If you or someone close to you has a disability or requires special assistance, please call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 303-271-0211. In an emergency, always dial 911.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Upper Coal Creek Canyon Accessibility

The culvert that washed out on Twin Spruce Gap Road, just south of Hwy 72, has been repaired.  Upper Coal Creek Canyon residents now have access to highway 119 by going southwest on Twin Spruce Gap Road.

Please Be aware that this is currently the only access and additional flooding is a distinct possibility. Residents are asked to plan ahead in case this culvert washes out again.

Correction: Road Access in Evergreen

Correction:  On the east side of downtown Evergreen, a detour has been established for Hwy. 74 by taking Meadow Drive.  To access Hwy. 73 from east of downtown Evergreen, you must take Meadow Drive to Hwy. 74 and head south to the Hwy. 74 and 73 intersection.
 

Update on Shelter Location

The Red Cross has a shelter available at the Boulder YMCA, 2850 Maple Ave., Boulder.  Please be advised that the Arvada High School location has been closed. 

Property Information Line

In order to get an accurate record of damage, the Jefferson County Sheriff has established a phone number for those who have been evacuated from their home or their property has been severely damaged.  Please call 303-271-4930 and leave your name, phone number and address; and you will be contacted.

Animal Shelter

The Jefferson County Fair Grounds is currently providing shelter for:

  • 113 horses
  • 5 goats
  • 2 llamas

At Foothills Animal Shelter there are three dogs.

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.

Foothills Animal Shelter is open for evacuation of small animals.  The location is 580 McIntyre St. Golden, CO, 80401

Additional Road Updates

In Evergreen, the intersection of Hwy. 74 and 73 is open.  Hwy. 74 into downtown Evergreen is closed to traffic due to debris; however, pedestrians are allowed.

On the east side of downtown Evergreen, a detour has been established:
  • For Hwy. 74 take Meadow Drive
  • For  Hwy. 73 take  Independence Trail  

Road Updates

Here is the latest information on roads in Jefferson County:

  • Hwy. 74 in downtown Evergreen is closed due to debris.   Upper Bear Creek Road from Hwy 74 to the Clear Creek County line is also closed due to being under water and unknown damage. 
  • Hwy. 72 west to Blue Mountain Estates is now open.
  • Hwy. 93 is fully open.
Stay safe, stay away!




Information from Jefferson County Public Health

Jefferson County Public Health shares flood safety information:

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/

Raw Video Footage From Downtown Evergreen



Video footage courtesy of Bob Pearce with the City of Golden. Direct Link

New Flood Warning Issued by NOAA NWS

Message:NOAA-NWS-ALERTS-CO124F17EE2B04.FloodWarning.124F17FC6408CO.BOUFLWBOU.1859eab9b6fc5973f5f2b44418bc59c3 from w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov
Sent:14:09 MDT on 09-13-2013
Effective:14:09 MDT on 09-13-2013
Expires:07:30 MDT on 09-14-2013
Event:Flood Warning
Alert:
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DENVER HAS EXTENDED THE 
 
* FLOOD WARNING FOR... 
WESTERN ARAPAHOE COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
WESTERN WELD COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
NORTHEASTERN PARK COUNTY IN CENTRAL COLORADO... 
JEFFERSON COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
LARIMER COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL COLORADO... 
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY IN CENTRAL COLORADO... 
WESTERN ADAMS COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
NORTHEASTERN DOUGLAS COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
BROOMFIELD COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
GILPIN COUNTY IN CENTRAL COLORADO... 
DENVER COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
BOULDER COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... 
 
* UNTIL 730 AM MDT SATURDAY 
 
* AT 156 PM MDT...EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED FLOODING CONTINUING 
IN NUMEROUS LOCATIONS FROM THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN PORTION OF 
THE DENVER METRO AREA NORTH TO THE FORT COLLINS AREA. SOME OF THE 
PLACES WHERE FLOODING WAS OCCURRING INCLUDED THE ST VRAIN 
RIVER...LEFTHAND CREEK...BOULDER CREEK...AND COAL CREEK FROM 
EASTERN BOULDER COUNTY INTO WELD COUNTY...THE BIG THOMPSON AND 
LITTLE THOMPSON RIVERS...AND CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER IN LARIMER AND 
WELD COUNTIES. THERE ARE WIDESPREAD ROAD CLOSURES AND SOME ROADS 
AND BRIDGES HAVE BEEN WASHED OUT. 
ADDITIONAL AND LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE THIS EVENING... 
WHICH MAY CAUSE RENEWED FLOODING IN AREAS WHERE THE WATER HAS 
RECEDED. BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE IF YOU LIVE IN A LOW LYING AREA. 
HAVE YOUR IMPORTANT PERSONAL BELONGINGS TOGETHER IN THE EVENT OF AN 
EVACUATION. 
 
* SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE... 
DENVER...FORT COLLINS...WESTERN GREELEY...WESTERN AURORA... 
LAKEWOOD...THORNTON...ARVADA...WESTMINSTER...CENTENNIAL... 
BOULDER...LONGMONT...LOVELAND...BROOMFIELD...HIGHLANDS RANCH... 
COMMERCE CITY...NORTHWESTERN PARKER...LITTLETON...NORTHGLENN... 
BRIGHTON...ENGLEWOOD...WHEAT RIDGE...LAFAYETTE...GOLDEN... 
WINDSOR...LOUISVILLE...ERIE...GREENWOOD VILLAGE...EVERGREEN... 
SUPERIOR AND FEDERAL HEIGHTS.
Instructions:EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF SMALL CREEKS AND STREAMS...HIGHWAYS AND UNDERPASSES IN URBAN AREAS. ADDITIONALLY...COUNTRY ROADS AND FARMLANDS ALONG THE BANKS OF CREEKS...STREAMS AND OTHER LOW LYING AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO FLOODING. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF FLOOD WATERS. ONLY A FEW INCHES OF RAPIDLY FLOWING WATER CAN QUICKLY CARRY AWAY YOUR VEHICLE.
Target Area:
Adams
Arapahoe
Boulder
Broomfield
Clear Creek
Denver
Douglas
Gilpin
Jefferson
Larimer
Park
Weld
Forecast Office:NWS Boulder (Northeastern Colorado)

Update from Jefferson County Public Schools

This was recently posted by Jefferson County Public Schools:


2:00 p.m. Update

Update from Jefferson County Incident Management Team as of 2:00 pm:

  • More than 180 Road and Bridge and 60 Law Enforcement officers are working together to keep Jefferson County safe. 
  • Engineers have inspected Evergreen Dam and have deemed it structurally sound. 
  • Even with the sun out and calm weather, please be aware that the ground is so saturated that even a small amount of rain can be problematic. 

Again, please stay off the roads and out of the effected areas to help first responders with the emergency situations.

Update from Arvada Police

Additonal information from Arvada Police:

Additional Travel Advisory from CDOT

Colorado Highway Closures Spread Far and Wide

September 13, 2013 - Statewide Transportation Plan - Motorists advised to stay off the roads.
DENVER — Highway closures continue in areas of Denver, portions of northern Colorado and points west of the Front Range today due to flooding, and rock and mudslides.
Due to the amount of saturation and possible unstable conditions of state highways, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advises motorists to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary in the following counties: Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin.
Weather and flooding in these counties will continue to impact roadways. Additionally, while a roadway may appear passable, those near water flow may have damage that may not be apparent. Many highways and bridges will remain closed as a precaution until crews are able to evaluate whether or not they are safe for use.
The following roadways are closed to traffic (both directions unless noted):
  • Interstate 70 westbound at Beaver Brook (rockslide east of Twin Tunnels) - Anticipate one lane traffic in each direction open in approximately one hour
  • Interstate 25 southbound from Wyoming border to SH 402
  • Interstate 25 northbound from State Highway (SH) 7 to SH 14
  • Interstate 25 southbound SH 14 to SH 402
  • I-25 Northbound / Southbound Ramps to State Highway 119
  • I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Quebec Street
  • I-70 eastbound off-ramp to southbound I-225
  • U.S. 6 (Vasquez Boulevard) between 60th Avenue and 74th Avenue
  • U.S. 34 between Glade Road and Estes Park
  • U.S. 36 eastbound from Table Mesa Drive to 96th Street
  • U.S. 36 between Boulder and Estes Park
  • SH 119 between Boulder and Nederland (Boulder Canyon)
  • SH 119 between County Line Road and I-25
  • SH 14 between Ted’s Place and Walden
  • U.S. 287 at Big Thompson River in Loveland
  • SH 7 between Lyons and Estes Park
  • SH 8 between Morrison and U.S. 285
  • SH 30 (Havana Street/Aurora) at Alameda Avenue
  • SH 44 (104th Avenue) at Riverdale Road
  • SH 52 eastbound from County Road (CR) 1 and U.S. 287
  • SH 60 at CR 46
  • SH 66 between 53rd Street (Longmont) and Lyons
  • SH 66 between CR 13 and CR 19
  • SH 72 between 72nd and 80th avenues
  • SH 72 between SH 93 and SH 119 (Coal Creek Canyon
  • SH 72 at Allenspark
  • SH 74 at CR 73 (Evergreen)
  • SH 83 (Parker Road) between Florida and Jewell avenues
  • SH 93 between 64th Avenue and SH 128
  • SH 265 (Old Brighton Road) at Colorado Boulevard (Commerce City)
Again, CDOT is advising the public to avoid all travel on state highways and bridges in areas where excessive rain and flooding has occurred unless absolutely essential.
Currently CDOT's cotrip.org is experiencing technical difficulties. Contact 511 for complete closure information or CDOT Mobile.

Update from Jefferson County Schools

This was recently posted by Jefferson County Schools




Update from Arvada Police


This was recently posted by Arvada Police


Travel Advisory from Colorado Department of Transportation

All Travelers in Boulder, Larimer, Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties Recommended to Avoid Travel on State Highways and Interstates
              
September 13, 2013 - EMERGENCY TRAVEL ADVISORY - Essential Travel Only.
DENVER – Due to the amount of saturation and possible unstable conditions of the state highways, the Colorado Department of Transportation advises motorists to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary in:
  • Boulder County
  • Larimer County
  • Jefferson County
  • Clear Creek County
Weather and flooding in these counties will continue to impact roadways. Additionally while a roadway may appear passable, those near water flow may have damage that may not be apparent. Many highways and bridges will remain closed as a precaution until crews are able to evaluate whether or not they are safe for use.
Again, members of the public and media in Boulder, Larimer, Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties are recommended to avoid all travel on state highways and bridges unless absolutely essential.





Downtown Evergreen access is closed

Downtown Evergreen is closed due to Hwy. 74 washing away.  Please stay away from the intersection of Hwy. 74 and 73 and roads feeding into town.

Please Stay Off the Roads

Please stay off the roads to help emergency personnel respond to issues related to Jefferson County flooding.  This is critical to ensure your safety and allow first responders to do their jobs. 

Update from Arvada Police

The following was posted by Arvada Police:


Updated Video from Downtown Evergreen

New video @MyMountainTown


Update from Arvada Fire

The following update was provided by Arvada Fire:

0930 Update


Update from Jefferson County Incident Management Team as of 0930:

  • There are road closures at Indiana and Alkire Roads with barricades.  Please respect these barricades and do not move them.  Lower profile cars are getting stuck in that area due to citizens moving the barricades to travel through the area.
  • Golden Gate Canyon is closed; crews are in the area evaluating the need for blasting to prevent a rock and dirt slide.
  • The Denver Mountain Parks in Evergreen, Idledale and Kittredge are closed; please stay out of the parks.
  • There is a broken gas line in the 6800 block of Brook Forest Road in Evergreen; Brook Forest Road is being closed at Hwy. 73.
  • Columbine Road in Kittredge is impassable and washed-out.   Please avoid the area.
 
Please stay off the roads to help first responders with the emergency situations. Here is the most current map. 

View #JeffCoFlood Jefferson County Flood Information in a larger map

Video from Downtown Evergreen

A video from downtown Evergreen from @MyMountainTown.  Please be safe and avoid flood waters.

City of Arvada Update

The following update was provided by City of Arvada:


Jefferson County Schools Updates

The following updates were provided by the Jefferson County R-1 Schools:






0800 Update

Update from Incident Management Team at 0800.
  • High-water vehicles from the National Guard have been ordered to help with the response, and are expected to arrive today. 
  • The majority of  the driveways on the seven mile stretch of Hwy. 72 starting from Twin Spruce Gap Road going south are impassable.
  • There are road closures in Evergreen including the roundabout at Hwy. 73 and 74; please watch for debris in road and along the banks of Bear Creek at that intersection and near bridge at Forest Hill Road.  Per CDOT, Hwy. 74 has been closed from Kittredge to downtown Evergreen. 
  • Arvada High School is still open as a shelter location with 100 cots available;  last night three people utilized the site. 
For additional information,  #Jeffcoflood #cccf

Make sure you are signed up for alerts

Make sure you are up to date on all alerts coming from Jeffco Sheriff.  Sign up for CodeRed today.

Weather Forecast for Area Near Golden

Link to the weather forcast for the area near Golden

Golden RV park evacuated

Clear Creek RV park located on the west end of 10th street in Golden has been evacuated due to potential flooding.

Voluntary Evacuations For Bear Creek, Evergreen to Morrison

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Officers with Morrison Police Department have been actively going door to door in the Bear Creek area to advise residents to be aware of the increasing potential for flooding down Beer Creek.  Residents in the area are encouraged to leave the area if possible.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for many regions across the foothills to include Bear Creek.  You can view alerts by visiting http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwaatmget.php?x=COC059&y=1

National Weather Service has indicated that flood stage for Bear Creek is 9 feet.  The latest reports are that the Creek is at 8.8 feet.  At 9.5 feet water will flow into houses in eastern Morrison.

CDOT Morning Road Updates

View All Updates via www.cotrip.org