DENVER (KDVR) — Multiple counties in southwest Colorado have issued mandatory evacuation notices due to heavy rainfall resulting in severe flooding.
La Plata and Archuleta counties issued evacuation notices after heavy rain fell on the area overnight, flooding streams and rivers in the area.
La Plata County
according to La Plata CountyRainfall breached the banks of Vallecito Creek and Grimes Creek north of Vallecito Lake.
The county said about 350 homes have been built They were evacuated North of Vallecito Lake, as fire protection in the Upper Pine River I mentioned More than 100 homes had been affected as of Saturday evening.
“The Upper Pine District is working closely with state emergency management and La Plata County emergency management officials to declare the North Vallecito area a state disaster area,” the fire protection agency said in a Facebook post.
The agency also stated that the evacuation route down County Road 501 from Elkhorn to Five Branches was “impassable” due to damage to the Vallecito Creek Bridge.
The only evacuation route the agency says is open is along County Road 501 and County Road 500, leading to the official evacuation center at Bayfield High School. It is located at 800 County Road 501.
Archuleta County
The San Juan River has overflowed its banks and is currently flooding areas downtown, the Town of Pasugsa Springs said in a news release Saturday evening.
Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office He said Mandatory evacuations have been in place for residents on Hermosa Street and San Juan Street east of Hot Springs Boulevard. Interstate 160 is also closed through downtown at the San Juan River Bridge.
On Saturday evening, the town also issued a local disaster emergency declaration order in response to the flooding of the San Juan River.
According to the city, an evacuation center has been opened at the Ross Aragon Community Center for residents due to flooding, which is located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
The National Weather Service also issued a flood warning for parts of southwestern Colorado until… 9 am on Sunday.