Officials from several agencies continued to monitor high
water conditions on several streams and rivers in La Plata County today. These conditions were brought on by the late
season, heavy snow accumulation in the headwaters of streams and rivers that pass
through La Plata County and two tropical weather systems this month that
created significant increases to the inflows going into the reservoirs.
In particular, the Vallecito and Pine River drainage areas
that flow into Vallecito Reservoir have been closely monitored today. Lemon and Vallecito Reservoirs were nearing
full capacity when the additional precipitation accumulated in the river basins
above the reservoirs. Consequently,
operators of those two irrigation structures had to make room for the additional
water by discharging large volumes of water out of the reservoirs. This has led to significant flows downstream
of the reservoirs. As a result, property
owners below the reservoirs are experiencing larger water volumes in the
Florida and Pine Rivers as water is released to create additional retention
capacity in the reservoirs. These large,
controlled discharges are intended to prevent larger, uncontrolled flooding out
of the reservoirs. These high volume
releases could continue, and possibly increase, for the next few days depending
upon weather patterns and moisture accumulations and upper elevation
temperatures in the headwater areas of the streams. If rain falls on snow in the high elevations,
it could cause a noticeable increase in the snowmelt resulting in high runoff
into the streams.
The National Weather Service has downgraded the flash flood
warning to a flash flood watch in La Plata County. A flash flood watch means that conditions may
develop that lead to flash flooding.
Today, .34 inches of rain fell at Lemon dam, but areas north of the dam
received more rainfall. Rainfall is
expected to be minimal after midnight tonight and then more moisture is
anticipated Friday afternoon.
No evacuations have been made, but some property owners
downstream of Vallecito Reservoir have reported minor flooding and water in
areas where there has been no water in recent years. Upper Pine Fire Protection District has been
working to sandbag at-risk homes along the Pine River and Upper Pine and officials
have been constantly monitoring bridges for debris.
County Road 322 had some flooding over the road near La Boca
this morning, but it is now clear. No
other significant issues have been reported on other County Roads, but
residents are asked to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to
recognize the dangers of flooding. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and
carefully as they may encounter debris and mud on the roads. Motorists should not drive into areas where
the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow a safe
crossing. If flooding is observed, act quickly. Do not enter the water. Turn
around and move up to higher ground.
“There has been an excellent multi-agency process that has
brought many professionals to the table to observe and predict impacts from
these conditions,” said Butch Knowlton, La Plata County Emergency Management
Director. “There is just not one expert
that can address all of the issues that this type of event creates. Therefore all of those people coming together
to share their expertise and knowledge has been impressive, and very much
appreciated.”
Some of the agencies coordinating the efforts include: Pine
River Irrigation District, Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado Division of Water
Resources, Dam Safety Office in Denver, National Weather Service, NOAA,
Colorado River Basin Forecast Center, Upper Pine Fire Protection District, Los
Pinos Fire Protection District, Bayfield Marshal, CDRC Corps of Engineers,
Southern Ute Tribal Officials, La Plata County Road and Bridge, La Plata County
Office of Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Department, La Plata County Search
and Rescue, and numerous ditch companies and water users.
.
A Call Center has been set up for the public at 970-385-8700
and will be open until 8:00 p.m. tonight.
The National Weather Service is the best source for weather
updates. Visit them online at
www.weather.gov/.
