9.23.23, 4:57 pm – Evacuation are lifted and roadblocks open, except no driving onto Mt Shadows Dr. Residents may walk in. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office facebook
Brush fire in West Glenwood Springs with structures threatened. Active flames and smoke visible. Please stay away from this area and allow first responders to do their job.
Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234 Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado. Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private. Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m. Cause: Lightning Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush Estimated size: 246 acres Containment: 65% Threatened structures: 1 Historical Homestead Current status: Increased showers expected over the fire area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has command of this fire. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 246 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. Less than 60 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead. Planned actions: The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team will transition command of the Pike Ridge Fire back to Northwest District Fire on Monday, 9/11. Fire resources continue to build direct fire line when targets of suppression opportunity are possible. Mop up of the fire perimeter is ongoing. Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead is complete. Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. Resources are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The use of mechanical equipment has assisted this process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety. Evacuations and closures: No evacuations. Closures: No closures. Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to www.airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report. Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!
Contact: Patrick Kieran, Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234 Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado. Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private. Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m. Cause: Lightning Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush Estimated size: 242 acres. Containment: 0% Threatened structures: 1 historical homestead Current status: Weather conditions are drying out and wind gusts of 25 mph are anticipated for Wednesday afternoon. The next round of Monsoon moisture is Friday through the weekend. Some smoke can be seen in the area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has completed Transfer of Command on Tuesday, 08/29. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 242 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. There are now over 120 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.
Planned actions: Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead are complete. Suppression actions are ongoing. The Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. They are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The assistance of a mechanical masticator has sped up the process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.
Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands, and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and national smoke report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.25.23, 12:44 am: I-70 is open between mile markers 116-133 both directions, Glenwood Springs and Dotsero.
Colorado Department of Transportation
UPDATE I-70 Glenwood Canyon is open – 12:35 AM (8/25) – I-70 Glenwood Canyon all lanes are open.
UPDATE I-70 Glenwood Canyon remains closed – 9:55 PM (8/24) – Crews are performing a sweep of the canyon after the Flash Flood Warning was lifted around 9 p.m. The team is clearing debris and standing water in the eastbound lanes. There currently is no estimated time for reopening.
I-70 Glenwood Canyon CLOSED – 6:30 PM (8/24) – I-70 in Glenwood Canyon is closed due to a Flash Flood Warning for the Grizzly Creek burn scar area. **All updates will continue to be posted to cotrip.org, CDOT’s Twitter page, and available by dialing 511.**
Closure points for all traffic are Exit 133 (Dotsero), Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs), Exit 109 (Canyon Creek) and Exit 87 (West Rifle). The I-70 closure will stay in place through the Warning and then crews will review whether the canyon is safe to reopen. At this time the Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 9:00 p.m. per the National Weather Service.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.24.23, 6:22 pm: I-70 is closed between mile markers 116 and 133 both directions, Glenwood Springs and Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.
National Weather Service
Flash Flood Warning
COC037-045-250300-
/O.NEW.KGJT.FF.W.0010.230825T0012Z-230825T0300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
612 PM MDT Thu Aug 24 2023
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
The Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area in...
Western Eagle County in west central Colorado...
East Central Garfield County in west central Colorado...
* Until 900 PM MDT.
* At 612 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area. Flash flooding
is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow
moving through the Glenwood Canyon area. The debris flow can consist
of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding in and around the Grizzly
Creek Fire Burn Area.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around
the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Glenwood Springs and Shoshone.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause
extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks...streams...and
ditches in the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area. Severe debris flows can
also be anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed
away in places. If you encounter flood waters...climb to safety.
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
&&
LAT...LON 3965 10722 3967 10720 3965 10713 3963 10712
3965 10709 3963 10707 3961 10711 3958 10708
3957 10711 3955 10714 3954 10720 3954 10724
3956 10731 3963 10729 3963 10726 3964 10725
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
Pike Ridge Fire roughly 28 miles north of Loma, Colo.
Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234 Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado. Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office and White River Field Office, Private. Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m. Cause: Lightning Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush Estimated size: 231 acres Containment: 0% Threatened structures: 0 Current status: The Pike Ridge Fire has grown the past few days due to increased winds, receptive fuel bed, remote, and rugged terrain. Due to the fire growth, increased fire complexity, logistical support needs, and public safety the White River Field Office in the Northwest District ordered the White River Type 3 Interagency Management Team. The White River IMT-3 assumed command of the Pike Ridge fire on 08/22/2023 at 06:00 a.m. Current size is 231 acres, with an estimated 85 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead. Remnants of Tropical Storm Harold is expected to arrive as early as Thursday, additional Monsoon moisture is expected through the weekend. An anticipated drying trend could be established early next week.
Planned actions: Transfer of Command to White River IMT-3 was completed, fire resources are engaged on the North Flank securing fire line, structure protection measures are in place. Suppression actions are ongoing. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communication, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations. Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!
8.16.23, 8:55 pm – Statewide — Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon is OPEN in both directions.
Crews successfully cleared a mudslide this evening at Mile Point 120.6.
The slide took place at 5 p.m. this evening and was located in the canyon between No Name (exit 119) and Grizzly Creek (exit 121). Crews quickly cleared mud and water from eastbound and westbound I-70 with pre-positioned equipment. Crews and equipment were nearby as part of CDOT’s safety protocol for I-70 Glenwood Canyon.
Crews had mobilized in response to a Flash Flood Watch issued in the late afternoon, allowing an expedited response to the slide and I-70 closure points. All real-time road conditions and updates will continue to post to COtrip.org. Motorists planning to travel in the area should monitor COtrip.org, as well as weather reports.
The Glenwood Canyon recreation path and rest areas will continue to be closed overnight. The path and rest areas will reopen in the morning, conditions and weather permitting.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.16.23, 8:53 pm – I-70 is open between mile markers 116-133 both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero.
Colorado Department of Transportation
Gravel in mudslide on I-70 August 16, 2023Mud and debris in mudslide on I-70 over concrete barriersWater and debris flowed over concrete barriers onto I-70Vehicles wait in Glenwood Canyon following rain and water flows onto I-70
8.16.23, 7:04 pm; Statewide — Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon is closed in both directions this evening due to a mudslide in the canyon at Mile Point 120.6. I-70 is closed between West Rifle (exit 87) and Dotsero (exit 133). The slide took place at 5 p.m. this evening and is located between No Name (exit 119) and Grizzly Creek (exit 121). The slide is located east of Glenwood Springs. See below for more photos.
The slide is mostly water with some mud and debris. Material is on eastbound and westbound traffic. Crews immediately began clearing the slide with pre-positioned equipment and are making good progress on clearing the roadway. When crews arrived on scene, the deepest part of the slide was 1.5 feet against the roadway barrier. Water and debris filled a culvert next to the roadway up to nine feet deep.
CDOT anticipates crews will be able to quickly clear the slide from the roadway. An alternate route is not recommended at this time.
A Flash Flood Watch began at approximately 4:40 p.m. this afternoon. Motorists should monitor weather reports to see when the Flash Flood Watch ends. CDOT will continue to work closely with the National Weather Service to monitor weather while crews clear the roadway.
If motorists would like to use an alternate route, please use COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app to select another route. Please do not use navigation applications to look for alternate routes. There are many auxiliary county and Forest Service Roads that do not have cell service, are not able to withstand highway traffic and require 4×4 vehicles. Cottonwood Pass is restricted to local traffic only.
History
Mudslides in July 2021 prompted an extended safety closure for I-70 for approximately two weeks. Very little flooding took place in Glenwood Canyon in 2022, affecting only the recreational trail. CDOT has conducted extensive rockfall and debris flows prevention work in Glenwood Canyon. Crews will periodically conduct rockfall removal and related work in the canyon.
