Life-threatening Flash Flood Emergency issued near Colorado burn scar, triggering debris flows
A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for areas near the Aspen Acres burn scar in Colorado as torrential rain falls across the region.
The emergency includes San Isabel and North Creek near Beulah, Colorado.
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The National Weather Service warned that this is a particularly dangerous situation and urged residents to seek higher ground immediately, calling it a life-threatening situation.
The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District said on social media that the area is experiencing significant debris flows.
"Please get to high ground. Do not attempt to drive through water," the Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District said in a Facebook post.
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In Fremont County, the sheriff's office warned residents on social media about impassable roads and to avoid the area until further notice.
The National Weather Service also issued a Flash Flood Warning for east-central Custer County and west-central Pueblo County in southeastern Colorado.
As of Tuesday evening, between 1 and 3 inches of rain had fallen across the region. Forecasters said rainfall rates of 0.25 to 0.75 inches per hour are possible, with an additional 0.2 to 0.5 inches of rain expected in the warned area.
Officials said heavy rainfall over the Aspen Acres burn scar, where the wildfire has burned more than 100,000 acres since June 28, is creating a dangerous situation due to the debris flows. The wildfire is currently 66% contained.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), debris flows are fast-moving landslides that pose a significant threat to life and property because they can occur with little warning and destroy nearly everything in their path.
Debris flows can travel at speeds exceeding 35 mph and are capable of carrying massive boulders, trees and even vehicles downstream.
Burn scars are susceptible to debris flow and flash flooding since soil that normally helps absorb rainfall has been destroyed, allowing water, mud and debris to rush downhill.