CARBONDALE, Colo. — Emergency officials are holding a community meeting Monday evening to help residents who live around the Lake Christine Fire burn scar understand the dangers rainfall could bring soon.
The officials are asking those who live nearby to be aware of the high risk for flash flood and mud and debris flows that could happen in the wake of a heavy rainfall. Because wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water, conditions in this area are ideal for flooding. In addition, the combination of precipitation on a burn scar, warming temperatures and above-average snowpack is expected to result in faster and heavier runoff.
The community meeting will start at 6 p.m. Monday at the Eagle County Annex building, which is located at 20 Eagle County Drive in El Jebel.
“With the anticipated high water runoff, potential flooding and increased risk of debris flows, it is important that all of our public safety and support agencies work together to plan and coordinate our response before there is an emergent need,” said Eagle County Sheriff James Van Beek. “We also want to make sure our communities are aware of the above-average risk for these events and prepare for them this year. The safety of our citizens, community and first responders is our highest priority and we want our citizens to be prepared.”
Even areas that are not typically flood-prone could be at risk. Anybody who lives near the Lake Christine Fire burn scar should be prepared to move to higher ground or evacuate if need be, officials said.
For the most up-to-date information, they ask that you register for Pitkin Alert. Should the National Weather Service issue a flash flood warning in the burn scar area, Pitkin Alert will send out notifications. You can sign up by visiting www.pitkinalert.org. If you only want information on flash flooding, mudslides and debris flow threats around the Lake Christine burn scar, text LCFLOOD to 888777.
For a map of the Lake Christine burn scar, scroll down or click here.
Two people have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in connection to the fire, which burned about 12,600 acres in 2018.
