Colorado Department of Transportation

I-70 reopened after closure in Glenwood Canyon for flash flood warning

gccomms, ,

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
I-70 reopened after closure in Glenwood Canyon for flash flood warning

CDOT: I-70 Glenwood Canyon open after mudslide cleanup

gccomms

Colorado Department of Transportation

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.

CDOT: I-70 Glenwood Canyon open after mudslide cleanup

CDOT and Garco911: I-70 through Glenwood Canyon reopened after mudslide

gccomms,

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, 2023
Mud and debris in mudslide on I-70 over concrete barriers
Water and debris flowed over concrete barriers onto I-70
Vehicles 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.




CDOT and Garco911: I-70 through Glenwood Canyon reopened after mudslide

CDOT: First Flash Flood Watch issued for Glenwood Canyon for 2023

gccomms

Colorado Department of Transportation

Rest areas and recreation path closed

Statewide — A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for the Grizzly Creek Burn scar, which includes Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon. The watch is anticipated to last until 10 p.m. As part of the safety protocol in place to protect travelers on I-70, crews with Colorado Department of Transportation are closing rest areas and the recreation path in the canyon. During a Flash Flood Watch, I-70 remains OPEN. A full description of the safety protocol are outlined in a media release distributed on June 2. 

During the watch, CDOT will have personnel and equipment on standby in preparation for a closure. Employees are stationed at closure points at exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) and exit 133 (Dotsero). Crews will also be on standby at exit 87 (West Rifle). Evacuating travelers from the rest areas and recreation path requires significant time, so closing those locations ahead of time is necessary to allow a swift and safe evacuation of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon if a closure is needed. 

Travelers should monitor National Weather Service updates for the area to see when the Flash Flood Watch ends. The rest areas and recreation path will be reopened when the watch ends. It may be extended if there is heavy rain in the forecast after the watch has ended. CDOT will not issue a media release for the end of the current watch nor future Flash Flood Watch alerts in Glenwood Canyon for the 2023 season. 

Travelers can view closures for the Glenwood Canyon rest areas and recreation path on COtrip.org. First, go to the COtrip map. Next, select the “Rest Areas & Welcome Centers” layer. If the Grizzly Creek Rest Area and the Bair Ranch Rest Area display as closed, click on either rest area to see written information. If the recreation path is closed, the closure will be included in the written information. Rest area and trail users can also check the status of the rest areas and rec path by calling CDOT’s Region 3 customer service information line at 970-243-2368, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Hikers with questions about the Hanging Lake Trail reservations should reach out to the vendor at 970-384-6309 or info@hanginglakeexpress.com. CDOT does not handle hiking reservations or have real-time information about reservations or parking. 

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.
 

River Access

Commercial river guide services, including rafting companies, continue to have access to the Grizzly Creek and Shoshone Power Plant exits during rest area and recreation path closures, unless a Flash Flood Warning is issued and I-70 is closed. CDOT and partner agencies continue to coordinate with river outfitters. Commercial river trips are limited in number and closely tracked, and companies can be notified immediately if an evacuation is necessary. Companies with access during rest area and recreation path closures have committed to evacuating their customers if there is a Flash Flood Warning, or mudslides, and have liability insurance in place.
 

Be Prepared: Travel Impacts

Motorists planning to travel on I-70, visit rest areas or use the recreation path in Glenwood Canyon should pay close attention to weather forecasts. If there is rain in the forecast, it is possible there will be a safety closure of I-70, rest areas and recreation path. Travelers should use COtrip.org for planning an alternate route in the event of an I-70 closure.

CDOT: First Flash Flood Watch issued for Glenwood Canyon for 2023

I-70 westbound reopened and eastbound closure right lane only – U.S. 6 closed from Debeque to West Parachute and both shoulders are closed due to traffic impacts

gccomms,

Colorado Department of Transportation

7.25.23, 10:11 pm – I-70 between Exit 72: West Parachute (3 miles west of Parachute) and Exit 62: De Beque (De Beque) from Mile Point 71 to Mile Point 62. The roadway is reopened to traffic.

US 6 eastbound between I-70 (De Beque) and I-70 (3 miles west of Parachute) from Mile Point 62.31 to Mile Point 71. Both shoulders closed due to traffic impacts.

7.25.23, 9:07 pm – Between Exit 62: De Beque and Exit 72: West Parachute (4 miles west of Parachute) at Mile Point 70. Road closed expect delays due to fire activity. Follow CDOT’s cotrip site.

Also, U.S. Highway 6 between I-70 and I-70 (3 to 4 miles west of Parachute) from mile point 70 to mile point 71 the road is closed. Expect delays due to traffic impacts.

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office

7.25.23, 9:11 pm – Unfortunately, we have another fire that started about a mile east of the Una Bridge and Highway 6 near Parachute. County Road 300 has been closed at approximately mile marker 2. Please stay from the area to let our first responders do their jobs safely. Garfield County Sheriff facebook

Parachute Police Department

7.25.23, 10:15 pm – Eastbound closure is currently the right lane only. Westbound will remain open. HWY 6 is closed from Debeque to West Parachute.

7.25.23, 8:09 pm – Parachute PD posted on facebook that crews were en route to a new fire. Around the 70 mile-marker on I70…just east of the Industrial Park. Will update when we have further. Follow Parachute PD on facebook.

  • Fire near Parachute, Colorado July 25, 2023

Photos courtesy of Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

I-70 westbound reopened and eastbound closure right lane only – U.S. 6 closed from Debeque to West Parachute and both shoulders are closed due to traffic impacts

CDOT: Westbound I-70 closed in Glenwood Canyon due to multiple vehicle crash

comms

Colorado Department of Transportation

Motorists on northern alternate route must plan for weather and additional travel time

1.17.23, 12:19 p.m. STATEWIDE — A safety closure is in place for westbound Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon at exit 133 (Dotsero) due to a multiple vehicle crash located further west at Mile Point 122.9. Motorists should anticipate the westbound safety closure being in place until at least this evening. Westbound motorists are being routed onto the northern alternate route. The alternate route will add at least 2.5 hours travel time. Please see below for more info about the northern alternate route. Eastbound I-70 remains open. All updates will continue to post to COtrip.org. More pictures will be posted on the CDOT Facebook page and the media kit folder as they become available.

Four commercial vehicles were involved in the crash. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to remove the vehicles. One vehicle is a tanker carrying gasoline. In order to clear the crash, crews are draining the remaining 7,000 gallons of gasoline into another tanker. Draining into the second tanker is anticipated to require at least four hours. The tanker spilled 3,000 gallons of gasoline after the crash. The spill has been stopped and a hazardous vehicle crew is overseeing clean up.

Three trucks crashed in Glenwood Canyon on Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs.

Northern alternate route

It is very important to check COtrip.org and weather forecasts before traveling on the northern alternate route. It is a more remote route with limited cell service and services. Smartphone users can also use CDOT’s free COtrip Planner mobile app.

To use the northern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area will exit I-70 at exit 205 (Silverthorne) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling. At Kremmling, travelers will continue west on US Highway 40 until the intersection with Colorado Highway 13 in Craig. Turn south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (exits 87 or 90). Motorists should be prepared for icy and snowpacked areas along this route and are encouraged to drive for the conditions.

Semi trucks and a tanker collided in Glenwood Canyon on Interstate 70.

Know Before You Go 

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

CDOT: Westbound I-70 closed in Glenwood Canyon due to multiple vehicle crash

Two I-70 closures in Glenwood

comms,

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

10.12.22, 9:02 am – I-70 is open between mile-markers 133 and 116 both directions, Dotsero to Glenwood Springs.

10.12.22, 6:59 am – I-70 is closed again, at mile-marker 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs, due to an accident.

10.12.22, 6:53 am – I-70 is open at mile-marker 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs. Westbound is still closed.

10.12.22, 6:14 am – I-70 is closed between mile markers 133 and 116 both directions, Dotsero to Glenwood Springs, due to an accident.

Two I-70 closures in Glenwood

NWS and CDOT: I-70 reopened; flash flood watch until 8 pm

comms,

Colorado Department of Transportation

TRAVEL ALERT | ROAD OPEN – I-70 Glenwood Canyon

UPDATE – 4:00 p.m. (8/21) – The National Weather Service Flash Flood Warning for I-70 Glenwood Canyon has been lifted and I-70 is open. Motorists should continue to check weather conditions before traveling through the area.

National Weather Service

Central Colorado River Basin-Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys – Flat Tops
321 PM MDT Sun Aug 21 2022

Map of flash flood watch area

FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE GRIZZLY CREEK FIRE BURN AREA IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING.

  • WHAT…Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area.
  • WHERE…Portions of northwest Colorado and west central Colorado, including the following areas, in northwest Colorado, Flat Tops.
    In west central Colorado, Central Colorado River Basin and Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys.
  • WHEN…Until 8 PM MDT this evening.
  • IMPACTS…Heavy rainfall over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area should prepare for potential
    flooding impacts. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars.
  • ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
  • National Weather Service Meteorologists are monitoring the potential for heavy rainfall over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Flash flood warning ends, watch continues

Eagle CO – Garfield CO –
321 PM MDT Sun Aug 21 2022

FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR THE GRIZZLY CREEK FIRE BURN AREA IS CANCELLED FOR WESTERN EAGLE AND EAST CENTRAL GARFIELD COUNTIES.

The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed remaining closures.

Garco911

8.21.22, 2:45 pm – I-70 is closed between mile-markers 116-133 both directions, Glenwood Exit/Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.

8.21.22, 2:04 pm – I-70 is closed between mile-markers 114-133 both directions, West Glenwood Exit/Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.

Colorado Department of Transportation

8.21.22, 2:47 pm – STATEWIDE – The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 70 Glenwood Canyon due to a Flash Flood Warning issued for the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar and Glenwood Canyon. The warning was announced by the National Weather Service at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug.21. As of 1:45 p.m.,the warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. Eastbound and westbound I-70 are closed from Glenwood Springs (exit 116) to Dotsero (exit 133), with a second closure point for westbound traffic at Eagle (exit 140). Eagle County residents will still have access to locations between exits 133 and 140 by using US Highway 6. On the west side of the canyon, motorists continue to have access to Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley

A safety closure of I-70 is necessary as part of safety protocol to protect the traveling public from flash floods and mudslides in Glenwood Canyon. Motorists should monitor weather alerts to see when the Flash Flood Warning ends. The safety closure will continue to be in place until the Flash Flood Warning is lifted. The closure may stay in effect if weather conditions are unpredictable or if flash floods occur.

Motorists should use COtrip.org or CDOT’s free COtrip Planner mobile app to plan an alternate route. The northern alternate route on US Highway 40 is recommended for most motorists. The northern alternate route will require approximately 2.5 hours additional travel time to reach your destination, compared to traveling on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon. Westbound motorists from the Denver metro area can reach the northern route via US Highway 40, Colorado Highway 9 or Colorado Highway 131. (When detouring north onto CO 9, motorists should anticipate construction at exit 205 in Silverthorne.) Travelers can then continue west on US Highway 40 and then south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (exit 90). For eastbound I-70 motorists, a traffic control point is in place at eastbound West Rifle (exit 87) to guide motorists to the northern alternate route.  Before detouring onto any alternate route, motorists should refer to COtrip.org for the latest road conditions. By traveling on the recommended alternate route, motorists can avoid major delays caused by rough roads and other hazards.

Flash Flood Warning | Closed I-70 Glenwood Canyon MP 116-133

8.21.22, 1:55 pm – I-70 is closed in both directions between Exit 116 in Glenwood and Exit 133 in Dotsero. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the Grizzly Creek burn scar area in Glenwood Canyon. This closure is due to safety concerns. The roadway will remain closed until the Flash Flood Warning expires and the roadway is inspected for slides or damage.

National Weather Service

BULLETIN – EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
146 PM MDT Sun Aug 21 2022

Map of closure area

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has extended the

  • 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 430 PM MDT.
  • At 146 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, Shoshone and Dotsero.

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.

NWS and CDOT: I-70 reopened; flash flood watch until 8 pm

GCECA and CDOT: I-70 reopened both directions for separate accidents

comms,

Colorado Department of Transportation

7.5.22, 8:09 a.m. – I-70 westbound: roadway reopened to traffic between exit 129 – Bair Ranch and exit 125 – Hanging Lake.

7.5.22, 4:55 a.m. – I-70 westbound mile post 133 at Dotsero is closed due to a commercial motor vehicle recovery. Estimated time of reopening is 2-3 hours. Follow detour onto CO hwy 9 north to US 40 west to CO hwy 13 south. Updates are posted on CDOT’s cotrip site.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

7.5.22, 3:28 a.m. – I-70 is open at mile-marker 90 eastbound, Rifle.

Colorado Department of Transportation

7.5.22, 2:24 a.m. – I-70 westbound closed between exit 129: Bair Ranch and exit 125: Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs) at Mile Point 127.7. Road closed, expect delays due to a crash.

7.5.22, 12:29 a.m. – I-70 eastbound, closed – between exit 87 (Rifle) and exit 97 (near Silt) from mile point 90 to mile point 96.5. Road closed, expect delays due to a crash. Slower speeds are advised. Follow detour onto US 6 exit at exit 90/Rifle.

Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority

7.5.22, 12:25 a.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 90 Rifle eastbound, due to an accident.

GCECA and CDOT: I-70 reopened both directions for separate accidents

CDOT: Fire in Glenwood Canyon contained

comms

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

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.

Glenwood Springs Fire Department

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.

Colorado Department of Transportation

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.

CDOT: Fire in Glenwood Canyon contained