#JeffcoFlood Integrated Social Media Strategy: Statistics and Archives

In September of 2013 the Colorado front range was hit with devastating flooding.  On September 12^th, 2013 the Jefferson County Type III Incident Management Team (IMT) was activated to support flood response and recovery efforts.  Prior to the activation of the IMT, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) maintained communications with the public using a variety of tools to include the JCSO Twitter and Facebook sites along with the JCSO Emergency Blog.  After the IMT was activated the JCSO Public Information Officer (PIO) unit was bolstered by additional support from the IMT.   By the end of the incident 10 different PIOs from the Sheriff’s Office and/or the IMT played an important role in sharing information with the public.

Sharing information with the Jefferson County communities affected by the flooding presented a unique challenge.  By and large the media was covering the greater devastation and fatalities that had occurred farther north in the areas of  Boulder, Longmont, Estes Park and other regions.  The end result was that the IMT PIO unit essentially used social media tools, in conjunction with innovative tools on the Emergency blog to communicate directly with the public.  To assist with this effort the Jefferson County Virtual Operations Support Team (JeffcoVOST) was activated for the first time since its creation.

The IMT activation lasted over a week.  During that time the IMT PIO unit posted 116 Blog posts, 155 Facebook posts and 378 Tweets.  Facebook and Twitter posts were published using the hashtags #CCCF (Coal Creek Canyon Flood) and #JeffcoFlood.  

Below are some basic statistics and links that highlight how social media played a pivotal role in the release of information to the public:

Twitter Statistics (via Crowdbooster, Rowfeeder and Tags 5.0)

Total Number of Tweets: 378

Total Mentions: 955

Total Retweets: 1936

Total Impressions (@JeffcoSheriffCo Posts): 8,917,780

Rate of Responses to Direct Inquiries: 100% (per ProjectEPIC research)

Total Posts to Hashtag: 4392 by 1476 unique Twitter accounts

Follower Count at End of Incident:  6659

Followers Gained During the Incident: 970

Google Map         

Total Views: 1,880,933

Direct Link: http://goo.gl/maps/o0Yp5

Emergency Blog  

Total Number of Posts: 116

Blog PageViews: 123,417

Facebook Statistics (via Crowdbooster)

Facebook Posts: 155

Facebook Impressions: 1,077,744

Facebook Post Likes: 3610

Facebook Post Shares: 4494

Facebook Comments: 949

Facebook Page Likes: 1766

Facebook  Page Likes  End of Incident: 4653

               

Links to Archives and Additional Statistics

Jefferson County Emergency Blog

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/12

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/13

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/14

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/15

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/16

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/17

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/18

Jefferson County Emergency Blog Post 9/19

Jeffco Blog Tabs: Recovery Resources               

Jeffco Blog Overview Statistics

Google Drive Folder

Live Link to Blog

JCSO Google Map

JeffcoFlood Google Map

PDF of  Google Map

KML Files and Other Mapping Files

Original CodeRED Map

Google Drive Folder

@JeffcoSheriffCo Tweets

@JeffcoSheriffCo Tweets Via Crowdbooster – Excel File

@JeffcoSheriffCo Tweets Via Crowdbooster – PDF

@JeffcoSheriffCo Twitter Summary Statistics PDF

@JeffcoSheriffCo Twitter Analysis via Crowdbooster

@JeffcoSheriffCo Twitter Follower Growth During Flood

@JeffcoSheriffCo Twitter Follower Growth Overall

@JeffcoSheriffCo Number of Tweets During Flood

@JeffcoSheriffCo Number of Tweets Overall

@JeffcoSheriffCo Number of Retweets During Flood

@JeffcoSheriffCo Number of Mentions During Flood

@JeffcoSheriffCo Number of Favorites

@JeffcoSheriffCo Number of Replies

Google Drive Folder

Hashtag Analysis via Rowfeeder

#JeffcoFlood and #CCCF

#CCCF

#JeffcoFlood

#JCSO

#ShelterinPlace

@JeffcoSheriffCo

Google Drive Folder

Mentions of @JeffcoSheriffCo

Tags 5.0 for @JeffcoSheriffCo Mentions

Visualization of @JeffcoSheriffCo Mentions

@JeffcoSheriffCo Mentions Analysis via Rowfeeder

Google Drive Folder

Jefferson County Sheriff Facebook Page

JCSO Facebook Posts via Crowdbooster Excel File

JCSO FacebooK Posts via Crowdbooster PDF

JCSO Facebook Posts Summary Stats via Crowdbooster PDF

JCSO Facebook Graph - Posts via Crowdbooster

JCSO Facebook Follower Growth Overall

JCSO Facebook Follower Growth During Flood

JCSO Facebook Top Users

Google Drive Folder

Journalism Redefined Conference

Shortly after the September 2013 floods the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office PIO unit participated in a ‘Journalism Redefined’ conference, hosted by the University of Denver.  During the conference the PIOs discussed how social media has ‘redefined’ journalism and how social media was used specifically during the 2013 floods. You can view the recording of the conference by visiting: http://video.du.edu/video/hashtag-journalism-redefined---session-4.  During the presentation a Storify was used to share key highlights and takeaways.  You can view the Storify by visiting:  http://storify.com/JCSO/jeffcosheriffco-on-jeffcoflood-cccf.

Final #JeffcoFlood Blog Post: Recovery and Resilience

Jefferson County communities are moving forward in an attitude of recovery and resilience.

The Jefferson County Type III Incident Management Team (IMT) has been managing the response to the #JeffcoFlood for the last week. The primary objective of this team was to manage the county's response and to lead the county into the recovery phase.

Jefferson County communities are showing their resilience as they quickly bounce back from the damages inflicted by the #JeffcoFlood.  As we enter the recovery phase the role of the Jefferson County Type III IMT will decrease as regular Jefferson County departments take the lead on further recovery efforts.

Residents affected by the #JeffcoFlood can now receive information directly from the county via http://jeffco.us/disaster-recovery/.  This site will take the place of the JCSO Emergency Blog.  As such this will be the final #JeffcoFlood update.

The #JeffcoFlood Google map will no longer be updated.  We will maintain the map in its current state (9/18) so that it can viewed for historical purposes.  For a list of current, live, road closures please visit http://jeffco.us/road-and-bridge/.

FEMA Individual Assistance for #JeffcoFlood has been Approved!

We have just received word that residents in Jefferson County are now eligible to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance.

Affected residents are encouraged to register with FEMA by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362

The phone number for registering your damaged home with Jefferson County is being deactivated. Affected residents need only to register their property with FEMA viawww.disasterassistance.gov or (800) 621-3362. 

Thank you to all of our Jefferson County residents who sent in photos of their damaged homes.  It was your photos and stories that helped you and your neighbors become eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance.

As you register your home and begin the recovery phase please use the resources that the county has made available on its website: http://jeffco.us/disaster-recovery/

Upper Bear Creek Road Open to RESIDENTS ONLY

Upper Bear Creek Road is now open to residents only.  Sheriff's deputies will be posted on the east and west ends of Upper Bear Creek to confirm residency.  Structural concerns regarding the bridge have been evaluated and resolved, allowing the bridge to re-open to local traffic only. 

Individual Damage Reports and FEMA Individual Assistance

Damage assessments in the areas affected by the #JeffcoFlood are ongoing.  We continue to ask the public to send in their photos of damage to their homes (email jeffcosheriff@gmail.com or jeffcoflood@gmail.com).  If you have believe your home is damaged you should also leave your information on our recorded line.  Please leave your name, address, phone number and description of damage.  The number to call is 303-271-4930.

As of today, 9/18/13, Jefferson County residents are not eligible for Individual Assistance from FEMA.  

Earlier this week Congressman Perlmutter placed the following statement on his website:

"President Obama has declared a Major Disaster Declaration for four counties in Colorado including Adams, Boulder, Larimer and Weld. This declaration extends FEMA's Individual Assistance programs to assist individuals in their recovery from the disaster. This means Adams County residents may now apply for federal assistance for damage and loss incurred as a result of flooding, severe storms and landslides that began September 11, 2013. Although Jefferson County is not currently included in the individual assistance program, residents are still encouraged to register online in case the declaration is expanded to include Jefferson County. There are ongoing damage assessments by officials from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to evaluate additional areas to be included in the declaration."

We encourage Jefferson County residents to go ahead and register with FEMA.  If you register with FEMA, however, please also remember to register with Jefferson County (via the number 303-271-4930).  This very important not only because it allows County and Federal officials to maintain similar records.  More importantly, these damage reports will greatly aid officials as they work to get residents of Jefferson County approval for FEMA Individual Assistance.

To learn how to apply for FEMA aid please visit: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

The Air National Guard will be flying County, State and Federal officials over the #JeffcoFlood region today, 9/18/13, as part of the continued effort to assess damages and further pursue FEMA Individual Assistance.

Recovery and Resilience in Jefferson County

Click on the images to view the three different facebook photo albums.  

Photos were taken by  Amber Luttrell, Community Relations Manager

Jefferson County communities are continuing to recover from the #JeffcoFlood.  Today, September 17, 2013, public information officers with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office accompanied emergency personnel as they rescued three families in Coal Creek Canyon (Highway 72).

  

Neighborhood Family Rescue

The rescue of the families included the rescue of their furry companions.  The first family rescued was accompanied by three Irish Wolfhounds named Tully, Pi & Oscar.  The second family brought with them 1 Black Labrador Retriever puppy named Gauge.  The final family carried out their Maltese, named Zoey, and a cat named Eleanor.  These families and their pets had not left their homes in days. 

  

Boots On The Ground - Emergency Response Personnel

During the rescue the residents shared some of their stories.  One family explained how, due to the gas outage in the area, the three families could not cook on their stoves so they gathered together to share crock-pot, microwave, and bbq recipes.  One of the rescued residents also shared how she and her daughter received moral support from other family members who had lived through Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. 

The pictures in these albums do not only chronicle the rescue that took place today in Coal Creek Canyon.   These pictures do not only show damages along Coal Creek Canyon.  These pictures do not only share the damage sustained to buildings in the area.  These pictures also show the resilience of our Jefferson County communities.

  

Coal Creek Canyon Damage

#JeffcoFlood #CCCF #Jeffco #JCSO
#CoFlood #Colorado Flood
#ColoradoStrong

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the families who provided their permission for these photos to be taken and shared.



All Voluntary Evacuations Lifted in Jefferson County 9/17 5:20 PM

All level 1 (voluntary) evacuation orders in Jefferson County have been lifted. If you are returning to your home please exercise care and caution.  Should you need any assistance as you reoccupy home please consult the list of resources that are available on this Recovery Resources Spreadsheet.

#JeffcoFlood Road Updates: 9/17 5 PM

Updates: 

Upper Bear Creek Drive is now open to local residents.  There is a bridge located near 32034 Upper Bear Creek that is now closed (2.6 miles east of Evergreen).  This means that residents with an address of 31910 and lower must exit the area via Evergreen Parkway.  Residents with an address of 32034 and higher must exit through Witter Gulch (to Stagecoach Blvd or Squaw Pass).


In Kittredge, the bridge on Welch Ave, just south of Highway 74 has been closed due to structural concerns.  Residents can access the area through the other local bridges.

Golden Gate Canyon is open to all traffic.  Please continue to be aware of the emergency and construction traffic in the area. If you need to use Crawford Gulch Road be aware that intermittent closures may take place due to the need to provide road and bridge repair crews safe access to the area.


Twin Spruce / Gap road is open but there is a heavy amount of construction traffic in the area.  Please avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.  Twin Spruce is closed at Burland Drive.

Ongoing Closures:
Crescent Park in Upper Coal Creek Canyon is impassable.

Highway 72 remains closed from Blue Mountain Drive to Pincliffe.

Evergreen (74 and 73) remains open.

Beaver Brook Canyon road remains impassable.  Watch http://www.co.clear-creek.co.us/Alertcenter.aspx for updates.

Closures remain on Indiana between 120th and 72nd.

We will update our google map when we receive definitive word that any of these closure have been lifted.  Please continue to exercise care as you drive in the affected areas.




View #JeffCoFlood Jefferson County Flood Information in a larger map

Send us your Pictures of Home Damage in Jeffco

We are working to get aid to Jeffco residents who have damage to their homes due to the floods.  In order to do that, we need photos showing the damage.  We only want pictures of damaged homes... not roadways.  Please send your photos to jeffcosheriff@gmail.com.

 

Jeffco Flood Update 9-17 9 a.m.

Damage assessment in the county is being hindered by limited access to many affected areas. Preliminary cost to Jefferson County infrastructure is estimated at $6,000,000.

• Preliminary structural damage estimates are: 14 residences destroyed, 215 damaged and 5,805 threatened.  
• 24 commercial properties have been damaged and 24 are threatened. It is unknown at this time if any commercial structures have been destroyed.35 minor structures have been destroyed, 57 damaged and 106 threatened. 

County and local officials will be going door to door to confirm property damage today. These individuals will have official identification.
Following is a summary of significant events in Jefferson County over the last 36 hours are headed by: An announcement that Jefferson County has received a Presidential disaster declaration from FEMA which will provide direct financial assistance to the county for infrastructure repair and direct costs of dealing with the flood emergency.

•  Damage assessments and evaluations are proceeding. Anyone who needs to report property damage should call 303-271-4930.
• Water service to 500 customers served by the Lookout Mountain Water Treatment Facility was affected by a severed water intake line. • Sandbagging efforts by the Colorado National Guard and local residents and first responders on the last night of heavy rains helped to mitigate more flood damage to the town of Evergreen. 
• A preliminary meeting was held to discuss the rebuilding process between county officials and involved stakeholders

#JeffcoFlood Road Update 9/17 6:30 AM - Golden Gate Canyon Open

Golden Gate Canyon is now open.

Crescent Park in Upper Coal Creek Canyon is impassable.

Twin Spruce / Gap road is open but there is a heavy amount of construction traffic in the area.  Please avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.



View #JeffCoFlood Jefferson County Flood Information in a larger map

#JeffcoFlood Road Closures 9/17 AM

Update:

Golden Gate Canyon is now open.
Crescent Park in Upper Coal Creek Canyon is impassable.
Twin Spruce / Gap road is open but there is a heavy amount of construction traffic in the area.  Please avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.

*********

There are no new updates to the road closures around the #JeffcoFlood area.

Highway 72 remains closed from Blue Mountain Drive to Pincliffe.

Twin Spruce Gap Road (access to 119) remains open. (See www.coalcreekfirefd.org/blog)

Golden Gate Canyon remains closed from highway 93 to Robinson Hill.

Evergreen (74 and 73) remains open.

Upper Bear Creek remains closed.

Beaver Brook Canyon road remains impassable.  Watch http://www.co.clear-creek.co.us/Alertcenter.aspx for updates.

Watch for closures in and around Indiana between 120th and 72nd.

We will update our google map when we receive definitive word that any of these closure have been lifted.  Please continue to exercise care as you drive in the affected areas.



View #JeffCoFlood Jefferson County Flood Information in a larger map

Mine Correction: The Pond is Fine

INFORMATION UPDATE: The Colorado Department of Public Health reports that the information regarding the tailing pond at Schwartzwalder Mine is incorrect. There has been no breach of the pond. There has been no contamination from the mine.

Latest on State Highway Road Closures from CDOT

From the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT):

As you are aware, parts of our state are experiencing historic flooding with catastrophic damage to the transportation network. To say what has happened over the last week and over the weekend is unprecedented is an understatement.  As of today, we know that we have lost 30 state highway bridges, with damage to 20 more, and another 20 structures that can’t be reached for inspection.  As state elected officials, we would like to share with you the latest in our recovery work and where to find the up-to-date information on highway closures. 

Teams of Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintenance and engineering personnel worked through the weekend to assess infrastructure condition.  CDOT crews are continuing to evaluate infrastructure to ensure public safety and provide estimates on what lies ahead for the recovery and reconstruction.  Once conditions are safe, it will take several weeks to determine the actual extent and cost of damage to our highway system.   A special team from the Vermont Department of Transportation is already in Colorado to share lessons and best practices from their monumental recovery from Hurricane Irene.  In addition, CDOT is organizing regional meetings with local partners to determine the full extent of the impact from this historic disaster and to coordinate rebuilding efforts. Recovering from the flooding will be the biggest challenge in our 100 year history, and perhaps the biggest challenge CDOT will face in the next 100 years.

Below you will find links to the latest information we have regarding closures.  Please note that the closures below are only for state highways and interstates. Cities, counties and towns may have closed additional roads in their specific area.  For safety reasons, CDOT is recommending that travelers do not stop on the highways to view the water or roadway damage.

Get the latest Highway Flood information and check for updates

You can also find roadway and travel information at www.cotrip.org and on your mobile device with the CDOT Mobile App.  To download CDOT Mobile, simply text “CDOT” to 25827 or search CDOT Mobile in your App Store

Thank you to our Jefferson County Animal Rescue Team

We have such great, wonderful, volunteers still working hard at caring for large animals displaced by rains and floods. Thanks to all J-CART (Jefferson County Animal Response Team) and Jefferson County Horse Council members. You guys rock!

Clear Creek Closed in Golden 9/16 1:45PM

City of Golden, Colorado – Effective immediately, by order of the City of Golden Police Department will limit waterway activities on Clear Creek. The boundaries affected by the order extend from Grant Terry Park Bridge, mile marker 270 and eastward along the canyon through the city limits of Golden including Vanover Park. 

Water activities prohibited by the order include all single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes and single chambered rafts, as well as “body-surfers” and swimming. Violators may be issued a summons for a class 2 petty offense, punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars. These restrictions will be strictly enforced in an effort to minimize the risk to those using the waterway. 

Kayaks, whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts and river boards are exempt, but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris. All of the above users and occupants must have the use of a Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard approved paddling life jacket and a water use designed helmet.

These temporary water restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

William Kilpatrick

Chief of Police

http://www.cityofgolden.net/latest-news/clear-creek-closed-to-some-recreational-users/

Alert from the City of Arvada: Schwartzwalder Mine Failure (UPDATED Information Posted Above)

Post by City of Arvada Government.

Residents of the Lookout Mountain Water District - Drinking Water is Safe, Please Conserve

Updated/Correction Post: 9/16 3:30

Emergency crews have assessed the pipeline and determined that it is not yet damaged. The water is safe and potable.

**********
Original Post:

The main supply line to the Lookout Mountain water treatment facility has been damaged. Repairs to the line will take several days.

The Lookout Mountain Water District has enough water in their stored system to sustain the district at this time.  The water from the district is safe to drink.  Residents are simply asked to conserve their water usage to help ensure that their is enough water to sustain the district until the supply line can be repaired.

The affected area is North of I-70 to the face of Golden Gate Canyon and to the west of Mother Cabrini to Genesee exit.

For additional updates monitor http://WWW.lookoutmountainwaterdistrict.org or recorded line 303.526.2025.

Monday morning Update 9-16 10 a.m.

There’s a break in the storm, but serious conditions continue in large parts of Jefferson County.

TODAY IS A DAY TO THINK SAFETY

• There is an increased emphasis on damage assessment today. Private and commercial structures and public infrastructure has been compromised in northern portions of the county, Coal Creek Canyon, the Bear Creek drainages, Golden Gate Canyon and other areas.  Jefferson County or Incident Management personnel with official identification may be in affected areas to obtain property damage information.
• The Colorado National Guard will be continuing with sandbagging efforts today in and above Evergreen.
• The public is warned to never work near running water without a life jacket or other personal flotation device, even on their own property. Everyone should avoid fast-flowing water if at all possible.
• Standing water continues to be a serious health danger. Feet and legs should be protected from exposure to flood water. Any cut or other skin break contacting flood water, especially standing water, can be a doorway for dangerous infection.  

See these links to the Jefferson County Public Health Department for detailed information on how to protect your health if you have been impacted by flooding:

Flood Fact Sheet 

Food and Water Safety

Food Service Establishments Disaster Handout

Golden Gate Canyon open to Local Residents only 9/16 8:45AM

Golden Gate Canyon is open to local residents only.  This is to allow emergency personnel the ability to efficiently operate in the area.



View #JeffCoFlood Jefferson County Flood Information in a larger map

7 Day Forecast for the Golden area from National Weather Service

Direct Link to National Weather Service

• TodayA chance of drizzle before 9am, then a slight chance of showers between 9am and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• TonightA 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Calm wind becoming west southwest 5 to 9 mph in the evening.
• TuesdaySunny, with a high near 81. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
• Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 52. Calm wind becoming west southwest 5 to 7 mph in the evening.
• WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 82. West southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
• Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 49.
• ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 71.
• Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 45.
• FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 74.
• Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 50.
• SaturdaySunny, with a high near 77.
• Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 51.
• SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Video from Evergreen Taken Last Night (9/16)

Thank you for your attentiveness and preparedness last night.  Here is a video taken last night at 10:00 PM in downtown Evergreen.



Please remain aware of the conditions in your area today. A flash flood advisory remains in place for areas within Jefferson County until 9:15 AM.  A flood watch will be in effect from 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM this evening (9/16).  See the National Weather Service for more information.

• Flash Flood Watch in effect from September 16, 12:00 PM MDT until September 16, 07:00 PM MDT
• Flood Advisory in effect from September 15, 09:22 PM MDT until September 16, 09:15 AM MDT

ICYMI: Coal Creek Canyon Fire 9/15 Evening Update

Post by Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department.

Monday Morning (9/16) Road Closures

There are no new updates to the road closures around the #JeffcoFlood area.

Highway 72 remains closed from Blue Mountain Drive to Pincliffe.

Twin Spruce Gap Road (access to 119) remains open. (See www.coalcreekfirefd.org/blog)

Golden Gate Canyon remains closed from highway 93 to Robinson Hill.

Evergreen (74 and 73) remains open.

Upper Bear Creek remains closed.

Beaver Brook Canyon road remains impassable.  Watch http://www.co.clear-creek.co.us/Alertcenter.aspx for updates.

Watch for closures in and around Indiana between 120th and 72nd.

We will update our google map when we receive definitive word that any of these closure have been lifted.  Please continue to exercise care as you drive in the affected areas.



View #JeffCoFlood Jefferson County Flood Information in a larger map

Bear Creek Picture: Rising and Flowing Fast - Be Prepared

This photo was taken at Cold Springs Gulch Road which is just east of Kittredge on Highway 74.  It was shot at 7:25 PM this evening (9/15) The picture shows the severity of the current conditions.  The river is flowing swift and high and more rain is coming.  Please plan ahead and be prepared should conditions further develop.

Radar shows more heavy rain coming to Jefferson County-Be Prepared

Up to date weather radar loop from the National Weather Service shows more  heavy rain approaching Jefferson County. Please link to the National Weather Service Radar Loop by clicking on the image below.

Bear Creek Rising and Running Fast-Be Prepared

Due to consistent rain today Bear Creek is on the rise and running fast. Please be aware of the changing conditions and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Watch the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Blog, Facebook and Twitter for information as soon as it becomes available.

The following video was shot shortly after 5 p.m. today in Upper Bear Creek near Meadowbrook Lane. This video should demonstrate the seriousness of the situation for all those living on Upper or Lower Bear Creek.

Civil Air Patrol Photos of #Jeffco Reservoirs 9/14

Photos illustrating the resilience of dams (Ralston/Blunn) within Jefferson County. Photos were curated via the Google Crisis map available here: http://google.org/crisismap/2013-boulder-floods

Click on the photo to view the facebook album:

 

Jeffco School Closures 9/15 5 PM

This was posted on http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/closures/index.html on 9/15/13 at 5PM

The following schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 16:

Coal Creek K-8, Ralston Valley High, Oberon Middle, Meiklejohn Elementary, Van Arsdale Elementary, West Woods Elementary, Evergreen High, Evergreen Middle, Wilmot Elementary, Parmalee Elementary, Bergen Valley Elementary and Bergen Meadow Elementary.

In addition, both Windy Peak and Mt. Evans Outdoor Lab Schools are closed. Sixth-grade students from Vanderhoof Elementary will not be attending the Windy Peak Outdoor Lab school this week, Sept. 16.

Beaver Brook Canyon Road Gas Leak Capped, Shelter in Place Advisory Still in Effect

Emergency crews  hiked in and capped the natural gas leak in the area of 1100 Beaver Brook Canyon Road.  The area remains under a shelter in place advisory, issued by Clear Creek County, due to the fact that the road is impassable in places.  Residents who have an emergency and need to get out must dial 911 for assistance.

#JeffcoFlood Public Submitted Photos

This facebook album is populated by members of the public. Click on the following photo to access the album.

If you would like to submit pictures please do so using the following form.  Direct link to form.

NWS Flood Warning Extended for Jefferson County until 9 p.m.

Flood Warning

National Weather Service

FLOOD STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
400 PM MDT SUN SEP 15 2013

COC001-005-013-014-019-031-035-047-059-069-075-087-115-121-123-
160300-
/O.CON.KBOU.FA.W.0009.000000T0000Z-130916T0300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
ARAPAHOE CO-WELD CO-WASHINGTON CO-SEDGWICK CO-JEFFERSON CO-
LARIMER CO-CLEAR CREEK CO-BROOMFIELD CO-DOUGLAS CO-ADAMS CO-
GILPIN CO-DENVER CO-LOGAN CO-BOULDER CO-MORGAN CO-
400 PM MDT SUN SEP 15 2013

...A FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM MDT SUNDAY FOR
WESTERN ARAPAHOE...WELD...NORTHWESTERN WASHINGTON...NORTHERN
SEDGWICK...JEFFERSON...EASTERN LARIMER...EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN CLEAR
CREEK...BROOMFIELD...NORTHEASTERN DOUGLAS...ADAMS...EASTERN GILPIN...
DENVER...LOGAN...BOULDER AND MORGAN COUNTIES...

AT 330 PM MDT...THERE WERE REPORTS OF NUMEROUS ROADS CLOSED OR
IMPASSABLE DUE TO FLOODING IN SOUTHWEST WELD COUNTY AROUND THE TOWNS
OF FIRESTONE AND FREDERICK.

THE RAINFALL HAS WEAKENED IN INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON AND BECOME
MORE SHOWERY IN NATURE. HOWEVER...RAINFALL MOVING IN FROM THE SOUTH
LATE THIS AFTERNOON COULD STILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO
AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY
DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL
ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED
ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE...TURN AROUND...DONT DROWN.

Beaver Brook Canyon Gas Line Break - Shelter in Place 9/15/13 3:45 p.m.

A natural gas line in the area of the 1100 block of Beaver Brook Canyon Road has ruptured. This is in Clear Creek County. We have been advised that Clear Creek County will be issuing a 'shelter in place' advisory for residents in that area.

New Videos from Bear Creek

These are two videos of Bear Creek near Kittredge that were taken at about 1:00 p.m. on 9/15/13.  Bear Creek is still rising because of the rain this morning.  Stay safe, stay away! 

 

Update from the Evergreen Metro District

From the Evergreen Metro District web page as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday:

It is raining in the area and the stream flow is increasing slightly.  We will continue to monitor stream flows.  The sewage collection system is running at peak levels, particularly through the lower areas along creeks and drainages.  As a result, the District would ask that you please try to limit the amount of water you use in your homes to prevent further overtaxing of the sewer system.  Sections of Upper Bear Creek still are inundated by flood waters.  The downtown area is open to vehicle traffic.  The drinking water system remains good.  Water quality in Evergreen Lake has improved slightly from yesterday.  We have increased the dosage of chlorine in the treatment process; although there may be a chlorine taste and or odor, the drinking water is safe and will remain safe.  The Evergreen Dam is being watched and is safe; there is no threat of failure of the dam.  The District will update information as conditions change.

http://evergreenmetrodistrict.com/

Carl's Corner Kwik Mart Gasoline Update

From Coal Creek Canyon Fire's blog.

The gas at both Kwik Mart and Carl’s Corner has repeatedly tested good. The reports that we received must have been wrong, or the water was introduced into those systems elsewhere, or something. We don’t know, but we apologize for spreading incorrect information. In our efforts to avoid people getting stranded we must have jumped the gun.

So to repeat: The gas at both Kwik Mart and Carl’s Corner has repeatedly passed tests.

Copied from http://www.coalcreekcanyonfd.org/blog/

Midday Update from Coal Creek Canyon Fire

Posted September 15th at 1PM.

We are back into the heavy rains, and have received heavy rains for over 2 hours.

Please monitor the water levels in your area and move to higher ground if needed. Have the correct clothing for the elements if you have to be in them. If you can avoid travel please do.

Current word is that Gap is still viable. It is being continually monitored by JeffCo Road & Bridge (especially because it is a dirt road, and sink holes can and are occurring) but it is OPEN.

Be safe as we go through this rainy period.

Posted from http://www.coalcreekcanyonfd.org/blog/

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Colorado National Guard on the Job

Writing and Photograph by Rita Baysinger 

More Photos available on Facebook.

Any disaster where public safety is threatened, flood, fire, tornado or even terrorist attack, results in the mobilization of hundreds of first responders. Members of local fire and police and medical units are hit first and hardest. When these resources need assistance because of the scope of the disaster, incident management teams are brought in. Jefferson County has its own incident management team which was called into action on the first day of the Coal Creek Canyon Flood. These team members train together but hold jobs and may live in other parts of the metro area or even other parts of the state.

The same is true of National Guard forces that arrived in Jefferson County yesterday to assist the incident management team with its mission to serve citizens gravely affected by the flood and protect public and first responder safety. These are a diverse group of men and women who are trained to serve and protect their fellow citizens.

After a short briefing held at the Arvada Fire Department Training Center they immediately started working to fill hundreds of sandbags needed to help protect structures impacted by floodwaters.

The first truckload of sandbags was dispatched to Upper Bear Creek Canyon where high water was threatening residences. 

While the affected family and some neighbors had been able to do some sandbagging on their own, they couldn’t do it alone and they breathed a sigh of relief when the convoy of two Humvees and a truck loaded with sandbags pulled up to their driveway.

 

Everyone helped with the messy job.

 

And when this task was completed the National Guard convoy started back down the canyon for another load. Sandbags that were not used were loaded into the homeowner’s truck and driven across the flooded access road.  The span could now be crossed safely, even on foot, because the sandbag barrier cut off the current.

Then these neighbors helping neighbors placed the remaining sandbags against another home and waited for another promised load of filled sandbags to arrive later.

Across the counties of the Front Range and Eastern Plains, the story is the same: neighbors helping neighbors, whether uniformed or in hip waders or flip flops. Amid destruction and tragedy, communities pull together to overcome whatever nature hurls at their doorsteps.

Please do not put yourself in danger to get pictures. These photos were provided by a member of our incident management team.