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Colorado Declares Disaster After Vallecito Creek Floods Force Mass Evacuations

Forecasters expect another surge of tropical moisture early this week that could renew flooding.

Overview

  • Governor Jared Polis issued a state disaster declaration Sunday, activating emergency operations and authorizing up to an initial $1 million for response.
  • Roughly 350 to 400 households were evacuated north of Vallecito Reservoir after levee breaches on Vallecito Creek, with some orders lifted and many areas now on pre-evacuation or restricted access.
  • More than 100 homes sustained water damage, some up to 2 feet deep, as damaged bridges and county roads limited evacuation routes and complicated response.
  • At least 11 high-water rescues were conducted by La Plata County deputies and Upper Pine River firefighters, and officials reported no deaths.
  • Vallecito Creek flows peaked near 7,000 to 7,200 cubic feet per second, and shelters were opened in Bayfield as flood watches extend into Tuesday with more rain expected.