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.

Monday, September 16, 2013

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.

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)

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:


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.

ICYMI: Coal Creek Canyon Fire 9/15 Evening Update

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