Update – 4:26 p.m.: From the Boulder County website – Crews continue to remove debris from underneath the damaged Red Lion Inn bridge and will start an effort soon to slowly dismantle the bridge. According to officials, the hope is that by removing the bridge in a systematic, controlled way, crews can prevent a complete structural failure and minimize the amount of water that could surge downstream. Hydrologists have advised that this is a good time of day for this effort as stream flows will be at their lowest points over the next few hours. Community members along the creek can expect to see a transitory increase in water flow and may see some debris coming down Boulder Creek. Flooding, if any, is expected to be limited to bike paths and the banks of the creek themselves. The paths remain closed, and community members are urged to stay away until this emergency is resolved. Dive teams continue to stand by in the event any rescues are necessary.
Update – 3:06 p.m.:Hwy. 119 has been closed westbound from Sugarloaf Road to Barker Reservoir because of wide equiment that is headed to the bridge site, according to Boulder County officials.
City of Boulder officials are urging Boulder residents to stay aware of potential flash flooding from Boulder Creek.
CU and Boulder police are taking actions to clear pedestrians and bikers from the bike and walking paths along Boulder Creek.
A culvert-style bridge partially washed out Monday night near the Red Lion Restaurant in Boulder Canyon, according to a Boulder County news release. The debris plugged up the culvert and water is backing up behind the bridge. Officials say they are concerned that 2 feet of water could build up and be washed down the creek, potentially flooding the Boulder Creek Path.
According to information from Boulder County, Boulder Creek is currently running with 3.6 feet of water. If it reaches 4 feet, the creek will flood. Crews are currently working to release the debris build-up.
Emergency notifications have been sent out to businesses and residents along the creek corridor via text messages. Boulder County is posting frequent updates on its website.
The CU Independent will update this story throughout the day.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Kate Spencer at Katherine.a.spencer@colorado.edu.
1 comment
This flood really caused a lot of damage. It’s unfortunate that this happened.