Author: gccomms

CDOT: Eastbound closure and clean-up work through I-70 in Glenwood Canyon postponed

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Colorado Department of Transportation

September 19, 2024, 9:02 a.m. – The planned 11 a.m. closure and clean-up of I-70 Glenwood Canyon is now postponed due to the US 40 rockslide. CDOT will update the public when that work and closure is rescheduled.

Travelers urged to consider the northern alternate route via Highways 13, 40 and 9

Crews have hauled away several dumpsters of debris from a commercial semi-truck crash.

Crews have hauled away several dumpsters of debris from a commercial semi-truck crash that occured on I-70 about six miles east of Glenwood Springs yesterday.  A full eastbound closure is schedule for today at 11 a.m. for additional cleanup. 

9.18.24, 7:07 a.m. – I-70 Mountain Corridor — A full eastbound closure is set for 11 a.m. today in Glenwood Canyon. CDOT maintenance crews will complete the clean-up efforts from yesterday’s semi-truck crash. The mid-day closure will allow for early morning commuters to travel through the canyon. Today’s eastbound closure is expected to last several hours.

The recommended alternate route takes travelers north, accessed at the town of Rifle, exit 87, then north along CO 13 to Craig. The route continues on US 40 to Steamboat, then south on CO 9 to Silverthorne where travelers may access I-70 again. Visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app for route details and closure updates.

One lane of eastbound I-70 traffic opened last night at 9 p.m. Crews hauled away several dumpsters filled with damaged freight and crash material. The crashed truck and trailer were also hauled away, but additional clean-up and road sweeping of debris is needed today.

CDOT: Eastbound closure and clean-up work through I-70 in Glenwood Canyon postponed

Eagle Police: Juvenile arrested after threats to Town of Eagle school

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Eagle Police Department

Note: this press release from outside Garfield County is shared as schools in Garfield County have experienced threat activity as well.

NEWS RELEASE 09/13/2024 – JUVENILE ARRESTED AFTER THREATS TO TOWN OF EAGLE, COLORADO SCHOOL

The Eagle Police Department has arrested a juvenile in connection with an investigation into threats against a Town of Eagle school. The investigation began after screenshots of social media messages containing the names of local students at a local school were distributed within the community and reported to Eagle Police Department. Eagle Police Officers successfully identified the juvenile after persistent investigative effort and the juvenile was safely arrested on 09/13/2024.

Additional instances involving other Eagle County Schools are still under investigation. The Eagle Police Department is working closely with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and Federal partners to continue these investigations. The Eagle Police Department would like to thank everyone that contributed information to this investigation.

The Eagle Police Department acknowledges that these investigations are tense and upsetting. The contributions by our community have resulted in a safe and effective resolution. The Eagle Police Department does not believe any current threats to schools in the Town of Eagle represent any additional valid dangers. The Eagle Police Department would also like to recognize the Eagle County School District for their partnership and assistance during this investigation.

Eagle Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and security of everyone in our community. If you have any information about this incident or any of the individuals involved, please contact Eagle Police Department at 970-479-2200 and you will be connected to an on-duty officer. You can remain anonymous by contacting the Eagle County Crime Stoppers to submit your tip online at p3tips.com or send a tip using the free ‘P3 Tips’ mobile app. If your tip leads to the arrest and indictment of any suspect involved, you could earn a cash reward from the Eagle County Crime Stoppers.

We understand the immense concern and anxiety these events are causing and encourage our community to reach out for mental health support if needed. It is available through Vail Behavioral Health or call (844) 493-8255 for local 24/7 Crisis Response.

This case has been forwarded to the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. As such, no further information will be released. Persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Names have been withheld because of the ages of the involved persons.

September 13, 2024, 2:26 p.m. – EAGLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate social media posts related to potential threats against Eagle County Schools. We understand how unsettling this situation is for our students, parents, and staff, and we want you to know that we are taking every lead seriously. Your safety, and the safety of our entire community, is our top priority.

Eagle Police Department had a break in the case involving the threats to a local school in their jurisdiction. At this time we do not believe that the suspect arrested by Eagle Police Department is connected to the other threats in the area. We are actively working together to locate the individual(s) responsible for the threats to the other schools and other concerning online posts. This remains an active and high-priority case.

We deeply appreciate your continued vigilance, patience, and cooperation as we work through this investigation together. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

*** ESPANOL ***

La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Eagle continúa investigando activamente las publicaciones en las redes sociales relacionadas con posibles amenazas contra las Escuelas del Condado de Eagle. Entendemos lo inquietante que es esta situación para nuestros estudiantes, padres y personal, y queremos que sepan que estamos tomando en serio cada indicio. Su seguridad, y la seguridad de toda nuestra comunidad, es nuestra máxima prioridad.

El Departamento de Policia de Eagle ha tenido una tregua en el caso de las amenazas a una escuela local en su jurisdicción. En este momento no creemos que el sospechoso arrestado por el Departamento de Policia de Eagle este conectado con las otras amenazas en el area. Estamos colaborando activamente para localizar al individuo o individuos responsables de las amenazas a las otras escuelas y de otras preocupantes publicaciones en línea. Este sigue siendo un caso activo y de alta prioridad.

Agradecemos profundamente su continua vigilancia, paciencia y cooperación mientras trabajamos juntos en esta investigación. Gracias por ayudarnos a mantener la seguridad de nuestra comunidad.

Eagle Police: Juvenile arrested after threats to Town of Eagle school

NWS / Xcel: Fire Weather Watch for Thursday may impact Xcel Energy service

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National Weather Service and Excel Energy

9.10.24
Fire Weather Watch for Thursday issued by National Weather Service

FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 203 AND 205 BELOW 8000 FEET

* AFFECTED AREA…In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower Colorado River and Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS…Conditions may become favorable for the easy ignition and rapid spread of fires due to low relative humidity and strong gusty winds.

National Weather Service map

Severe weather may impact Xcel Energy electric service for customers in northwestern Colorado

Xcel Energy monitoring severe weather conditions and high wildfire risk on Thursday, September 12, 2024 

DENVER (September 10, 2024) – Xcel Energy is closely monitoring expected severe weather with high winds in Colorado later this week. Excessively dry conditions and significant wind speeds, centered in Mesa and Garfield counties, will create an elevated risk of wildfire, peaking the afternoon and evening of Thursday, September 12.  

Xcel Energy utilizes weather forecasts and other data sources to assist us in determining the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds along with low relative humidity and dry ground conditions, such as brush and vegetation, are key factors in our risk modeling. The company updates this information routinely and adjusts its operations and actions accordingly to reduce wildfire risks. The company will continue to coordinate with first responders and customers if conditions change.  

Because of the strong winds forecast, some customers may experience power outages, and we are planning ahead to safely restore power for customers who are impacted by outages. Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, we also expect to use special settings on our equipment in the region that assist in reducing wildfires, known as Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). When these settings are activated, power lines are more sensitive and can instantly stop the flow of energy if an issue, like a tree branch touching the line, is detected. This does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power but is the result of an issue on the line. Power will remain off until our crews can visually inspect powerlines to make sure it is safe to turn them back on. These settings are intended to improve public safety during heightened fire risk conditions, but it means power outages, if they occur, are likely to last hours or even days longer than typical outages. Xcel Energy will position crews to respond as quickly as possible once the period of high risk has passed.  

Finally, as a last resort to protect safety and prevent a wildfire, and only if conditions warrant, Xcel Energy may initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). The company does not believe that conditions warrant such an action at this time, but recognizes that conditions may worsen and to a level that meet the criteria to initiate a PSPS. Xcel Energy will provide timely communications if a PSPS becomes a needed safety option to address this weather. 

We want to thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we take steps to reduce the risk of wildfires to keep Colorado safe. We encourage customers to make plans now to be ready for potential power outages later this week from this severe weather. As with all weather events, the forecast may change.  

How customers can prepare, stay safe

Stay informed 

We will provide updates for this specific weather event on our website at Update | Outages & Safety | Xcel Energy. 

If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date online at Notification Sign Up | Xcel Energy.  

Customers can view outages statewide on our outage map which displays the number of customers out of service and anticipated restoration times when available at Electric Outage Map Xcel Energy. 

Build a home emergency kit 

Customers are encouraged to be prepared for an electric outage by keeping phones and other devices charged and building an outage kit with items that do not require electricity, including:  

  • Battery-powered radio 
  • Flashlights  
  • Batteries  
  • Backup phone chargers  
  • A phone that does not require electricity  
  • Non-electric alarm clock  
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food  
  • Manual can opener  
  • First aid kit  
  • Extension cords (for partial outages)  
  • Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g. garage doors)  
  • Xcel Energy phone numbers – (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business  

As an important reminder to customers who have medical equipment that relies on electric service, please take steps to prepare for potential extended outages in case outages do occur. Xcel Energy will be conducting additional outreach to qualifying medical customers in the area about this expected serve weather. 

We are continually investing in and building out our systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale, and duration of potential power disruptions. More tips for how to prepare for an outage.

Report an outage 

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages:  

  • By calling 1-800-895-1999 and following the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds.
  • Through the Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
  • Online at xcelenergy.com/out
  • Via text by texting OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage
    • NWS / Xcel: Fire Weather Watch for Thursday may impact Xcel Energy service

    NWS: Flash flood warning – Garfield County

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    National Weather Service

    BULLETIN – EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
    Flash Flood Warning
    National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
    935 PM MDT Wed Aug 21 2024

    Map of affected area

    The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a

    • Flash Flood Warning for…
      Southeastern Garfield County in west central Colorado…
      Northwestern Pitkin County in west central Colorado…
    • Until 1245 AM MDT.
    • At 935 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
      heavy rain across the warned area. The expected rainfall rate is 2
      to 4 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.6 to 1
      inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
      expected to begin shortly.

    HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

    SOURCE…Radar.

    IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

    • Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…
      Carbondale and Cattle Creek.

    This includes the following highways…
    Colorado 82 between mile markers 8 and 14.
    Colorado 133 between mile markers 58 and 68.

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

    Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

    Highway 82 between Cattle Creek and Carbondale as well as Highway 133 south of Carbondale is prone to rockslides and mudslides in heavy rain. Stay alert for rocks and debris on roads, and avoid driving on flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

    NWS: Flash flood warning – Garfield County

    Stage 1 fire restrictions in Garfield County continue below 8,000 feet

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    Multi-agency press release from Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

    8.14.24, Garfield County, CO – The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are continuing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in all unincorporated areas of Garfield County effective at 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2024.

    The recent rainfall in our area has allowed the Stage I restrictions to be lifted above the 8000 foot level, however, conditions below that elevation are still at risk due to many of the considerations noted below. These criteria, coupled with the availability of resources due to other fires in Colorado and adjoining states dictates that we continue the Stage I restrictions below the 8000 foot level in Garfield County. Dry vegetation and the severe drought conditions we have recently experienced increases the danger for human-caused wildfires.

    The decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.

    Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings.

    What Stage 1 fire restrictions mean in Garfield County

    • Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
    • All burn permits are postponed/canceled until further notice.
    • Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit). A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
    • No fires of any type, including charcoal, in undeveloped areas.
    • No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
    • No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding†targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
    • Exercise common sense and industry safety practices when welding or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame with a safe area clear of vegetation and combustibles.

    Penalties
    Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.

    Federal lands
    The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.

    By definition:

    A “developed area†is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by the landowner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.

    “Undeveloped areas†are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.

    City of Glenwood fire restrictions

    Levels of fire restrictions

    Stage 1 fire restrictions in Garfield County continue below 8,000 feet

    GCSO: Stage I fire restrictions begin August 2, 2024

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    Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, BLM, local fire districts

    STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN AUGUST 2, 2024

    Garfield County, CO, The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven Fire Districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2024. This applies to all of unincorporated Garfield County.

    This decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.

    Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings. The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and dry conditions with no relief from rain anytime soon.

    With increasingly dry vegetation, severe drought conditions, and more hot and dry conditions approaching, the danger for human caused wildfires increases even more.

    WHAT STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS MEAN IN GARFIELD COUNTY

    • Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
    • All burn permits are postponed/Canceled until further notice.
    • Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in Developed Areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store bought fire pit) A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
    • No fires of any type including charcoal in Undeveloped Areas.
    • No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
    • No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding†targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
    • Exercise common sense and industry safety practice when welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame always cleared safe area of vegetation and combustibles.

    Penalties

    Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.

    Federal Lands

    The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.

    By Definition:

    A “Developed Area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.

    An “Undeveloped Area” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.

    GCSO: Stage I fire restrictions begin August 2, 2024

    CDPHE: Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke

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    Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

    Avisos en Español para todo el Estado (Colorado)

    Issued for Garfield and Mesa counties
    Issued at 5:52 PM MDT, Sunday, July 28, 2024

    Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

    Outlook: A fire is burning approximately 15 miles southwest of Fruita in Mesa County. Smoke may settle overnight in valleys and become moderate to heavy by Monday morning.

    Affected area: Garfield and Mesa counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Fruita, Grand Junction, Rifle, and Glenwood Springs.

    Advisory in effect: 6:00 PM MDT, Sunday, July 28, 2024 to 9:00 AM MDT, Monday, July 29, 2024

    Public Health recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

    For the latest Colorado statewide air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx

    CDPHE: Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke