Grizzly Creek Fire;

UCR: Grizzly Creek Fire grew 150 acres

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Since Thursday, the Grizzly Creek fire has grown approximately 150 acres between the west side of Grizzly Creek drainage and No Name drainage. Spot fires also occurred on the east side of the upper Grizzly Creek drainage and ground crews are working to contain these spots. Please do not report smoke visible from area communities.  

The fire is now 32,631 acres and 91 percent contained.

Additional resources were called in Friday to engage the new fire activity: air attack, 2 Large Air Tankers, 1 Very Large Air Tanker, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers, a type 3 helicopter, type 1 helicopter, White River Wildfire module, California Eagle Lake Wildfire Module, Montana BLM type 6 engine, a type 2 Initial Attack crew, and an additional type 2 crew arriving on Saturday.

“Fire behavior today has not showed much growth in acres. Mostly some isolated torching” said Incident Commander Dan Nielsen. “Please respect the area closure of the fire perimeter and remember the White River National Forest and BLM in this area are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.” Nielsen elaborated that the plan is to suppress the fire with ground resources where it is safe to do so. Air resources to the west side of Grizzly Creek will be utilized to slow fire growth. The plan for additional resources to staff the fire will continue to evolve depending on precipitation from this weekend’s predicted snow fall.

If you are hunting, camping or recreating in the area be alerted to changing fire behavior, respect the closure area, and follow Stage 1 fire restrictions which prohibit campfires outside of designated fire rings.

UCR: Grizzly Creek Fire grew 150 acres

Smoke continues on Grizzly Creek Fire

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Firefighters are monitoring smoke that continues to be visible from the Grizzly Creek Fire on warm afternoons and will take action if needed.

Currently, smoke is showing in the Grizzly Creek drainage on the north side of the fire and the Devil’s Hole drainage south of I-70 are not posing threats to the fire line, and the fire has not grown. It remains 32,431 acres and 91 percent contained.

Eight firefighters from the White River Fire Module are on the ground monitoring the fire. A type 3 helicopter with five crew members is assigned and available in Rifle when needed.

“We’ll continue to see smoke like this until we get some moisture,” said Incident Commander Dan Nielsen. “Please respect the area closure of the fire perimeter and remember the White River National Forest and BLM in this area are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.”

Maps of the current area closure as well as the fire perimeter are available on InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/. Check www.blm.gov or www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver for the latest fire restriction information.

Smoke continues on Grizzly Creek Fire

Transfer Trail now open

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. –The White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management have opened the Transfer Trail Road to public access, now that fire-line suppression repair in that area is complete.

The closure covering the fire perimeter remains unchanged. Maps of the closure and fire perimeter are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942.

“We ask that people visiting the area respect the fire closure because there still is some activity in the upper Grizzly Creek drainage and within the interior of the fire perimeter,” said Incident Commander Trainee Doug Lesch. “Fire personnel and air resources are still being used to hinder fire spread, and we anticipate red flag warnings in the upcoming days that could change fire behavior at any time.”

Hiking trails into the burned area including Hanging Lake, Grizzly Creek and No Name remain closed.

The BLM boat launch at Dotsero Landing remains open for take-out only. Cottonwood Landing above Dotsero remains open for put-in and take-out. (Lyons Gulch and Catamount close for construction Monday). The Colorado River recreation areas from Dotsero through Glenwood Canyon to No Name remain closed.

The Grizzly Creek Fire has not grown in several weeks. It remains 32,431 acres and 91 percent contained. There are 11 firefighters assigned. Additional resources including aircraft are available if activity increases.

Transfer Trail now open

UCR: Warmer weather brings expected increase in fire activity at Grizzly Creek

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Upper Colorado River Fire and Aviation Management Unit: Today firefighters used a helicopter to help keep fire activity in Grizzly Creek from expanding up the drainage.

With warm weather forecast through the week, firefighters expect similar fire and firefighting activity around the upper Grizzly Creek drainage. The Grizzly Creek Fire is not currently growing, but it is putting up smoke along the uncontained line in the steep, rugged drainage.

Maps of the current Forest and BLM closures as well as the fire perimeter are available on InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/.   Firefighters urge people recreating in the area of the Grizzly Creek Fire to respect the existing fire closure, which was recently reduced in size to allow more public access to the area.

The Grizzly Creek Fire remains 32,431 acres and 91 percent contained, with 18 firefighters and a helicopter working the fire.

Fire restrictions remain in place but vary based on location. Check www.blm.gov or www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver for the latest fire restriction information.

UCR: Warmer weather brings expected increase in fire activity at Grizzly Creek

BLM: Lyons and Catamount construction – recreation sites to be closed up to four weeks

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SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management plans to improve two recreation sites along the Upper Colorado River. Construction at Lyons Gulch and Catamount recreation sites will limit public access for up to four weeks beginning September 28.

At Lyons Gulch, a new concrete boat ramp will be constructed, and brush will be removed. These improvements will improve access and reduce site congestion. The BLM will keep a few campsites open along the south side of the recreation site to limit impacts to public recreation, however the boat launch/take-out will be closed. Boaters should plan to use Horse Creek, Cottonwood Island, and/or Dotsero Landing recreation sites instead.

The Catamount campground and parking area will be enlarged to serve increasing public use along the river. As a result, camping, parking, and the boat ramp will be closed during construction. Day floats from Two Bridges to Catamount will not be possible, so visitors should either plan to float upstream, taking out at Two Bridges, or put in below Burns at Pinball boat ramp. The float from Two Bridges to Pinball is 20 river miles – a longer trip than the average day float.

“The Upper Colorado River is one of our defining natural features as well as a popular summertime visitor attraction,” said Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “Consistent with recent land acquisitions to expand public river access, these upgrades will improve and increase opportunities for recreation, helping us to better meet demand.”

Signs will be posted in the project areas, and construction will wrap up as quickly as possible.

BLM: Lyons and Catamount construction – recreation sites to be closed up to four weeks

Forest Service and BLM further reduce Grizzly Creek Fire closure area

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – The White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management are further reducing the area closed for the Grizzly Creek Fire as more suppression repair work has been completed and fire activity has continued to moderate.

Beginning Saturday, Sept. 19 the area closure will be reduced to include only the area burned by the Grizzly Creek Fire (the fire perimeter) and the Transfer Trail Road.

“Suppression repair work is continuing on Transfer Trail, and we anticipate we will be able to open that road next weekend,” said White River Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams. “The fire perimeter remains closed both for public safety and to reduce additional impacts to the burned areas.”

“We know there is a lot of interest in accessing these areas for recreation, including hunting,” said BLM Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “We’ve continued to work with firefighters to reduce the closure area where it is safe to do so.”

Hiking trails into the burned area including Hanging Lake, Grizzly Creek and No Name remain closed.

The BLM boat launch at Dotsero Landing remains open for take-out only. Lyon’s Gulch and Cottonwood Landing above Dotsero remain open for put-in and take-out. The Colorado River recreation areas from Dotsero through Glenwood Canyon to No Name remain closed.

The Grizzly Creek Fire has not grown in several weeks. It remains 32,341 acres and 91 percent contained.

Maps of the closure and fire are available online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/, https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver, and https://www.blm.gov/colorado.

Forest Service and BLM further reduce Grizzly Creek Fire closure area

CDOT: Preparing travelers for Glenwood Canyon – fall 2020

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I-70 in Glenwood Canyon
Motorists should prepare for reduced speeds, no stopping in the canyon and safety closures due to debris flow and other weather-related events. CDOT also urges travelers to stay focused on the road and avoid distracted driving. If there is moderate, heavy or extreme rain in Glenwood Canyon over the Grizzly Creek burn scar, it is very likely there will be a debris flow, mudslides or rockfall. In order to maintain safety on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, CDOT has a plan in place for protecting the traveling public when there could be a debris flow, mudslides or rockfall.

Safety closures
If there is a flash flood watch for the Grizzly Creek burn scar, CDOT will have personnel and equipment on standby in preparation for a closure. If there is a flash flood warning for the Grizzly Creek burn scar, CDOT will close I-70 in Glenwood Canyon from Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) to 133 (Dotsero). All traffic will be affected and CDOT will immediately evacuate travelers from the canyon . During the closure, CDOT will monitor the roadway for debris flow, mudslides and rockfall. Personnel and
equipment will be ready to clear the road of debris and assess damage before reopening. CDOT will reopen I-70 in Glenwood Canyon once we’ve confirmed it is safe for the traveling public.

Note: A flash flood advisory is the step between a watch and a warning. In the event of a flash flood advisory , CDOT will be on standby in the same way as during a flash flood watch.

How to plan ahead
Motorists who are planning to travel on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon should pay close attention to weather forecasts. If there is rain in the forecast, be prepared for a closure on I-70 in the canyon. CDOT recommends picking an alternate route in case the canyon closes . Please refer to www.COtrip.org for the latest road conditions and route options. Motorists should be wary of using GPS navigation apps for searching alternate routes, since not all platforms provide up-to-date information. Travelers should avoid
using county or forest roads as alternate routes, as road conditions may not be favorable. CDOT also recommends that travelers bring an emergency kit, with water, snacks, a flashlight and a blanket, as mountain conditions often change suddenly in the fall season.

Driving in the canyon
Travelers are not allowed to stop in Glenwood Canyon while traveling on I-70. This is to protect the traveling public from debris flows, mudslides or rockfall in the canyon. In order to clear the canyon as quickly as possible during a closure, it is important for travelers to be in their vehicles while in the canyon. CDOT is working closely with Garfield and Eagle counties to prevent emergency search and rescue missions during a debris flow or other impacts. By keeping travelers in their cars and moving, we can better prevent search and rescue missions.

Rest areas
Rest areas in Glenwood Canyon are closed, in order to keep travelers on the road while in Glenwood Canyon (see paragraph above titled “Driving in the canyon”). Also, rest areas are located in areas that are more vulnerable to these events. CDOT will continue to monitor and assess safety in those locations. Rest areas may not reopen in 2020.

Bike path
The Glenwood Canyon bike path is closed to all users, in order to keep travelers on the road while in Glenwood Canyon (see paragraph above titled “Driving in the canyon”). The bike path will remain closed through the end of 2020, also due to damage that needs to be repaired before it can be safely reopened.

CO 82 Independence Pass
A popular alternate route is Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass. This is not a recommended detour due to restrictions and traffic impacts in September and October due to rockfall mitigation work. The pass is open to passenger vehicles only (cars, vans, SUVs). No commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), camper trailers, recreational or similar vehicles will be allowed and a 35-foot length restriction continues to be in place (year round).

Independence Pass shows as closed on navigation apps in order to prevent commercial traffic from being routed over the pass. All road conditions and closures are posted in real time at COtrip.org. Motorists should expect slow speeds, lengthy travel times and potential delays of up to two hours. Due to rockfall mitigation work, there will be daytime, weekday lane closures
with alternating traffic between mile points 59 to 62.

There will be a few days of full closures of CO 82 on Independence Pass in late September and early to mid-October, due to rockfall mitigation. Travelers should be aware that Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 is subject to closures due to inclement weather and is closed in the winter.

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Preparando a los viajeros para Glenwood Canyon (Otoño 2020)

I-70 en Glenwood Canyon
Los conductores deben prepararse para velocidades reducidas, no detener su automóvil en el cañón y cierres de seguridad debido al flujo de escombros y otros eventos relacionados con el clima. CDOT pide a los viajeros que se mantengan concentrados en la carretera y eviten manejar con distracciones. Si hay lluvias moderadas, fuertes o extremas en el Glenwood Canyon sobre el área quemada de Grizzly Creek, es probable que haya un flujo de escombros, deslizamientos de lodo o desprendimientos de rocas. Para mantener la seguridad en la carretera interestatal I-70 en Glenwood Canyon, el CDOT tiene planes para proteger a los conductores cuando podría haber un flujo de escombros, deslizamientos de lodo o desprendimientos de rocas.

Cierres por seguridad
Si hay una alerta de avenida torrencial para el área quemada de Grizzly Creek, el CDOT tendrá trabajadores y equipo en espera en preparación para un cierre. Si hay una alerta de avenida torrencial para el área quemada de Grizzly Creek, el CDOT cerrará la Interestatal 70 (I-70) en Glenwood Canyon desde la salida 116 (la ciudad de Glenwood Springs) a la 133 (la ciudad de Dotsero). Todo el tráfico se verá afectado y el CDOT evacuará inmediatamente a los conductores del cañón. Durante el cierre, el CDOT continúa monitoreando la carretera en busca de flujo de escombros,
deslizamientos de lodo y desprendimientos de rocas. Los trabajadores y el equipo estarán listos para limpiar el camino de escombros y evaluar los daños antes de reabrir. El CDOT reabrirá la I-70 en Glenwood Canyon una vez que hayamos confirmado que es seguro para el público viajero.

Nota: Una alerta de avenida torrencial es lo que sucede entre una Vigilancia y una Advertencia. En caso de un alerta de avenida torrencial , el CDOT estará en espera de la misma manera que durante una vigilancia de avenida torrencial.

Cómo planificar
Los conductores que planean viajar por la I-70 en Glenwood Canyon deben monitorear las previsiones meteorológicas. Si se pronostica lluvia, prepárese para un cierre en la I-70 en el cañón. CDOT recomienda elegir una ruta alternativa si el cañón se cierra. Consulte el sitio web COtrip.org para conocer las condiciones más recientes en la carretera y las opciones de desvío.

Los conductores deben tener cuidado con el uso de aplicaciones de navegación GPS para buscar rutas alternativas, ya que no siempre tienen información actualizada. Los viajeros deben evitar usar las carreteras del condado o las carreteras forestales como rutas alternativas. Es posible que las condiciones de la carretera no sean las correctas. El CDOT también recomienda que los conductores traigan un equipo de emergencia, con agua, bocadillos, una linterna y una manta, porque las condiciones
de la montaña pueden cambiar repentinamente en la temporada de otoño.

Manejando en el cañón
Los conductores no pueden detenerse en Glenwood Canyon mientras viajan por la carretera interestatal de I-70. Esto es para proteger a los viajeros de los flujos de escombros, deslizamientos de lodo o desprendimientos de rocas en el cañón. Para despejar el cañón rápidamente durante un cierre, es importante que los viajeros permanezcan en sus vehículos mientras están en el cañón. El CDOT está trabajando en estrecha colaboración con el Condado de Garfield y el Condado de Eagle para evitar misiones de búsqueda y rescate de emergencia durante un flujo de escombros u otros
impactos. Al mantener a los viajeros en sus carros y en movimiento, podemos prevenir mejor las misiones de búsqueda y rescate.

Área de descanso
Las áreas de descanso en el Glenwood Canyon están cerradas para mantener a los conductores en la carretera mientras se encuentran en Glenwood Canyon (consulte el párrafo anterior titulado “Manejando en el cañón”). Además, las áreas de descanso se ubican en áreas más vulnerables a estos eventos. El CDOT continuará monitoreando y evaluando la seguridad en esos lugares. Es posible que las áreas de descanso no vuelvan a abrir en 2020.

Carril para Bicicletas
El carril para bicicletas en Glenwood Canyon está cerrado para todos, con el fin de mantener a los conductores en la carretera mientras se encuentran en Glenwood Canyon (consulte el párrafo anterior titulado “Manejando en el cañón”). Este carril para bicicletas permanecerá cerrado hasta 2020, también debido a daños que deben repararse antes de que pueda reabrirse de manera segura.

Autopista CO 82 sobre Independence Pass
Una ruta alternativa popular es la autopista CO 82 sobre Independence Pass. Este no es un desvío recomendado debido a restricciones y impactos de tráfico en Septiembre y Octubre debido a trabajos de mitigación de desprendimiento de rocas. El pase está disponible solo para vehículos de pasajeros (carros, camionetas, SUV). No se permitirán vehículos comerciales de motor (CMV), caravanas o vehículos recreativos. Existe una restricción de longitud de 35 pies (todo el año). Independence Pass está cerrado en las aplicaciones de navegación GPS para evitar que los vehículos comerciales utilicen el pase. Todas las condiciones y cierres de carreteras se publican en tiempo real en el sitio web COtrip.org.

Los conductores esperan velocidades lentas, tiempos de viaje prolongados y retrasos de hasta dos horas. Debido al trabajo de mitigación de desprendimiento de rocas, habrá cierres de carriles durante el día entre semana con tráfico alterno entre los puntos de milla 59 y 62.

Habrá cierres completos de la autopista CO 82 en Independence Pass a finales de Septiembre y de principios a mediados de Octubre, debido a la mitigación de desprendimientos de rocas . Los conductores deben tener en cuenta que Independence Pass en la autopista CO 82 está sujeto a cierres debido a las inclemencias del tiempo y está cerrado en invierno.

CDOT: Preparing travelers for Glenwood Canyon – fall 2020

Firefighters get first-hand look at hot spots in Grizzly Creek drainage

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Yesterday, two firefighters were ferried by helicopter into the Grizzly Creek drainage to get a closer look at four hot spots near the edge of uncontained line discovered during previous surveillance flights and drone operations.
Division North Supervisor Dusty Calfee and Task Force Leader Jake Fischer spent seven hours in the drainage, reaching three of the four most prominent hot spots and getting line around two of the spots.

“What’s causing the heat and smoke is fire coming from down low in the duff,” Calfee said. “It’s leaf litter, needle cast and small branches, and it’s that creeping, smoldering type of fire that doesn’t always get spotted by helicopters.”

Calfee and Fischer hiked through 8-foot high brush, and crossed through shin-deep water multiple times. They noted several other locations during their hike showing low-intensity heat.

“This is not the type of fire activity that poses an immediate threat,” said Calfee. “At the moment, fire activity is minimal. If it were to find jackpots of fuel, activity could increase and become a threat in dry fall conditions. Should that happen, we may need to take action using aerial resources, or other strategies. We will continue to closely monitor the fire in the drainage, and take action when needed.”

The remote location inside the Grizzly Creek drainage is a safety risk for firefighters due to steep slopes, vertical cliff bands, scree fields and stretches of continuous brush. These factors make it very difficult to construct containment line in all the areas showing heat. The terrain makes it extremely difficult to extricate an injured firefighter if necessary.

Most of the other work being done on the fire involves suppression repair. Excavator work continues on the Transfer Trail Road, which will remain closed until work is complete. On the southern edge of the fire, crews have completed repair of all fire line. They are now cleaning up piles of logs and debris, and starting fence repair.

The Grizzly Creek Fire remains at 32,431 acres, and is 91% contained, with 86 people working on the fire.

The BLM and Forest closures that include the area south of Coffee Pot Road are still in place. A map of the closures is available on InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/.

The BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and the White River National Forest remain under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit all campfires and charcoal, even in developed areas. For more information, go to www.blm.gov or www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver.

Firefighters get first-hand look at hot spots in Grizzly Creek drainage

Grizzly Creek fire update

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Coffee Pot Road to re-open Saturday; Crews continue suppression repair

EAGLE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management and the White River National Forest will re-open the Coffee Pot Road beginning Saturday, Sept. 12 and are asking the public to recreate in the area responsibly.

“We understand the high public interest in accessing the Coffee Pot Road. We still have crews working in the area, so we are asking people to drive carefully, and if they are hunting, to be aware of their surroundings,” said
White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams.

“Be mindful in doing your part to minimize road damage as you drive onto open side roads north of Coffee Pot Road,” said BLM Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “If your vehicle begins to cause ruts, please consider other access options, and know that repaired fire suppression lines are not open to motorized travel.”

The BLM and Forest closures that include the area south of Coffee Pot Road are still in place. A map of the closures is available on Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/.

The BLM boat launch at Dotsero Landing will also open Saturday for take-out only. Lyon’s Gulch and Cottonwood Landing above Dotsero remain open for put-in and take-out. The Colorado River recreation areas from Dotsero through Glenwood Canyon to No Name remain closed.

The Transfer Trail Road closure will continue because of the high amount of heavy equipment still working in the area.

The Grizzly Creek Fire remains 32,431 acres (a small reduction this week due to mapping) and 91 percent contained. About 100 personnel remain on the fire, monitoring the open containment lines and continuing suppression repair as roads dry to allow better access.

Rain and snow have helped reduce fire activity. Firefighters are awaiting an infrared flight that will show where any heat may remain after this week’s precipitation.

Meanwhile, the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is continuing its assessment of the fire. The BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and the White River National Forest remain under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit all campfires and charcoal, even in developed areas. For more information, go to www.blm.gov or www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver.

Closure order-|

Closure order map-|

Forest Order-|

Grizzly Creek fire update

Grizzly Creek Fire at 91 percent containment

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Start date: 08/10/2020
Location: Glenwood Canyon
Cause: Human
Fire size: 32,464 acres
Containment: 91%
Total personnel: 270

Yesterday’s moisture helped further moderate fire behavior. Fire personnel are mostly away from fire lines until conditions on the ground dry to allow better access. Suppression and suppression repair activities will resume as conditions dry.

Scattered showers may continue today with a better chance of rain tomorrow. A drying trend is anticipated this weekend.
The Grizzly Creek Fire remains 91 percent contained and has not grown in 11 days. Fire resources will continue to be released to travel home or to new fires.

Today, management of the Grizzly Creek Fire transitioned from the Alaska Type 1 team to the Type 3 Upper Colorado River Fire Incident Management Team, under the command of Eric White.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is assessing the fire for imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands. The team is composed of resource specialists such as hydrologists, geologists, botanists, soils scientists, archaeologists, wildlife biologists, and engineers.

Unless circumstances change, the daily update schedule will be reduced, going forward, to once every two to three days. We will continue to provide updated information on the Grizzly Fire Facebook page, and on our inciWeb site (links below).

Fire closure areas include Coffee Pot and Transfer Trail roads. Both closure orders and associated maps can be found here.
Go to cotrip.org for information on highway closures.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire. Go to https://tfr.faa.gov/ for details.

Fire information: (970) 930-1850
Email: 2020.grizzlycreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrizzlyCreekFireCO
Twitter: @fire_grizzly

Grizzly Creek Fire at 91 percent containment