Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
7.14.23, 6:50 pm – I-70 is open at mile marker 72 westbound, West Parachute.
7.14.23, 3:22 pm – I-70 is closed at mile marker 72 westbound, West Parachute, due to a fire.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority; Colorado Department of Transportation
Spring Creek Fire update – July 5
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
July 5, 2023, 11:28 a.m. – Operational update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2.
Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, gives us an overview of each division’s operational plans for today.
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Size: 2,940 acres
Containment: 37%
Total personnel: 544
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
July 5, 10:18 a.m., – Current situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two tactical plan for yesterday’s challenging weather conditions proved to be effective. Strong gusty winds began around 3 p.m., but the cloud cover kept the fire from heating up excessively. Overall fire behavior was relatively calm, burning through the underbrush.
Several days of drying conditions have increased the chances of smaller vegetation igniting and carrying fire; however, the larger fuels, like live trees, remain too moist for the fire to climb up the branches and torch. Torching can throw embers into the air and travel greater distances on the wind. In contrast, the creeping fire behavior is helpful in removing fuels from the area. Late in the afternoon, because conditions were appropriate, fire managers implemented the plan to ignite the dense oak scrub and mahogany brush on the northeast side of the fire. Using drones—unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—operators can strategically apply fire to the landscape from a safe distance. The plastic spheres dropped by the UAS contain a combustible chemical combination that ignites the vegetation. The purpose is to burn fuels under the most advantageous conditions and rob the fire of materials that could burn much hotter under drier conditions. If the test fires burn as expected and conditions remain favorable, there may be additional burnout operations inside the contingency lines.
Firefighters will continue to work the perimeter of the fire to address pockets of heat and prevent spread. Overnight infrared flights identify areas of intense heat, allowing firefighters to target the hottest spots. Night crews work to secure the edge of the fire, taking advantage of the cooler, moister night air. Crews are working all hours and all sides of the Spring Creek Fire to maintain control, and no containment issues are expected.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather and smoke information: Mostly sunny skies, high temperatures, and low humidity are predicted for today. Winds will be light at 5-15 mph. Near critical fire weather is expected to return Thursday through Sunday with high temperatures and gusty winds. Residents must remain vigilent in preventing any new fire starts that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information
Spring Creek Fire July 4
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2
July 4th, 2023 Operational update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2.
Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, gives us an overview of each division’s operational plans for today.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
Spring Creek Fire Update
July 4, 2023
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 2,932 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 538
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two carefully prepared for today’s Red Flag Warning by adapting tactical plans. While the exact challenges the weather conditions may bring today are unknown, fire managers have created a plan of action by studying the dryness of area vegetation, carefully assessing the topography of the area, and using computer modeling to predict possible fire behavior.
Yesterday, firefighters again cooled hot spots along the perimeter of the fire and built line by hand and heavy equipment. Crews removed brush along roadsides to create fire barriers. Their efforts gained containment and slowed the growth of the Spring Creek Fire. These fire control measures will be tested by the predicted weather, but firefighters have prepared for it by placing supplies like hoses, pumps, and water tanks at advantageous locations; scouting out and marking safe travel corridors for personnel and vehicles; and developing safety plans to protect firefighters in emergency situations.
Contingency plans are developed in case the primary fire controls do not suffice. One contingency plan designed to further protect the populated areas on the north side of the fire is the clearing of vegetation along the gravel road north of Dry Creek Road. This provides a second fuel break between the fire and developed areas as an additional defensive tactic.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: Temperatures and winds will increase today, and the fire will become more active after the inversion breaks around 11:00 a.m. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. on July 4th. Gusts of wind up to 45 mph are predicted. Over the next few days, the temperatures will remain near 90° F. Winds will calm on Wednesday but increase again Thursday thru Saturday. Residents are asked to help reduce any new fire starts during the holiday’s critical fire weather that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
Garco911 and CDOT: I-70 reopened in Glenwood Canyon
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
9.14.22, 8:48 pm – I-70 is open between mile-markers 116-133 both directions, Glenwood Springs and Dotsero.
Colorado Department of Transportation
UPDATE – 9:00 p.m. (9/14) – 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.
9.14.22, 7:49 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 is in effect until 8:30 p.m. tonight. 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.
Motorists should monitor weather forecasts to confirm 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. 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 use COtrip.org or CDOT’s free COtrip Planner mobile app to plan an alternate route.
7.14.22, 6:39 pm – Flash Flood Warning | Closed I-70 Glenwood Canyon MP 116-133
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 cleared for travel.
Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path and Rest Areas Closed
Rest areas and the recreation path along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon are closed. This closure will affect the Bair Ranch and Grizzly Creek rest areas due to weather forecasts calling for rainfall above the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
9.14.22, 6:37 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
9.14.22, 6:35 pm – Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
635 PM MDT Wed Sep 14 2022
Map of flash flood warning area
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 830 PM MDT.
* At 635 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.
Garco911, NWS: I-70 reopened; flash flood warning expires, flash flood watch until midnight
8.15.22, 9:37 pm – I-70 is open between mile markers 133 – 116 westbound; Glenwood Canyon open both directions from Dotsero to Glenwood Springs.
8.15.22, 8:36 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 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15. As of 6:00 p.m., the warning is in effect until 8:00 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.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.15.22, 8:34 am – I-70 is open at 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs, westbound at Dotsero is still closed.
National Weather Service
Central Colorado River Basin-Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys-Flat Tops
736 PM MDT Mon Aug 15 2022
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE GRIZZLY CREEK FIRE BURN AREA IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT…
- 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 Midnight MDT tonight.
- 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.
Colorado Department of Transportation
8.15.22, 6 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 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15. As of 6:00 p.m., the warning is in effect until 8:00 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.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.15.22, 5:18 pm – I-70 is closed between mile-markers 116 and 133 both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.
National Weather Service
8.15.22, 5:20 pm – Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
520 PM MDT Mon Aug 15 2022
Map of flash flood warning area
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a
- Flash Flood Warning for…
Southeastern Garfield County in west central Colorado…
North Central Gunnison County in west central Colorado…
Northwestern Pitkin County in west central Colorado… - Until 830 PM MDT.
- At 520 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75
inches 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, Marble and Redstone.
This includes the following highways…Colorado 133 between mile markers 43 and 66.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.
GARCO911 and CDOT: I-70 reopened in Glenwood Canyon; flash flood watch remains
Colorado Department of Transportation
8.14.22, 10:00 pm – 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. A Flash Flood Watch continues to be in place.
| 8.14.22, 6:45 pm – Safety closure in place between exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) and exit 133 (Dotsero) 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 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 14. As of 6:30 p.m., the warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Like previous safety closures this summer, eastbound and westbound I-70 are closed from Glenwood Springs (exit 116) to Dotsero (exit 133). The safety closure is part of CDOT’s safety protocol to protect the traveling public from flash floods and mudslides in Glenwood Canyon. Motorists continue to have access to Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley. 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. Motorists continue to have access to Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley. Before detouring onto any alternate route, motorists should refer to www.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. |
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
8.14.22, 6:17 pm: I-70 is closed between mile-markers 116 and 131 both directions, Glenwood Springs canyon, due to a flash flood warning.
NWS: Glenwood Canyon reopening after flash flood warning
Colorado Department of Transportation
July 5, 2022, 5:00 p.m.: Between exit 133: Dotsero and exit 114: West Glenwood (including Glenwood Canyon), from mile point 133 to mile point 116, the roadway is reopened to traffic.
Garco911
July 5, 2022, 3:26 p.m.: I-70 is closed between mile markers 116 and 133 in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.
National Weather Service
July 5, 2022 – 3:13 p.m.: Flash Flood Warning – National Weather Service Grand Junction, CO.
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 and East Central Garfield County in west central Colorado until 5 p.m. MDT.
* At 3:13 p.m. MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1 inch in 1 hour. 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.
Glenwood Canyon reopened – Flash Flood Warning downgraded to Flash Flood Watch
Garco911
July 5, 5:45 pm
I-70 is open between mile-markers 116 and 133 both directions, main Glenwood exit and Dotsero.
National Weather Service
Central Colorado River Basin-Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys-Flat Tops
552 PM MDT Mon Jul 5 2021
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE GRIZZLY CREEK FIRE BURN AREA IN EFFECT
UNTIL 10 PM MDT THIS EVENING…
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area in 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.
* Until 10 PM MDT this evening.
* 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.
Colorado Department of Transportation
I-70 Glenwood Canyon CLOSED – 5 PM (7/5) – A SAFETY CLOSURE is going into place for Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon due to a Flash Flood Warning for the Grizzly Creek burn area. Closure points for westbound travelers are from Exit 133 (Dotsero) to Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs). Closure points for westbound travelers are from Exit 87 (West Rifle) to Exit 109 (Canyon Creek).
Motorists can either seek the northern alternate route via Steamboat Springs OR wait out the Flash Flood Warning. Motorists who decide to wait out the closure MUST wait at a location off I-70, and will NOT be allowed to wait on the roadway. If a debris flow or mudslide occurs during the warning, I-70 will be closed for a longer period of time.
For westbound motorists from the Denver metro area who are detouring: plan on traveling on the northern recommended alternate route by exiting I-70 at Exit 205 (Silverthorne) and traveling north Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling or by exiting I-70 at Exit 157 (Wolcott) and traveling north on Colorado Highway 131 towards Steamboat Springs. Travelers will 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). Eastbound travelers can detour using the same route in reverse.
Garco911
I-70 is closed between mile-markers 116 and 133 both directions, main Glenwood exit and Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.
National Weather Service
Flash Flood Warning
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 630 PM MDT.
* At 440 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Grizzly Creek Fire Burn Area. Between 0.2 and 0.4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.2 to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned 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. FLASH FLOOD…RADAR INDICATED FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT…CONSIDERABLE
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.