Flash flood watch issued for Roaring Fork River

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued an urgent flood watch for the Roaring Fork River, warning of an ice jam. 

The watch remains in effect through late Sunday night and covers the Central Colorado River Basin, including areas in the Gore and Elk Mountains and nearby valleys. Communities such as Carbondale, Basalt, and Snowmass are urged to be vigilant.

Water levels in the Roaring Fork River above Difficult Creek have surged by two feet since Thanksgiving, a clear indicator of an ice jam forming upstream. A minor release occurred on Friday, but levels have continued to climb, raising the likelihood of another release occurring on Saturday or Sunday.



Officials are emphasizing the dangers posed by ice and debris in the river. Anglers and those near the water should exercise extreme caution, move away from the river, and seek higher ground if necessary. 

Emergency management teams urge residents to monitor updates and be prepared to act swiftly should flash flood warnings be issued. 



Further information on flood safety can be found at weather.gov/safety/flood.

Local

The watch remains in effect through late Sunday night and covers the Central Colorado River Basin, including areas in the Gore and Elk Mountains and nearby valleys. Communities such as Carbondale, Basalt, and Snowmass are urged to be vigilant.



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