I-70 from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero reopens after flash flood warning closure
A stretch of Interstate 70 on the Western Slope, including Glenwood Canyon, reopened late in the day after it was closed by a flash flood warning.
I-70 is open between mile-markers 116 and 133 both directions, Glenwood Springs and Dotsero. pic.twitter.com/4z2GqE9XGy
— Garfield 9-1-1 (@Garco911) July 5, 2022
The highway was closed in both directions from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, about an 18-mile stretch. It reopened at about 5:30 p.m., according to Garfield County officials.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 3:13 p.m. for the Grizzly Creek fire burn scar area in western Eagle County and east central Garfield County. The warning is posted until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Radar indicated heavy rains, from 0.5 to 1 inches in an hour, over the burn area. “Flash flooding is
ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” the weather service said. Debris flows, including rock, mud, vegetation and other materials are possible.
“If you encounter flood waters…climb to safety,” the warning urged.
Drivers are urged not to cross flooded roads. “Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the warning said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
A flash flood warning was also posted for an area in north central Grand County, according to the weather service. The posting was lifted at 4:30 p.m.
Heavy rain in Grand County created a debris flow that closed Highway 125 between Forest Service Road 730 and U.S. Highway 40 near Willow Creek Pass, according to the sheriff’s office. Drivers should expect long delays.
Happening Now on 7/5: Hwy 125 is closed between FS Rd. 730 & US 40 (Willowcreek Pass) from Mile Point 21.5 to Mile Point 0. Expect delays due to a mud slide. Road only open to locals.
➡️https://t.co/mXEnWDgmIp to stay updated on road closures @ColoradoDOT
#CO125 #GrandCounty pic.twitter.com/TPBxbBiYW4— Grand County Sheriff (@GrandCoSheriff) July 5, 2022
At least three-fourths of an inch of rain fell in the area hit by the mudslide, the weather service said.
A flash flood warning was also posted on Tuesday afternoon in south central Larimer County. The posting ran from 3:55 to 4:45 p.m., according to the weather service.
Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain fell northeast of Deer Ridge. Some areas hit by flash flooding included within Rocky Mountain National Park. Drainages impacted included the Big Thompson River, Roaring River and the North Fork of the Big Thompson River.
