www.weather.gov/Goodland
• www.weather.gov/GJT