News
Flash flood fears for Hwy 24
Posted: Jul 5, 2012 6:21 PM by Jacqui Heinrich
Updated: Jul 5, 2012 9:22 PM
In the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire officials are gearing up to prepare for potential flooding beneath burn zones, especially along Highway 24.
Even years after the 2002 Hayman fire, charred lands still couldn't absorb rain; the result was a flash flood that wiped out miles of Highway 67 in June 2006. Officials from the Colorado Department of Transportation say they're taking steps to make sure history doesn't repeat itself.
"You've lost all the trees that are a normal collecting device whether they be pine needles or leaves or vegetation on the ground that normally absorb water, that's all gone now. We do have monitoring out there, we are watching the weather, we are stockpiling equipment and resources and material in the event that we do have a problem," Gary Heller, a highway maintenance supervisor for the Colorado Department of Transportation tells News 5.
Officials say if you live in an area near a burn zone-- especially along Highway 24 from Cascade to Bust-- be aware of weather forecasts and have an escape to high ground planned in case a flash flood does occur.
As Seen On News 5
