The Colorado Water Conservation Board posted a high flood warning for the San Juan Mountains on Twitter early Saturday, indicating an increased risk for mud and debris slides.
Several county agencies have deployed equipment and responders to major burn scar areas so they can respond quickly in case of a mud or debris slide because of the heavy rains expected across Southwest Colorado for the next week.
The major burn scars agencies are closely monitoring include the 2018 416 Fire area north of Durango and the recent East Canyon Fire area near Mancos.
“We’ve pre-positioned equipment in the Cherry Creek area,” said Butch Knowlton, director of the La Plata County Office of Emergency Management. “The heavy rains could produce a lot of debris and flood water.”
The agencies include the La Plata County Search and Rescue team, La Plata County Road and Bridge and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office.
The Colorado government warned the county agencies that these heavy rains could bring potential flooding on mountain roads, as well as mudslides and falling debris. But Knowlton said they are ready to respond if needed.
Search and Rescue also warned residents near Cherry Creek to be alert and watch their surroundings.
“We very closely watching these situations,” Knowlton said. “But so far, it’s been much-welcomed rain.”
ehayes@durangoherald.com
