Western Slope · Colorado
701 resolved alerts kept for reference
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows are possible, flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County Colorado, including Dexter and Cutler Creeks and Highway 550. * WHEN...Until 730 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Excessive rainfall is possible over the Gold Mountain Burn Scar which could lead to flash flooding and/or debris flows, particularly along highway 550 between Cutler Creek and Dexter Creek. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 234 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Ouray. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
ESFGJT Anomalous moisture has become established across portions of eastern Utah and western Colorado. Rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour will be possible with the stronger storms. These rates could lead to flash flooding and debris flows especially over recent burn scars. Storms over the last few days have helped prime lower levels of the atmosphere and saturate the ground where rain was observed. Several locations across southwest Colorado have reported 0.5 to 1.0 inches of rain within 30 minutes; which is more than sufficient to create issues in our steep, rocky terrain that is already susceptible to flash flooding. This environment also triggers heightened awareness over recent (or actively burning) fires, due to the burnt ground's inability of absorbing moisture under heavy rainfall. As such, we continue to emphasize the potential for flash flooding and debris flows in this regime. As a reminder: Keep an eye on our forecasts through the end of the week and stay tuned for updated hydrology alerts if visiting or if you reside below vulnerable terrain to flash flooding and/or debris flows. Storms across the west develop quickly, leaving little room for lead time in flashy terrain.