Officials warn of flash flooding concerns from wildfire burn scars

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — As wildfires along Colorado’s Front Range get under control and with rain in the forecast, officials are now warning residents about the risk of flash floods.

Locations downhill and downstream from burned areas could be highly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flow, especially in and near steep terrain.

“We’re watching that very closely. In fact, a meteorologist is back at camp right now watching the radar. You can feel the raindrops hitting us now, and we have sensors in place,” said Stewart Turner, fire behavior analyst with Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1.

Experts like Brandon Forbes with the U.S. Geological Survey say the reason for the risk is simple. When vegetation is burned, it makes room for water to move rapidly.

“It can cause rapid runoff, and once that runoff concentrates in our canyons, it can turn into a flash flood event really quickly,” Forbes said.

Debris can be an issue as well.

“After a fire, soil can be lose and stuff can easily be mobilized. And so when these floods occur with this much energy, debris flows are likely to happen,” Forbes said.

Stay aware: Flooding could come from upstream

They say even if it’s not raining around you, it could be raining upstream — and that could pose a risk to you wherever you area. So officials say it’s important to stay aware of what’s happening upstream and watch the weather.

A nonprofit in Larimer County that assists with disasters is working on getting together sandbags for residents this weekend as the Alexander Mountain Fire reached 83% containment on Tuesday. They will be available on Saturday at a location to be announced.

Residents impacted by the Alexander Mountain Fire can visit this link for more information about the next steps or can call the recovery line at 970-980-2800 and leave a voicemail.

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