Highway 93 closure

Highway 93 has been closed from 64th to 128th. #jeffcoflood #CCCF

Upper Bear Creek evacuations

Level 1 evacuations ordered for Upper Bear Creek from the dam to Echo Lake Drive. Level 1 evacuations means to be prepared to leave.

I-70 Closure at Beaver Brook via CDOT

#I70West @ Beaver Brook (MM 248) b/c flooding & multiple rockslides in area
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) September 13, 2013

Official name of the Jeffco flooding incident

The official name of the flooding incident in Jefferson County is the Coal Creek Canyon Flood. For the purposes of identifying the increased scope of the flooding hashtags have been separated out to #JeffcoFlood and #CCCF.

Fairgrounds Open for Large Animal Evac

Jefferson County Fair grounds is open for large animal evacuations as needed. The fairgrounds are located at 15200 W 6th Avenue Service Rd  Golden, CO 80401.

Federal Emergency Assistance Approved

President Barack Obama approved a request today from Gov. John Hickenlooper for federal disaster assistance related to the flooding in Boulder, El Paso and Larimer counties. 

To see more go to http://www.coemergency.com/

Golden Gate Canyon closed

Golden Gate Canyon Road is now closed from Hwy 93 to Robinson Hill Road.



View #CCCF Coal Creek Canyon Flood in a larger map

#JeffcoFlood Evacuation Notice

There is an evacuation for the area downstream from Leyden Dam. There is not a fear of the dam failing, rather excess runoff from the spillway. The borders are 82nd to 66th and Alkire to McIntyre. If you are in this perimeter near a creek, ditch or low lying area you are encouraged to evacuate. Ralston High School is no longer the Jefferson County evacuation site. A new shelter is being set up at Arvada High School, 7951 West 65th Avenue.

Jeffco changes hashtag for county flooding incident

Because flooding in Jefferson County is in a wider area than Coal Creek Canyon the Twitter hashtag #CCCF will be transitioned to #JeffcoFlood.

Weather information resources:

For continuous weather information you may link to these sites.

NOAA Home page

NOAA Flood warning site

NOAA Weather Radar with watch boxes

                                                                                                                                                   

#CCCF Conditions Deteriorating; Make a Plan

Jeffco Residents:

 Flood conditions are deteriorating rapidly.  It is time for you to seriously consider your options to either shelter in place or self evacuate if you feel it’s necessary.  Until the rain stops we have a very dynamic situation.  The conditions may vary in different areas of the County.  You may feel perfectly safe staying where you are, but please be aware and prepare for every situation.

6:45 p.m. update for #CCCF Jefferson County Flood Information

A briefing was held at the Jefferson County Emergency Operations Center within the last hour to summarize the effects of flooding on the residents and infrastructure of Jefferson County. Incident Commander Andy Parker stressed that the most important objective for the operations during this incident is to protect the health and safety of the residents and first responders working in the county.

The main message about the future of operations is that conditions are expected to worsen as the storm progresses overnight. Residents can keep tract of closures, evacuations and other pertinent public safety information on this blog, on Facebook at , and Twitter. Our Google map has been updated:


View #CCCF Coal Creek Canyon Flood in a larger map

Rain in the Jefferson County foothills is currently falling at an inch an hour and is expected to increase, especially after midnight.

Golden Gate Canyon Road has been closed due to unsafe conditions beyond two miles from Hwy 93.

There are about 1400 homes without gas service in the area where Hwy 73 is closed in Coal Creek Canyon and there is no estimate of when service will be restored.

Earlier today emergency personnel went door to door in Coal Creek Canyon to make sure all residents have been notified to evacuate. A seven mile stretch of the highway was physically walked as part of this effort.

The evacuation center for all evacuees is the RalstonValley HighSchool, 13355 W. 80th Avenue. It is advisable for evacuated residents to check in with the evacuation site to advise officials of their location even if they don't plan to stay there.

There are two swift water rescue teams which are on call when needed: The Golden Swift Water Rescue Team and the Coal Creek Swift Water Rescue Team.

The Urban Drainage and Flood Control District has released a map of precipitation reported in the last 24 hours. The map updates continually.

https://udfcd.onerain.com/map.php?&map_id=367&view_id=296&sensor_class=10&mode=accumulation&interval=1440&rainfall_enabled=1&type=Radar 

Colorado Department of Public Health Advisories for Flooded Areas

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CHPHE) has issued a health advisory for those who might come in contact with rivers and streams that have been affected by the flooding. The CHPHE warns that due to the severe flooding, rivers and streams may be contaminated with partially treated sewage and other wastewater due to power failures and damage to wastewater treatment systems.

The CDPHE advises:

• Keep out of rivers and streams until further notice.
• Do not allow children or pets to play in or near the water.
• Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in contact with the water.
• Individuals who come in contact with the water or are involved in cleaning up flood debris would practice good personal hygiene and wash their hands frequently with soap and clean warm water.
• If a person is exposed to the water and has open wounds or begins to feel ill with diarrhea or vomiting, he or she should contact a physician for guidance and inquire about receiving tetnus/diptheria inoculations.
•  Agricultural workers who come in contact with such waters should also practice good personal hygiene and wash hands frequently with soap and clean war wat.

The website for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is www.cdphe.state.co.us

#CCCF Early Evening Update

As of 5 p.m., road conditions in Jefferson County are worsening.  Many roads in the county are now under water.  Stay out of flooded areas.  Jeffco has activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) to support flood response in the County.  A disaster declaration has been signed and the County is under a state of emergency.  We have a team in place to bring you the latest updates.  Follow us on Twitter @JeffcoSheriffCo, hashtag #CCCF and our blog www.jeffcosheriff.blogspot.com.

35 residences have received  Code Red notifications for voluntary evacuations. The Evacuation Center for these evacuees is Ralston Valley High School 13355 W. 80th Ave, Arvadam CO 80005.

Significant #CCCF Updates

There is currently 2-4 inches of water flowing over highway 93 south of highway 72.  This is due to the shear volume of water flowing down from Coal Creek Canyon.  The road is currently open but drivers are directed to slow down as they travel through the area.

Homes are now threatened by water in the area of Quaker and Leyden Rock Drive.  The Leyden Creek is overflowing its banks putting the homes in the area at risk.

Water is flowing over 82nd ave east of 93 and is washing out portions of the road and is largely impassable.

In the area of S. Golden road, a vehicle was washed into Luna Gulch.  The vehicle is currently pushing up against a bridge located between Mt. Vernon Road and Nile Street.  S. Golden road is closed between those two intersections.

Water is flowing over the road in the area of 96th and Indiana.  The area is reported as passable at this time but please continue to exercise caution if you chose to drive through the area.

Bear Creek Updates
The water levels in Bear Creek are not currently rising.  The creek has approximately an additional two feet to climb before threatening to overflow the banks.  Water is flowing at the base of the Evergreen Lake Dam at a rate of 500 cubic feet per second.  Water is flowing at approximately 600 cubic feet per second in the area of Morrison.  These water flow rates are high but are not threatening the region at this time.  There was a small diversion of water in the upper Bear Creek area above Evergreen Lake.  This took place near the Evergreen golf course but is not currently posing a major threat to the area.

Stay tuned to this blog and our twitter feed for additional information.

Flooding in the Leyden Area

Reports have come in that the Leyden Creek is spilling over its banks in the area of 82nd and 3rd Ave.

Additionally, Arvada PD has tweeted that 82nd and Quaker has been closed down "due to flooding and infrastructure damage"

When in doubt, turn around, seek higher ground, don't drown.



View #CCCF Coal Creek Canyon Flood in a larger map

#COFLOOD Information via www.coemergency.com

Jefferson County is only one of many areas around the front range that are experiencing flooding.  Please be sure to check with your local emergency management agency to ensure that you are receiving the most up to date information for your area.  

The following information was posted on www.coemergency.com:

Link to original post

State EOC Update and Flood Information

State EOC Activiation

The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to a Level III providing direct support and resources to the communities impacted by the flooding in the state.  The following resources have already been assigned:

Boulder County Resource Support

• Colorado National Guard
• High Water Rescue Force Packages (7)
• Blackhawks for search and rescue (2)
• Swift water rescue teams (3)
• Colorado Task Force I:  Search and Rescue (1)
• OEM Field Managers (2)
• DFPC Fire Management Officer (1)

Larimer County

• Blackhawk for search and rescue (1)
• OEM Field Managers (2)
• DFPC Fire Management Officer (1)

Flood Information and Resources

Visit www.READYColorado.com for information of flood safety.   

• Keep informed. Listen to the television or radio or search the Internet for information and instructions.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• If instructed to do so, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.
• Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
• Health officials urge you to avoid flood waters, even if they look safe.  Water can contain sewage, debris, bacteria and other items.  Visitwww.boulderoem.com/emergency-status.

Information Sources

Local Government Resources will have your most current information.

Boulder County Office of Emergency Management:  @BoulderOEM 
| www.boulderoem.com
CU-Boulder Police:  @CUBoulderPolice
Larimer County Sheriff:   @LarimerSheriff
Larimer County:  @LarimerCounty
  |  www.larimer.org/emergency/
City of Longmont:  @cityoflongmont


State and Federal Information Resources

Colorado Office of Emergency Management:  @COEmergency |www.coemergency.com
Colorado Office of Preparedness:  @READYColorado |www.READYColorado.com 
Colorado Flood:  @FloodDSS |  www.flooddss.state.co.us 
Colorado Department of Transportation:  @Coloradodot | www.cotrip.org
National Weather Service Boulder Office:  @NWSBoulder
Colorado State Patrol:  @CSP_News 
American Red Cross Denver:  @RedCrossDenver |   www.coloradoredcross.org 
American Red Cross Pikes Peak: @PPRedCross
American Red Cross Northern Colorado:  @NoCoRedCross 

7 Day Forecast via the National Weather Service

Direct Link to National Weather Service Forecast

• This AfternoonShowers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 57. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
• TonightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 49. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
• FridayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• Friday NightA 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west after midnight.
• SaturdayA 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning.
• Saturday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• SundayShowers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
• Sunday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.
• MondayIsolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
• Monday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 51.
• TuesdaySunny, with a high near 68.
• Tuesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 49.
• WednesdayA slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Flood Fact Sheet via Jeffco Public Health

Residents in the Coal Creek Canyon Area are advised to continue to shelter in place.

Here is a fact sheet from Jefferson County Public Health that shares flood safety information:

http://jeffco.us/Public-Health/Documents/Emergency-Preparedness-Documents/Fact-Sheets-Documents/Flood-Fact-Sheet/

FLOODS

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Floods can develop slowly, over a
period of days, or within a few minutes, without any visible signs of rain, such as with flash floods. It
is a good idea to be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a
low lying area. Even very small streams, dry steam beds, or low lying ground that appears harmless
in dry weather can flood.

What to do in a heavy rainfall:

• Stay away from stream beds.
• Use your map. Know whether you are on low ground or below a dam.
• Move to higher ground. Many roads and trails parallel existing drainage patterns, and may be swept away by flood waters. Stay out of these low lying areas when there is a risk of flooding.
• Never attempt to outrun a flood on foot or in your vehicle, climb to safety.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas. Flood waters can rise quickly and sweep vehicles away.
• If an area is flooded, consider taking an alternate route.

Before a flood:
Know the National Weather Service terms:

• Flash flood watch means that heavy rains are occurring or may occur, and may cause flash flooding. Be Alert.
• Flash flood warning means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent. If you live in the
• warning area, you should act immediately.

During a flood:

• Be aware of possible flash flooding hazards. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, or other areas prone to flooding.
• If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate: Secure your home; if instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves; fill bathtubs with water in case water becomes contaminated or unavailable. Before filling the tub, sterilize it with a diluted bleach solution.
• Be especially careful if walking and avoid walking through moving water. Moving water can easily knock you off your feet.
• Avoid driving into flooded areas. Water may reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles causing loss of control and possible stalling.

After a flood:

• Avoid flood waters, the water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded, the road may have been weakened and may collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
• Stay away from designated disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Be caution when returning, there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

For addition information regarding flood preparedness and safety:
www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods www.ready.gov/floods

Flood fact sheet provided by Jefferson County Public Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Program 303-271-5700 or visit: http://jeffco.us/public-health/disasters-outbreaksemergencies/
emergency-preparedness/

#CCCF Clear Creek Canyon Flood Map

View #CCCF Coal Creek Canyon Flood in a larger map

Shelter in Place Guidelines

A shelter in place notification has been sent to residents in the area of the Coal Creak Canyon Flood.

The following guidelines are provided to aid you as you shelter in place.  This information and more can be found in our emergency preparedness guide.

Basic shelter-in-place is accomplished by going indoors, closing windows and doors, turning off your heating and air conditioning system, and monitoring the TV and radio for additional guidance. For further information on sheltering-in-place, visit www.Ready.gov.

1. Follow the Police or Sheriff’s Office recommended evacuation routes. DO NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS. They may be blocked. Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines.
2. Disaster situations can be intense, stressful and confusing. Should an evacuation be necessary, our local authorities will do their best to notify the public. Do not depend solely on this, however. In the absence of evacuation instructions from local authorities, you should evacuate if you feel you and your household are threatened or endangered. Use pre-designated evacuation routes and let others know what you are doing and your destination.

Taking shelter is often a critical element in protecting yourself and your household in times of disaster. Sheltering can take several forms. In-place sheltering is appropriate when conditions require seeking protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are located when disaster strikes. In-place sheltering may be short-term, such as going to a safe room for a fairly short period of time. Or it may be longer-term, as when you stay in your home for several days without electricity or water following a storm.

WEATHER ALERTS

The most comprehensive weather information is obtained by listening to a NOAA Weather Radio. Weather Radio is operated by National Weather Service offices across the country and broadcasts frequently updated recordings containing current high climatological data. During threatening weather, live broadcasts issue warnings for winds, large hail, tornadoes, flash floods and winter storms. You can purchase a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio at many local electronic stores.

NOAA Weather Radio Stations in Colorado

Colorado Springs        162.475 MHz
Denver                                    162.550 MHz
Longmont                    162.475 MHz

FLOODS


Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.  However, all floods are not alike. Riverine floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods also often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries a deadly cargo of rocks, mud and other debris, which can sweep away many things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee or dam is breached. Flooding can also occur from a dam break producing effects similar to flash floods.


Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying grounds that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.


What to Do in a Heavy Rainfall


Stay away from stream beds. Natural stream beds, gullies and other drainage channels are not safe during and after rainstorms. Water runs off higher elevations very rapidly. One minute a creek bed is dry, the next minute flood water, rocks, mud, trees and other debris are raging down the hill.


Use your map. Know where you are, and whether you are on low ground, or below a dam. You don’t have to be at the bottom of a hill to be a target for the dangers of flash flooding.


Move to higher ground. Many roads and trails parallel existing drainage patterns, and may be swept away by flood waters. Stay out of these low-lying areas when there is a possibility of flash flooding.


Never attempt to outrun a flood on foot or in your vehicle.  You can’t out run or out drive a flood. Stop the car, get out and climb to safety. If you are in a canyon, try to climb directly up the hillside.


Never try to drive through flooded areas. Twelve inches of water will float most vehicles. Flood water can rise up quickly and sweep your vehicle away. If an area is flooded, take an alternate route. Chances are you won’t be able to see how deep the water is, the strength of the current or the condition of the road underneath. Many people have died  trying to drive through flooded areas.


Abandon stalled vehicles in flooded areas. If your vehicle stalls in flood water, get out and climb higher as soon as possible—before the water picks up speed and you can’t get out at all.


Before a Flood


1.    Know these National Weather Service terms:


w  Flash Flood Watch means that heavy rains are occurring or may occur—and may cause flash flooding in certain areas. Be alert. A pending flood may require immediate action.


w  Flash Flood Warning means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent on certain streams or designated areas. If you live in the warning area you should act immediately.


w  Small Stream and Urban Flood Advisory is issued when minor flooding is occurring or expected. In periods of heavy rain, be prepared to protect yourself against the possibility of flash flooding. If you see any possibility of a flash flood where you are, move immediately to a safer location (don’t wait for instructions to move). Notify local authorities of the danger so other people can be warned, especially during periods of heavy rainfall thunderstorms. For additional information, contact the Jefferson County Emergency Management Office at (303) 271-4900


2.    Ask local officials whether your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area. (Remember that floods often occur outside high-risk areas.) Also ask how you can protect your home from flooding.


3.    Identify dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.


During a Flood


1.    Be aware of possible flash flooding hazards. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.


2.    Listen to radio or television stations for local information.


3.    Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons or other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas without such typical warning signs as rain clouds or heavy rain.


4.    If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate.


w  Secure your home. If you have time, tie down or bring outdoor equipment and lawn furniture inside. Move essential items to the upper floors.


w  If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.


w  Fill bathtubs with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Before filling the tub, sterilize it with a diluted bleach solution.
5.   Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you
6.    Do not drive into flooded areas. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water will wash away almost all vehicles. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.


After a Flood


1. Avoid floodwaters. The water may be
contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
The water may also be electrically charged
from underground or downed power lines.


2.   Avoid moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.


3. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and collapse under the weight of a car.


4.  Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.


5. Stay away from designated disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.


6.      Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Stay out of buildings if surrounded by floodwaters. Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Shelter in Place CodeRed Notification

The following CodeRed notification was just sent to residents in the area of the Coal Creek Canyon Flood at approximately 7:45 this morning (9/12).

9/12/2013 9:42:37 AM EST - This is Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office If you live in the area of the 25000 block of Highway 72 to the 31528 Block of Highway 72 and the area of 10600 block of Twin Spruce Rd to the 11262 block of Twin Spruce road please listen carefully. Stay in your home unless there is an emergency. Emergency Personal is attempting to go door to door to check your safety. The roads that are closed in your area are Highway 72 between Highway 93 to Skyline Dr and Twin Spruce road between Highway 72 to Burland road. If you have an emergency or need any assistance please call 9 1 1.

You can listen to the audio here: http://widget.coderedweb.com/OutputWav.aspx?JobID=355141

#CCCF Shelter in Place and Road Closure Change

The hard road closure on the west side of highway 72 has been pushed back to Skyline Drive.

There is also a hard road closure on Twin Spruce Road at Burland Road.

These two new closures have been implemented due to additional wash outs between those points and the intersection highway 72 and Coal Creek Canyon.

Residents in the area are now advised to 'shelter in place'.  An additional CodeRed message will be sent to homes in the area advising them of the 'shelter in place' notification.

If you are in the area please follow the shelter in place notification.  Emergency crews will be in the area going door to door to check on residents.

Stay tuned to read share shelter in place guidelines that we will share via this blog.

#CCCF: Coal Creek Canyon Flood

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Emergency Blog has been activated to support the efforts to respond to the flooding in the Coal Creek Canyon area.

This is an approximate map of the primary affected Coal Creek Canyon region:

At approximately 3:30 AM the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office sent out a CodeRed notification. You can listen the audio of the alert via the widget on the left of this blog page or by clicking on this link: http://widget.coderedweb.com/AlertSingle.aspx?Y/EHgRSIyN1pSJ0fDSlneA==

Here is the most recent update: 

Highway 72 is completely washed out in an area between Plainview Road and Twin Spruce Road.  There are hard road closures at highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon Road) and highway 93 and at highway 72 and Twin Spruce Road.  Highway 93 remains open at this time. We will provide an updated google map here shortly.

Please exercise great care and judgement as you drive alternative routes.  Do not drive into standing water. When in doubt, turn around and seek higher ground.

Additional road wash outs have occurred on side streets within Coal Creek Canyon as well.   Jefferson County Road and Bridge is currently assessing roadways and making the appropriate closures and/or repairs.

The Flash Flood Warning for the area has expired however a Flash Flood Watch has been issued with an additional 1-2 inches of rain forecast in the next 24 hours.

Excel Energy has shut down natural gas lines in the area.

Agencies on scene include the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol, Coal Creek Canyon Fire and Jefferson County Road & Bridge.

Stay tuned to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Twitter page to receive the most recent updates: @JeffcoSheriffCO