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LYONS,
Colo. (AP) - Heavy rains sent walls of water crashing down
mountainsides Thursday in Colorado, cutting off remote towns, forcing
the state's largest university to close and leaving at least three
people dead across a rugged landscape that included ...
Colorado
flooding cuts off mountain towns, kills 3
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P. SOLOMON BANDA, The Associated Press
Posted: Thursday, September 12, 2013, 8:02 PM
LYONS, Colo. (AP) - Heavy rains sent walls of water crashing down
mountainsides Thursday in Colorado, cutting off remote towns, forcing
the state's largest university to close and leaving at least three
people dead across a rugged landscape that included areas blackened by
recent wildfires.
After a rainy week, up to 8 more inches fell in an area spanning from
the Wyoming border south to the foothills west of Denver. Flooding
extended all along the Front Range mountains and into some cities,
including Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Aurora and
Boulder.
Numerous roads and highways were washed out or made impassable by
floods. Floodwaters poured into homes, and at least a few buildings
collapsed in the torrent.
Boulder County appeared to be hardest hit. Sheriff Joe Pelle said the
town of Lyons was completely cut off because of flooded roads, and
residents were huddling together on higher ground. Although everyone was
believed to be safe, the deluge was expected to continue into Friday.
"It is not an ordinary disaster," Pelle said. "All the preparation in
the world ... it can't put people up those canyons while these walls of
water are coming down."
Jason Stillman, 37, said he and his fiancee were forced to evacuate
their home in Lyons at about 3 a.m. after a nearby river began to
overflow into the street.
Stillman, who was staying at a friend's house on higher ground, went
back to his neighborhood in the afternoon and saw how fast-moving water
had overturned cars and swept away homes at a nearby trailer park.
"From what I could tell, my house is sitting in Class 3 rapids," he
said. When he returns, "it's going to be a sobering experience."
By mid-afternoon, some high-clearance vehicles were on their way to the
town, where the Red Cross said about 200 people sought shelter in an
elementary school. National Guard rescue helicopters were grounded by
fog and low visibility.
To the north, residents along the Big Thompson Canyon in Larimer County,
scene of the deadliest flash flood in state history, were also
evacuated. The Big Thompson River flooded in 1976 after about a foot of
rain fell in just four hours, killing 144 people.
Water roaring across U.S. Highway 36 south of Lyons prevented residents
from leaving the Crestview subdivision, so Howard Wachtel arranged for
someone to meet him at a roadblock for a ride to a gas station. He
needed more gasoline to keep his generator running so he could pump
water out of his basement.
"This is more like something out of the Bible. I saw one of my neighbors
building an ark," he joked, over the sound of the rushing water.
Firefighters performed a daring rescue of two men trapped in vehicles in
Rock Creek, east of Boulder. After rushing water collapsed a section of
road, rescuers used a raft to reach the men, broke the car windows and
lifted them to safety.
Some of the flooding was exacerbated by wildfire "burn scars" that have
spawned flash floods all summer in the mountains. That was particularly
true in an area scarred by fire in 2010 near the tiny community of
Jamestown and another near Colorado Springs' Waldo Canyon that was hit
in 2012.
Rain is normally soaked up by a sponge-like layer of pine needles and
twigs on the forest floor. But wildfires incinerate that layer and leave
a residue in the top layer of soil that sheds water. A relatively light
rain can rush down charred hillsides into streambeds, picking up dirt,
ash, rocks and tree limbs along the way. Narrow canyons aggravate the
threat.
At the University of Colorado, about 400 students in a dorm were
evacuated, and administrators canceled classes at least through Friday.
About a quarter of the school's buildings have some kind of water
damage.
One person was killed when a structure collapsed in the tiny town of
Jamestown northwest of Boulder. Another person drowned in northern
Boulder as he was trying to help a woman who was swept away in a torrent
of water, authorities said. Boulder County sheriff's Cmdr. Heidi
Prentup said the woman is still missing.
To the south, Colorado Springs police conducting flood patrols found the
body of 54-year-old Danny Davis in Fountain Creek on the west side of
the city.
Weather service meteorologist Bob Kleyla said a 20-foot wall of water
was reported in Left Hand Canyon north of Boulder, and a firefighter
radioed he was trapped in a tree. He said rescuers trying to get to him
were initially blocked by debris.
"We did access him. They put him onto a sled and were able to take him
across the creek, so he is getting treatment at this point," Prentup
said.
The creek is usually "just a trickle," said nearby resident Carm Say.
"You can walk across it and have fun. Now, as you can see, it's hitting
houses."
At least one earthen dam gave way southeast of Estes Park, the gateway
to Rocky Mountain National Park. Water levels could rise downstream as
authorities release more water to ease pressure on dams. With debris
piling up near bridges, downstream farming areas including Fort Lupton,
Dacono and Plateville were also at risk.
In rural Morgan County, authorities urged ranchers to move cattle to
higher ground as the mountain rains emptied onto the plains.
Rain showers and thunderstorms were expected through the night, with
some storms capable of dumping an inch of water in 30 minutes, the
weather service warned.
___
Associated Press writers Steven K. Paulson and Thomas Peipert in Denver
contributed to this report.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20130912_ap_4aeda3cd83b74fe4ba7bea68768afe56.html#DTLAUVAFjztk01Tu.99
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Colorado
flooding cuts off mountain towns, kills 3
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P. SOLOMON BANDA, The Associated Press
Posted: Thursday, September 12, 2013, 8:02 PM
LYONS, Colo. (AP) - Heavy rains sent walls of water crashing down
mountainsides Thursday in Colorado, cutting off remote towns, forcing
the state's largest university to close and leaving at least three
people dead across a rugged landscape that included areas blackened by
recent wildfires.
After a rainy week, up to 8 more inches fell in an area spanning from
the Wyoming border south to the foothills west of Denver. Flooding
extended all along the Front Range mountains and into some cities,
including Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Aurora and
Boulder.
Numerous roads and highways were washed out or made impassable by
floods. Floodwaters poured into homes, and at least a few buildings
collapsed in the torrent.
Boulder County appeared to be hardest hit. Sheriff Joe Pelle said the
town of Lyons was completely cut off because of flooded roads, and
residents were huddling together on higher ground. Although everyone was
believed to be safe, the deluge was expected to continue into Friday.
"It is not an ordinary disaster," Pelle said. "All the preparation in
the world ... it can't put people up those canyons while these walls of
water are coming down."
Jason Stillman, 37, said he and his fiancee were forced to evacuate
their home in Lyons at about 3 a.m. after a nearby river began to
overflow into the street.
Stillman, who was staying at a friend's house on higher ground, went
back to his neighborhood in the afternoon and saw how fast-moving water
had overturned cars and swept away homes at a nearby trailer park.
"From what I could tell, my house is sitting in Class 3 rapids," he
said. When he returns, "it's going to be a sobering experience."
By mid-afternoon, some high-clearance vehicles were on their way to the
town, where the Red Cross said about 200 people sought shelter in an
elementary school. National Guard rescue helicopters were grounded by
fog and low visibility.
To the north, residents along the Big Thompson Canyon in Larimer County,
scene of the deadliest flash flood in state history, were also
evacuated. The Big Thompson River flooded in 1976 after about a foot of
rain fell in just four hours, killing 144 people.
Water roaring across U.S. Highway 36 south of Lyons prevented residents
from leaving the Crestview subdivision, so Howard Wachtel arranged for
someone to meet him at a roadblock for a ride to a gas station. He
needed more gasoline to keep his generator running so he could pump
water out of his basement.
"This is more like something out of the Bible. I saw one of my neighbors
building an ark," he joked, over the sound of the rushing water.
Firefighters performed a daring rescue of two men trapped in vehicles in
Rock Creek, east of Boulder. After rushing water collapsed a section of
road, rescuers used a raft to reach the men, broke the car windows and
lifted them to safety.
Some of the flooding was exacerbated by wildfire "burn scars" that have
spawned flash floods all summer in the mountains. That was particularly
true in an area scarred by fire in 2010 near the tiny community of
Jamestown and another near Colorado Springs' Waldo Canyon that was hit
in 2012.
Rain is normally soaked up by a sponge-like layer of pine needles and
twigs on the forest floor. But wildfires incinerate that layer and leave
a residue in the top layer of soil that sheds water. A relatively light
rain can rush down charred hillsides into streambeds, picking up dirt,
ash, rocks and tree limbs along the way. Narrow canyons aggravate the
threat.
At the University of Colorado, about 400 students in a dorm were
evacuated, and administrators canceled classes at least through Friday.
About a quarter of the school's buildings have some kind of water
damage.
One person was killed when a structure collapsed in the tiny town of
Jamestown northwest of Boulder. Another person drowned in northern
Boulder as he was trying to help a woman who was swept away in a torrent
of water, authorities said. Boulder County sheriff's Cmdr. Heidi
Prentup said the woman is still missing.
To the south, Colorado Springs police conducting flood patrols found the
body of 54-year-old Danny Davis in Fountain Creek on the west side of
the city.
Weather service meteorologist Bob Kleyla said a 20-foot wall of water
was reported in Left Hand Canyon north of Boulder, and a firefighter
radioed he was trapped in a tree. He said rescuers trying to get to him
were initially blocked by debris.
"We did access him. They put him onto a sled and were able to take him
across the creek, so he is getting treatment at this point," Prentup
said.
The creek is usually "just a trickle," said nearby resident Carm Say.
"You can walk across it and have fun. Now, as you can see, it's hitting
houses."
At least one earthen dam gave way southeast of Estes Park, the gateway
to Rocky Mountain National Park. Water levels could rise downstream as
authorities release more water to ease pressure on dams. With debris
piling up near bridges, downstream farming areas including Fort Lupton,
Dacono and Plateville were also at risk.
In rural Morgan County, authorities urged ranchers to move cattle to
higher ground as the mountain rains emptied onto the plains.
Rain showers and thunderstorms were expected through the night, with
some storms capable of dumping an inch of water in 30 minutes, the
weather service warned.
___
Associated Press writers Steven K. Paulson and Thomas Peipert in Denver
contributed to this report.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20130912_ap_4aeda3cd83b74fe4ba7bea68768afe56.html#DTLAUVAFjztk01Tu.99
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20130912_ap_4aeda3cd83b74fe4ba7bea68768afe56.html#DTLAUVAFjztk01Tu.99
Oregon
Heavy rains and scarring from recent wildfires sent walls
of water crashing down mountainsides early Thursday in Colorado,
cutting off mountain towns, forcing the University of Colorado to cancel
classes, and leaving at least three people dead.
(15 total photos)
(15 total photos)
1 of 15
A man walks past dangerously high Boulder
Creek following overnight flash flooding in downtown Boulder, Colo.,
Thursday, Sept 12, 2013. Flash flooding in Colorado has left two people
dead and the widespread high waters are keeping search and rescue teams
from reaching stranded residents and motorists in Boulder and nearby
mountain communities as heavy rains hammered northern Colorado. (AP
Photo/Brennan Linsley)
2 of 15
High water levels flow down Boulder Creek
following overnight flash flooding in downtown Boulder, Colo., Thursday,
Sept 12, 2013. The widespread high waters are keeping search and
rescue teams from reaching stranded residents and motorists in Boulder
and nearby mountain communities as heavy rains hammered northern
Colorado. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
4 of 15
Officials investigate the scene of a road
collapse at Highway 287 and Dillon at the Broomfield/Lafayette border,
Colo., that sent three vehicles into the water after flash flooding on
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013. The National Weather Service has warned of an
"extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation" throughout the
region. (AP Photo/Daily Camera, Cliff Grassmick)
5 of 15
A torrent of water rushes alongside a
swamped house following flash flooding near Left Hand Canyon, south of
Lyons, Colo., Thursday, Sept 12, 2013. The widespread high waters are
keeping search and rescue teams from reaching stranded residents in
Lyons and nearby mountain communities as heavy rains hammered northern
Colorado. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
6 of 15
Firefighters talk with local residents, who
brought them coffee, as they keep watch over a road washed out by a
torrent of water following overnight flash flooding near Left Hand
Canyon, south of Lyons, Colo., Thursday, Sept 12, 2013. The widespread
high waters are keeping search and rescue teams from reaching stranded
residents in Lyons and nearby mountain communities as heavy rains
hammered northern Colorado. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
7 of 15
Local residents stand above a road washed
out by a torrent of water following overnight flash flooding near Left
Hand Canyon, south of Lyons, Colo., Thursday, Sept 12, 2013. The
widespread high waters are keeping search and rescue teams from reaching
stranded residents in Lyons and nearby mountain communities as heavy
rains hammered northern Colorado. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
8 of 15
Robert Scott waits for traffic to cross
Highway 52 near Erie, Colo., on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 as flood waters
near the roadway. Flash flooding in Colorado has cut off access to
towns, closed the University of Colorado in Boulder and left at least
three people dead. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
9 of 15
Debris floats down the overflowing St.
Vrain River following overnight flash flooding, one mile east of Lyons,
Colo., Thursday, Sept 12, 2013. Flash flooding in Colorado has left
widespread high waters that are keeping search and rescue teams from
reaching stranded residents in Lyons and nearby mountain communities as
heavy rains hammered northern Colorado. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
10 of 15
Mountain View Fire Rescue department
firefighters Jamie Wood and Steve Knoll walk through a food of water
after doing a welfare check of a flooded property in rural Erie, Colo.
on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013. Overnight rains along Colorado's eastern
foothills caused flooding in several communities and two fatalities. (AP
Photo/Peter M. Fredin)
12 of 15
A man carries a sandbag through flood
waters as residence of an apartment house work to divert flood water
from their building in Boulder, Colo., on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.
Flash flooding in Colorado has cut off access to towns, closed the
University of Colorado in Boulder and left at least three people dead.
(AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
13 of 15
A road is collapsed following flooding at
Highway 287 and Dillon at the Broomfield/Lafayette border, Colo.,
sending three vehicles into the water on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013. Three
people were rescued. The National Weather Service has warned of an
"extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation" throughout the
region. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Andy Cross)
14 of 15
This image provided by Jason Stillman,
shows flooding in Lyons Colo., Thursday Sept. 12, 2013. Boulder County
Sheriff Joe Pelle said the town of Lyons was completely cut off because
of flooded roads. Flash flooding in Colorado has cut off access to
towns, closed the University of Colorado in Boulder and left at least
three people dead. (AP Photo/Jason Stillman)
15 of 15
This image provided by Jason Stillman,
shows flooding in Lyons Colo., Thursday Sept. 12, 2013. Boulder County
Sheriff Joe Pelle said the town of Lyons was completely cut off because
of flooded roads. Flash flooding in Colorado has cut off access to
towns, closed the University of Colorado in Boulder and left at least
three people dead. (AP Photo/Jason Stillman)
end quote from:
Colorado flooding kills at least 3 (photos)
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National News
Heavy rains cause flooding in Colorado
September 13, 2013 01:23 GMT
Eds: Updates are in Mountain Daylight Time. With BC-US--Colorado
Flooding and BC-US--Colorado Flooding-Photo Gallery. With AP Photos. AP
Video. By COLLEEN SLEVIN and P. SOLOMON BANDA Associated Press
LYONS, Colo. (AP) -- Heavy rains and scarring from recent wildfires sent
walls of water crashing down mountainsides early Thursday in Colorado,
cutting off mountain towns and causing the University of Colorado to
cancel classes. At least three people are reported dead.
This is what Associated Press reporters on the scene Thursday are
learning about the unfolding events:
7 p.m. MDT
National Guard trucks have begun bringing a handful of evacuees out of
Lyons, including a woman in a wheelchair. Ambulances are waiting to
transport those who need medical attention. More Guard trucks are
prepared to head back to the isolated town.
5:57 p.m. MDT
Authorities say a firefighter who radioed that he was trapped in a tree
has been rescued and is receiving treatment.
5:55 p.m. MDT
A woman who was with a man killed in flood waters north of Boulder is
missing. Authorities say the woman was swept away after the vehicle she
was in got stuck in water. The man died after getting out of the vehicle
to help her.
4:20 p.m. MDT
A National Guard Blackhawk helicopter and other first responders have
been dispatched to southeastern New Mexico to help evacuate dozens of
campers stranded by floodwaters along the Pecos River.
2:21 p.m. MDT
Three high-clearance, armored vehicles are heading out to the mountain
community of Lyons, where residents have been trapped by flooded roads.
The Red Cross says about 200 people have taken shelter in a school
there.
2:03 p.m. MDT
No Coast Guard helicopters are coming to landlocked Colorado after all.
Gov. John Hickenlooper has retracted a tweet announcing that the
choppers were dispatched to help with flooding. National Guard rescue
helicopters based in the state have been grounded by low visibility.
1:25 p.m. MDT
Access to the mountain community of Lyons has been completely cut off
because of flooding and residents are hunkering down at higher ground.
Despite all the water, residents are being told to only drink bottled or
boiled water because of a possible breach of the town's water system.
1:15 p.m. MDT
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was slinging passes with a
glove on his throwing hand as rain came down at the team's practice
center in Englewood, Colo. The Broncos have a nearby indoor training
facility for bad weather, but practiced on the turf as they prepare for
the Giants in New York on Sunday.
12:37 p.m. MDT
In rural Morgan County, fire authorities urged ranchers to move cattle
to higher ground as mountain rains emptied onto the plains.
11:57 a.m. MDT
The Boulder County sheriff's office is telling people to shelter in
place rather than evacuate, because more people are injured in their
cars. "Stay home or if they're in danger climb to higher ground," said
Cmdr. Heidi Prentup. Many area roads are closed.
11:34 a.m. MDT
Dave Finn, who lives near Niwot northwest of Boulder, said he had to
knock down a fence to release water that had backed up behind it. He
said he destroyed his fence to save his house.
"I've never seen it like this. You know, we sort of roll our eyes when
they say you have to be prepared for the 100-year flood, so here we
are,"' he said.
11:18 a.m. MDT
Heavy rainfall is forecast throughout much of central and northern New
Mexico through the weekend, with the possibility of flash flooding.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kerry Jones says it's likely some
areas could see 6 to 10 inches of rain through the weekend.
10:59 a.m. MDT
Some of Thursday's flooding was exacerbated by wildfire burn scars that
have spawned flash floods up and down Colorado's Front Range this
summer. That was particularly true in an area surrounding Jamestown
scarred by the Fourmile Fire in 2010, and an area near Waldo Canyon in
Colorado Springs to the south, which was hit in 2012.
10:17 a.m. MDT
"This is not an ordinary day, it is not an ordinary disaster. All the
preparation in the world ... it can't put people up those canyons while
these walls of water are coming down," Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle
said.
9:48 a.m. MDT
Rain showers and thunderstorms were expected through Thursday, with
possible spot storms capable of dumping an inch of water within a
half-hour, the weather service warned.
9:34 a.m. MDT
At a news conference, Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said National
Guard helicopters are on standby, but they have been grounded because of
continuing rain.
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