REGISTER for emergency alerts at garco911.com
SUBSCRIBE for emails from this feed - click at upper right
VIEW: Inciweb wildfires | CDOT routes | NOAA storms | CAIC avalanches
5.19.22, 1:10 a.m. – Highway 13 is open at Rifle River Bridge both directions, river bridge between Whiteriver Ave. and I-70.
5.18.22, 10:09 p.m. – Highway 13 is closed at Rifle River Bridge both directions, river bridge between Whiteriver Avenue and I-70, due to a fire.
.
May 10, 4:37 pm – UPDATE on the wildfire in Glenwood Canyon. The fire is contained and crews are in mop-up mode. Crews were able to keep the fire at 1/4 acre.
Assisting agencies include Union Pacific Railroad, Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit East and Central Zones, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – Colorado, and Colorado River Fire Rescue.
May 10, 3:34 pm – We are on scene of a small brush fire in Glenwood Canyon, around mile marker 122. The fire is on the south side of the river, and is roughly 1/4 acre in size. There is no threat to the public at this time.
Estamos en la escena de un pequeño incendio de maleza en Glenwood Canyon, alrededor del marcador de milla 122. El incendio está en el lado sur de la interestatal, y tiene aproximadamente 1/4 de acre de tamaño. No hay amenaza para el público en este momento.
May 10, 3:28 pm – Between Exit 121: Grizzly Creek and Exit 123: Shoshone (Glenwood Springs) at Mile Point 121.7. Fire activity, not threatening I-70. There is a right lane closure for eastbound traffic to assist emergency response to the fire.
Do not call 911 if you see smoke in this area.
Person had direct contact with infected poultry; public health experts say the risk to the public is low.
April 28, 2022—The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been monitoring and testing people exposed to poultry and wild birds infected with avian flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, HPAI), also known as H5N1 flu. Earlier this week, a test revealed the presence of the influenza A (H5) virus in a single nasal specimen from a person who was working on a farm with infected poultry. CDC confirmed the result on April 27, 2022. Repeat testing on the person was negative for influenza. Because the person was in close contact with infected poultry, the virus may have been present in the person’s nose without causing infection.
The adult male, who is younger than 40, is largely asymptomatic, reporting only fatigue. He is now isolating and receiving the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir (tamiflu) per CDC guidance. Scientists believe that the risk to people is low as H5 flu viruses spread among wild birds and poultry. They do not normally infect humans nor spread from person to person. There are currently no known cases of this H5 flu virus spreading among people. There are no other confirmed human cases in Colorado or the United States at this time.
This positive result is due to direct exposure to infected poultry at a commercial farm in Montrose County. The person, who is an inmate at a state correctional facility in Delta County, was working with poultry as part of a pre-release employment program, where participants have the opportunity to work for private employers and be paid a prevailing wage. The affected flock has been euthanized and disposed of under the guidance of the USDA and CDA. All members of the response team, including other inmate workers, were provided personal protective equipment while working on the farm.
“We want to reassure Coloradans that the risk to them is low,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “I am grateful for the seamless collaboration between CDC, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture, and CDPHE, as we continue to monitor this virus and protect all Coloradans.”
While human infections of the H5 viruses are rare, direct exposure to infected birds increases that risk. Infected birds shed flu viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Public health officials in the United Kingdom confirmed H5N1 virus in January 2022 in a person who was asymptomatic and had direct contact with infected birds.
People should avoid contact with poultry that appear ill or are dead, and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds. If you must handle sick or dead poultry, wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. If possible, wear respiratory protection such as a medical face mask and eye protection, such as goggles. CDC also has guidance for specific groups of people with exposure to poultry, including poultry workers and people responding to poultry outbreaks. CDC will continue to provide further updates to the situation and update guidance as needed.
It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry and poultry products in the United States. The proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills bacteria and viruses, including H5N1 viruses.
HPAI is a highly contagious and deadly foreign animal disease in domestic poultry. Wild birds serve as a reservoir for influenza viruses and can spread these viruses to poultry. Certain strains of avian influenza are also zoonotic. USDA has published all detections of HPAI in poultry and wild birds on the APHIS website. Learn more about avian influenza and how to report unusual bird deaths on the CDA website at ag.colorado.gov/hpai.
INCREASE BIOSECURITY: It is extremely important for poultry owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their birds. The USDA Defend the Flock website has helpful resources for keeping poultry healthy in any operation. Commercial poultry producers can use this toolkit to assess their biosecurity practices and preparedness.
MONITOR FLOCKS: Monitor your flock for clinical signs of H5N1, including monitoring production parameters (feed and water consumption, egg production) and increased morbidity and mortality. Any changes in production parameters that could indicate H5N1 should be reported.
REPORT DISEASE: It is important for veterinarians and producers to report any suspicious disease events in poultry flocks to the State Veterinarian’s office at 303-869-9130. If it is after hours, the voicemail message will indicate which veterinarian is on call.
If you have sick birds or birds that have died from unknown causes, help is available at the Colorado Avian Health Call Line at Colorado State University Their number is 970-297-4008.
SECURE FOOD SUPPLY: The Colorado Department of Agriculture strongly encourages poultry producers to enroll as a Secure Food Supply participant through their office. The most important component of ensuring your continuity of business in an outbreak is to enroll in Secure Food Supply and have a biosecurity plan in place. If you would like more information, contact dave.dice@state.co.us or
303-263-2407.
CDA: Avian influenza
USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Defend the Flock
CFSPH: Poultry biosecurity
4.25.22, 11:50 a.m. – GARFIELD COUNTY, CO. – This morning, shortly after 11:00 a.m., the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office learned that D’Antiago, (“Dante”), Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez was arrested by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office in Mesa County. D’Antiago was wanted for the April 24, 2022 shooting that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old male at a quinceañera celebration near Rifle, CO.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Rifle Police Department, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, the Garfield County all Hazards Response Team (AHRT) and Colorado River Fire Rescue for their efforts the night of the incident and each agency’s part in concluding this manhunt.
We would also like to acknowledge our facebook followers, local news agencies, radio stations and the public for their assistance in this matter.
This is an active investigation, and no additional information will be forthcoming at this time.
4.24.22, 11:55 a.m. – This morning, shortly after midnight, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a shooting that occurred outside of Rifle. The victim and suspect were attending a quinceañera when the shooting occurred. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, the victim was still alive. He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction via ambulance where he was treated and later pronounced dead.
A warrant has been issued for D’Antiago, (“Dante”), Lazaro Dominguez-Lopez from Rifle, CO (shown above). D’Antiago is considered, “armed and dangerous”. If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please do not attempt to contact him. If you see D’Antiago, call our dispatch center (970) 625-8095 or 911.
If you have any information for this investigation, please contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-945-1377 ext. 1075.
4.12.22, 3:00 pm – I-70 is open at mile marker 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs.
4.12.22, 2:57 pm – Between Exit 116: Glenwood Springs; Aspen and Exit 119: No Name (Glenwood Canyon) at Mile Point 116.6. The roadway is reopened to traffic.
4.12.22, 12:37 pm – I-70 eastbound is closed at Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) due to a crash and vehicle recovery. This closure will continue to remain in place for several hours and is estimated to reopen late this afternoon. Please see cotrip.org/home for updates on reopening.
4.12.22, 11:17 am – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 116 EB, Glenwood Springs, due to an accident in the canyon.
3.16.22, 1:20 p.m. – I-70 is open at mile-marker 133 westbound, Dotsero.
3.16.22, 8 a.m. – Westbound I-70 near Glenwood Canyon is closed due to a commercial motor vehicle crash. The westbound closure is in place between exit 133 (Dotsero) and exit 129 (Bair Ranch). Westbound motorists should plan for an extended closure today and use an alternate route. Eastbound is open with one lane.
Crews will be working as quickly and safely as possible to remove the crashed tractor-trailer. A significant factor is the trailer is torn open and the entire load must be cleared and offloaded. Then a crane will likely be used to remove the empty trailer.
Updates and conditions will continue to be posted to COtrip.org.
3.16.22, 7:46 a.m. – I-70 is closed at mile marker 133, westbound, Dotsero, due to an accident. No estimated time for reopening.
I-70 Glenwood Canyon Devil’s Hole debris pile removal is complete.
Tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 11 beginning at 8 p.m. the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Emergency Project will implement a rolling closure for eastbound traffic starting at Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) to the project location at Mile Point 124.4. This closure is anticipated to take less than an hour but drivers should expect delays. The rolling closure is necessary to remove excavation equipment from the Colorado River bed at the Devil’s Hole location. Westbound traffic will not be impacted.
Great news! The IHC Scott team has completed the debris removal from the Devil’s Hole location (MP 124.4 ). That operation will now move to Unnamed Gulch (MP 124). IHC Scott continues night work and will utilize the mile point 123-124.5 lane closure for 22 hours each day for shift work from 8 a.m.-6 a.m. In order to accommodate commuter traffic, this lane closure will be lifted from 6 a.m.-8 a.m. each day.
The Lawrence team continues debris removal at MP 123.5/Blue Gulch. To increase production their team will be working 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. For a birdseye view of the progress at Blue Gulch please visit this link:https://fb.watch/b4VIz_UgcS/
Both teams will continue with the eastbound one lane closure from MP 123-124.5.
Motorists should anticipate slower speeds throughout the canyon and an increase in truck traffic. Work is weather dependent and motorists are reminded to drive the posted speeds through the work zone and drive for conditions.
The GeoHazard project team anticipates they will restart the rockfall fence project sometime in late February/early March.
Motorists planning to travel on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon should pay attention to road conditions on cotrip.org and weather forecasts. Rest area and recreation path information is also available at cotrip.org. I-70 safety closure information can be found on CDOT’s website by clicking here.
Anticipated Traffic Impacts
• There will be an eastbound right lane closure from MP 123-124.5 for the Colorado River recovery work. This lane closure will be in place for 22 hours a day, from 8 a.m.-6 a.m. In order to accommodate commuter traffic, this lane closure will be lifted from 6 a.m.-8 a.m. each day.
• Work at some locations will be conducted from 8 a.m.-6 a.m. Monday-Friday, for maximum productivity.
• In the coming weeks, work may take place on the weekends if necessary to complete work before the end of April.
Stay Informed and Connect with the Project
Project information is available at:
• Project website:
• https://www.codot.gov/projects/glenwood-canyon-emergency-repairs/about
• Project information hotline: 970-319-1887
• Project email: I70GlenwoodCanyon@gmail.com
Week of February 7-11, 2022
 |  |
I-70 Glenwood Canyon river bed excavation at Blue Gulch.
The IHC Scott team continues night work and will utilize the mile point 123-124.5 lane closure for 22 hours each day for shift work from 8 a.m.-6 a.m. In order to accommodate commuter traffic, this lane closure will be lifted from 6 a.m.-8 a.m. each day.
The Lawrence team has completed debris removal at Wagon Gulch. Work continues at MP 123.5/Blue Gulch.
Both teams will continue with the eastbound one lane closure from MP 123-124.5.
A daytime westbound one lane closure from MP 118.5-119 will be in place to assist with material hauling and roadway cleaning operations. This lane closure will be picked up on Friday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. to assist with traffic volumes.
Motorists should anticipate slower speeds throughout the canyon and an increase in truck traffic. Work is weather dependent and motorists are reminded to drive the posted speeds through the work zone and drive for conditions.
The GeoHazard project team anticipates they will restart the rockfall fence project sometime in late February/early March.
Motorists planning to travel on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon should pay attention to road conditions on cotrip.org and weather forecasts. Rest area and recreation path information is also available at cotrip.org. I-70 safety closure information can be found on CDOT’s website by clicking here.
Anticipated Traffic Impacts
Stay Informed and Connect with the Project
Project information is available at:
CDOT launched a new, easy-to-use COtrip website and mobile app with an updated 511 map for drivers to safely navigate Colorado roads. Visit the new mobile-friendly COtrip website at COtrip.org.
Garfield County and surrounding areas are under an Accident Alert.
Unless your incident has injuries, is a solvable hit and run, driver is impaired, or one party does not have insurance, a counter report is requested.
You can file online at tinyurl.com/ycgb73jk
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLO – The following are updated statistics from Valley View:
Valley View COVID-19 Cumulative Stats 1/4/22
Specimens collected thru Valley View: 41,648
Positive results: 3,573
Patients admitted with COVID-19 since outbreak began: 405
Admitted patients discharged: 346
Definitions:
Specimens collected: These are specimens collected by Valley View providers that are tested by Valley View’s laboratory in Glenwood Springs or sent to an outside laboratory to conduct COVID-19 testing. This is a cumulative number.
Positive results: These are the number of positive COVID-19 results returned from the Valley View specimens tested. This definition is updated on April 21 to clarify that the positive results represent positive patients. This is a cumulative number.
Patients admitted with COVID-19 since outreach began: Patients with a positive COVID-19 test who have been hospitalized at Valley View. This is a cumulative number.
Admitted patients discharged: Of admitted patients with a positive COVID-19 test, number who have been discharged from Valley View Hospital. Patients may be discharged to recover at home, to hospice or to psychiatric care. This is a cumulative number.
Additional questions:
“From whom is Valley View collecting specimens?” Valley View is testing:
“What kind of PCR test does Valley View offer?” Currently, Valley View has a nasopharyngeal PCR test. For the nasopharyngeal swab, a special swab of the nose occurs, it is then placed in a tube and sent for testing.
“What is the difference between the number of patients admitted and number of patients discharged?” The difference between the number of patients and admitted patients discharged represents current hospitalized patients, patients transferred to other hospitals or those who have passed away. For example, if there are 21 patients admitted and 16 discharged, the difference is five. This is a cumulative number representing the entirety of Valley View’s efforts caring for COVID-19 patients. Therefore five total patients are hospitalized, have been transferred to a hospital as they need a higher level of care or, unfortunately, have passed away. Valley View will not offer additional details so as to protect their privacy.
“What is the turnaround for test results?” At this point, Valley View is receiving test results same-day to 48 hours. The variability in time is due to the type of test ordered by the provider. For example, an individual experiencing a medical emergency may require a rapid test.
“The number of positive tests is not the same as admitted patients. Why?” Not all positive patients require hospitalization. For patients with mild symptoms, his/her doctor may recommend that they recover at home with specific instructions (e.g. isolation, monitor symptoms). Other positive patients may be very ill and need hospitalization.
“What is the status of these individual hospitalized patients?” Per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Valley View will not speak to the specific status of an individual patient.
