Sunday, September 15, 2013
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/
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.
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/
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/
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/
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
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.
No Threat to the Evergreen Lake Dam
We're hearing that rumors are spreading about the stability of the Evergreen Dam. Engineers have examined the area around Evergreen Lake and have assured us that there is currently no threat to the dam.
Level 1 Evacuation Reminder for Upper Bear Creek Road
This is a reminder that Upper Bear Creek Road is closed from the Evergreen Lake Dam west to the county line. This remains a Level 1 Evacuation which means that residents should be ready to leave.
Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Residents in the area will receive a Code Red notification with this reminder.
If you feel that conditions in your area warrant evacuation, please don't wait for the phone call to leave.
Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Residents in the area will receive a Code Red notification with this reminder.
If you feel that conditions in your area warrant evacuation, please don't wait for the phone call to leave.
Weather Update - Sunday, September 15th at 9:15 a.m.
Weather radar is showing active rain throughout the county. Please be aware of your specific surroundings as they may be ever changing. Stay safe, Stay away.
New NWS Flash Flood Watch Expires: 6 PM 9/15
See original Link
Flash Flood Watch
FLOOD WATCH NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO 412 AM MDT SUN SEP 15 2013 ...POTENTIAL FOR FLASH FLOODING IN THE MOUNTAINS...FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS...PALMER DIVIDE...AND ADJACENT PLAINS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON... .A WEAK UPPER LEVEL TROUGH WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE SLOWLY ACROSS COLORADO THROUGH TONIGHT. UPSLOPE FLOW WILL INCREASE BEHIND A COOL FRONT ACROSS NORTHEAST COLORADO AS WELL. PERIODS OF RAIN WILL GRADUALLY DEVELOP THIS MORNING IN THE MOUNTAINS AND IN AND NEAR THE FOOTHILLS WITH A FEW THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES COULD OCCUR IN SOME LOCATIONS BY SUNDAY EVENING WITH THE HIGHEST AMOUNTS IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAIN AREAS. THUS IF THIS ADDITIONAL HEAVY RAINFALL OCCURS THEN THERE WILL BE SOME POTENTIAL FOR MORE FLASH FLOODING AS THE GROUND IS EXTREMELY SATURATED. COZ033>036-038>041-043-151815- /O.CON.KBOU.FF.A.0006.000000T0000Z-130916T0000Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ SOUTH AND EAST JACKSON/LARIMER/NORTH AND NORTHEAST GRAND/ NORTHWEST BOULDER COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET- SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST GRAND/WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST BOULDER/ GILPIN/CLEAR CREEK/SUMMIT/NORTH AND WEST PARK COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET-LARIMER AND BOULDER COUNTIES BETWEEN 6000 AND 9000 FEET- JEFFERSON AND WEST DOUGLAS COUNTIES ABOVE 6000 FEET/GILPIN/CLEAR CREEK/NORTHEAST PARK COUNTIES BELOW 9000 FEET- LARIMER COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/NORTHWEST WELD COUNTY- BOULDER AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES BELOW 6000 FEET/WEST BROOMFIELD COUNTY- NORTH DOUGLAS COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/DENVER/WEST ADAMS AND ARAPAHOE COUNTIES/EAST BROOMFIELD COUNTY- ELBERT/CENTRAL AND EAST DOUGLAS COUNTIES ABOVE 6000 FEET- CENTRAL AND SOUTH WELD COUNTY- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CAMERON PASS... LARAMIE AND MEDICINE BOW MOUNTAINS...RABBIT EARS RANGE... ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK...WILLOW CREEK PASS... BERTHOUD PASS...BRECKENRIDGE...EAST SLOPES MOSQUITO RANGE... EAST SLOPES SOUTHERN GORE RANGE...EISENHOWER TUNNEL... INDIAN PEAKS...KENOSHA MOUNTAINS...MOUNT EVANS... WILLIAMS FORK MOUNTAINS...WINTER PARK...ESTES PARK...GLENDEVEY... NEDERLAND...RED FEATHER LAKES...BAILEY...CENTRAL CITY... EVERGREEN...GEORGETOWN...IDAHO SPRINGS...WESTCREEK... FORT COLLINS...HEREFORD...LOVELAND...NUNN...ARVADA...BOULDER... GOLDEN...LAKEWOOD...LONGMONT...AURORA...BRIGHTON... CITY OF DENVER...DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...HIGHLANDS RANCH... LITTLETON...PARKER...CASTLE ROCK...ELBERT...FONDIS...KIOWA... LARKSPUR...EATON...FORT LUPTON...GREELEY...ROGGEN 412 AM MDT SUN SEP 15 2013 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON... THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR * PORTIONS OF CENTRAL COLORADO...NORTH CENTRAL COLORADO AND NORTHEAST COLORADO...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN CENTRAL COLORADO...JEFFERSON AND WEST DOUGLAS COUNTIES ABOVE 6000 FEET/GILPIN/CLEAR CREEK/NORTHEAST PARK COUNTIES BELOW 9000 FEET AND SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST GRAND/WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST BOULDER/GILPIN/CLEAR CREEK/SUMMIT/NORTH AND WEST PARK COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET. IN NORTH CENTRAL COLORADO... LARIMER COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/NORTHWEST WELD COUNTY...LARIMER AND BOULDER COUNTIES BETWEEN 6000 AND 9000 FEET AND SOUTH AND EAST JACKSON/LARIMER/NORTH AND NORTHEAST GRAND/NORTHWEST BOULDER COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET. IN NORTHEAST COLORADO... BOULDER AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES BELOW 6000 FEET/WEST BROOMFIELD COUNTY...CENTRAL AND SOUTH WELD COUNTY...ELBERT/CENTRAL AND EAST DOUGLAS COUNTIES ABOVE 6000 FEET AND NORTH DOUGLAS COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/DENVER/WEST ADAMS AND ARAPAHOE COUNTIES/EAST BROOMFIELD COUNTY. * THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON * ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF ONE INCH WITH UP TO 2 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Upper Coal Creek Road Conditions 9/15 6:00AM
Highway 72 is closed to all traffic from Pinecliffe on the west side to Blue Mountain Drive on the east side.
The highway is closed at Pincliffe due to the road damage seen in this picture. Please respect all road blocks and emergency signs in the area. Driving over the closed and severely damaged roads not only puts yourself at risk but puts emergency personnel at risk as well.
Twin Spruce Gap Road was closed for a few hours overnight to allow for additional repairs. The road remains open at this time but the conditions could change any time. Please use extreme caution when driving in this area.
Please stay off and away from Twin Spruce Gap road, particularly as it approaches the highway 72 intersection. There have been reports the the amount of traffic and vehicles parked along side the road may be hampering the ability for emergency crews to travel through the area.
Golden Gate Canyon remains closed from highway 93 to Robinson Hill. This is due to the potential for additional landslides in the area.
Additional information via Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department (as posted on their blog):
Potential Issues with Gas from Kwik Mart:
The highway is closed at Pincliffe due to the road damage seen in this picture. Please respect all road blocks and emergency signs in the area. Driving over the closed and severely damaged roads not only puts yourself at risk but puts emergency personnel at risk as well.
Picture courtesy of Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department
Twin Spruce Gap Road was closed for a few hours overnight to allow for additional repairs. The road remains open at this time but the conditions could change any time. Please use extreme caution when driving in this area.
Please stay off and away from Twin Spruce Gap road, particularly as it approaches the highway 72 intersection. There have been reports the the amount of traffic and vehicles parked along side the road may be hampering the ability for emergency crews to travel through the area.
Golden Gate Canyon remains closed from highway 93 to Robinson Hill. This is due to the potential for additional landslides in the area.
Additional information via Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department (as posted on their blog):
Potential Issues with Gas from Kwik Mart:
"We have had reports of water in the gas from Kwik Mart. The gas is reported as compromised with water and could cause car troubles, where cars will not start or could cut out. If you have purchased gas there be cautious if you drive out of canyon.
Note: The gas was tested as not contaminated, but reports have been that the cars will not start after fueling up."
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