Posts tagged Boulder Creek
Annual EXPAND Duck Race® to be held May 27; online duck sponsorship now available
0May 18, 2013
The 26th annual EXPAND Duck Race® will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 27, at the Boulder Creek Festival. The Duck Race is a benefit for the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation department’s EXPAND (EXciting Programs Adventures and New Dimensions) program, which provides recreational opportunities for children, youth and adults with disabilities.
Participants can sponsor ducks for $5 each. The ducks will race from the 9th Street bridge to the finish line in Boulder Creek next to the main Boulder Public Library lawn at the Peace Garden. Online registration is now available and will remain open until race time. Participants can also sponsor ducks at the Boulder Creek Festival or at one of the three recreation centers.
Dozens of prizes will be given away to the top duck finishers, including the grand prize of $1,000 in cash from Fisher Honda/Fisher KIA of Boulder; 2nd prize is a one-night stay at the Hotel Boulderado, market style BBQ dinner at the West End Tavern, brunch at Centro Latin Kitchen and a $100 downtown Boulder gift card; and 3rd prize is a nine-month membership at the Quest Martial Arts Center. In addition, 80 more lucky ducks will win prizes.
Participants do not need to be present to win. Prizes will be mailed and winners will be notified within 14 days. All proceeds benefit the EXPAND program.
For more information, a full list of prizes and to sponsor a duck, visit www.EXPANDDuckRace.org.
–CITY of Boulder press release–
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CU-Boulder officials unveil $170 million athletic facilities upgrade proposal
0February 21, 2013
University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano, Athletic Director Mike Bohn and new head football coach Mike MacIntyre today unveiled a $170 million, multi-year proposal to upgrade CU-Boulder’s football facilities before the Intercollegiate Athletics subcommittee of the CU Board of Regents at the board’s monthly meeting in Colorado Springs.
The new upgrade will do for the football program what the Events Center has done for the basketball programs
CU will rely on $50 million in private support to execute the project, and a significant effort to raise funds from donors will now begin to support it. In addition, other athletic revenue sources will be used to finance this major initiative.
“This plan represents a carefully conceived, strategic investment in our future in the Pac-12 Conference,” said Bohn. “It will position us to attract the best student-athletes in the nation. It will improve the performance of our student-athletes on the field and in the classroom, and it will enhance our fan experience.”
The first element will consist of a new academic center that will boost student-athletes’ already substantial progress in the classroom. The new facility will provide focus for student-athletes by moving study areas to a new complex beneath the east stands, away from the distractions of the Dal Ward Athletic Center. Additionally, as part of the project’s first element, the north side of Folsom Field’s east stands will be supported against the shifting ground beneath it, improving safety for fans and visitors.
The second element will significantly expand Dal Ward to consolidate football operations, bring coaches and student-athletes from a number of sports together, and provide more physical resources for all in one unified space.
The third element of the plan establishes a permanent indoor practice facility adjacent to outdoor practice fields north of Boulder Creek, creating a year-round practice complex, easing traffic congestion off of Arapahoe Avenue with new streets and transportation enhancements, and forming a new plaza-like entrance to campus from the north.
The plan also includes a study to redevelop family housing that now sits west of Folsom Street and south of Arapahoe. The university has for several years been re-envisioning the possibilities of a more modern family housing complex with greater appeal for residents and greater density to make more efficient use of space.
The final element of the football athletics redevelopment project includes redevelopment of the Folsom Field west-side stands.
Future enhancements not included in the initial cost estimate are planned at the Coors Events Center to further improve the student-athlete and fan experience there.
DiStefano heralded the plan, saying it “balances equally our commitment to the academic success of our student-athletes, the comfort and safety of our fans and the long-term success of our combined coaching staffs.”
“This affirms our institutional values, and positions us well as we move ahead in the finest conference in the country,” DiStefano added.
CU President Bruce Benson said the project marks a bold new era of partnership with donors, alumni, fans and stakeholders.
“Intercollegiate athletics is the front porch of the university,” said Benson. “This plan will help bring people from across Colorado and around the country together in support of CU, and it will challenge all of us as donors, alumni and fans to work together to make this vision a reality.”
MacIntyre said the support from every level of the university – from fans and donors to the athletic director, the chancellor and the president – was gratifying to him and to CU’s other coaches and players.
“This is a strong commitment to success by the president, the chancellor and the university as a whole,” said MacIntyre. “These facilities will represent to our current and future players the dual commitments to excellence, and to be successful year-in and year-out, at the University of Colorado. The entire university community wants to sustain excellence in everything we do, and at the same time, keep moving forward. This commitment represents both of these desires.”
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Boulder police release sketch of injured robbery/assault suspect
0December 1, 2012
The Boulder Police Department continues to investigate four robbery/assault cases which have occurred during the past month. The latest incident occurred on Nov. 27, 2012, when a 25-year-old male jogger was attacked as he ran along the Boulder Creek path in the area of 3rd and Canyon. The assault took place around 6:30 a.m.
The victim told police that an unknown male yelled and when the victim turned around, the unknown male suspect began punching and kicking him. As the assault escalated, two other male suspects began attacking the victim. They also attempted to steal his wallet.
The victim fought back and may have seriously injured one of the suspects. The victim believes the orbital bone (eye socket) on the suspect’s face may be broken. That suspect is depicted in the attached composite sketch.
The main (sketch) suspect is described as a white male who is 6’ tall and who weighs 225 pounds. He had a brown beard and was wearing a beanie cap, flannel jacket and steel-toed construction boots.
The second suspect is described as a white male who is 5’8” tall. He has a medium build and a closely-cropped brown beard. He was wearing construction-style pants (possibly Carhartt brand) and a baseball cap. His right hand may be injured.
The third suspect is a dark-skinned white or Hispanic male. This suspect spoke some Spanish during the assault. He’s 5’6” tall and has a sparse, black mustache. He wore jeans and a large-patterned shirt over a hoodie. He also wore plain, colored Van-type shoes.
The case number is 12-16110.
If you recognize the suspect in the sketch or have information about this crime, please contact Detective Heather Frey at 303-441-3369. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website atwww.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Rain closes Lefthand Boulder creek rising #boulderflood
0July 7, 2012
It is raining Boulder. As of 8:00pm the following are the only incidents that the city or county are working. The city recommends you go to the OEM website. OEM does not have a feed with updates. We suggest listening to sheriffs office scanner. If things get bad later tonight we will broadcast all scanner emergency traffic here, call dispatch and command and report for you
July 7 – 5:40 p.m. – Lefthand Canyon Drive closed
Lefthand Canyon Drive is closed between Olde Stage Road and James Canyon Drive. Debris flows caused by the thunderstorm have impacted some roads mountain roads in western Boulder County.
July 7 – 5:20 p.m. – Boulder Creek flows expected to increase
With the heavy rainfall this afternoon, the City of Boulder is expecting to see an increase in Boulder Creek water levels. Last night, the creek was running at 161 cfs. It is currently at 287 cfs and is likely to run between 500 and 600 cfs by nightfall. This is not expected to cause significant spillage along the banks, but pedestrians and cyclists in the area are urged to use caution. Please remember that it is not safe to seek shelter under bridges or in other underpasses. These are designed to move floodwaters through and can be very dangerous in these conditions.
The city is also receiving some reports of nuisance street flooding in the Table Mesa area and a few other neighborhoods. Safety officials would like to remind motorists to avoid driving through floodwaters, which can be deeper than they may seem.
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Boulder Creek duck race loaded with prizes
0May 17, 2012
25th annual EXPAND Duck Race to be held May 28; online duck sponsorship now available
The 25th annual EXPAND Duck Race will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 28, at the Boulder Creek Festival®. The EXPAND Duck Race is a benefit for the Parks and Recreation Department’s EXPAND (EXciting Programs Adventures and New Dimensions) program, which provides recreational opportunities for children, youth and adults with disabilities.
Participants may sponsor ducks for $5 each and watch them race from the 9th Street Bridge to the finish near Boulder Creek next to the Main Library lawn. Online registration is now available, and is open through Sunday, May 27. Participants may also sponsor ducks at the Boulder Creek Festival®.
Dozens of prizes will be given away to the top duck finishers, including an all-inclusive, three-night stay in Cancun with airfare from Denver, courtesy of Doris Mundy Travel, Apple Vacations and Dreams Resort and Spa; $1,000 in cash from Fisher Kia & Honda of Boulder; a nine-month self defense package from Boulder Quest Center; gift certificates; and much more!
Participants do not need to be present to win. Prizes will be mailed and winners will be notified within 14 days. All proceeds benefit the EXPAND program.
For more information, a full list of prizes and to sponsor a duck, visit www.EXPANDDuckRace.org. For more information about EXPAND and the programs offered, please go to www.BoulderParks-Rec.org.
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Boulder water festival for students to be held on Wednesday
0May 14, 2012
20th annual Boulder Water Festival teaches students how to conserve and protect water
More than 1,100 4th and 5th grade students from 45 classrooms in 17 Boulder area schools will participate in the 20th annual Boulder Water Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at the University Memorial Center (UMC) on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus, 1669 Euclid Ave.
The nationally recognized water festival engages local students in hands-on activities about where Boulder’s drinking water comes from and how to protect and conserve this valuable natural resource. Students attend a series of classes to discover the geography, history, and science of water; explore the Boulder Creek watershed and its geology; and study the animals and plants that rely on water for survival.
Participating classes also complete the “Operation: Water Festival” program, a standards-based series of pre-festival classroom learning activities. The program provides a complete teacher’s packet featuring lesson guides, student worksheets and trivia questions for each water topic. Topics include fundamental water awareness, conservation, pollution prevention and flooding. Student “Water Agents” receive a certificate upon completion of the classroom activities.
A key benefit of the “Operation: Water Festival” materials is a take-home book for families. The book encourages students to work with family members to complete activities related to local water resources, conservation and protection.
“Students really have a complete learning experience,” said Samantha Messier, science director for the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). “This provides a great learning tool to help students learn about one of our most important natural resources in Colorado.”
The Boulder Water Festival will commemorate its 20th anniversary as part of the statewide celebration of 2012, The Year of Water in Colorado. Nearly 19,000 BVSD and Boulder area students have participated in the festival since its inception in 1992.
Festival sponsors include the City of Boulder, the Keep it Clean Partnership, Northern Water, the UMC, CU Boulder’s Office of Community Relations and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
For more information, contact Curry Rosato, City of Boulder watershed outreach coordinator, at 303-829-9316.
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Boulder has enough water for now
0May 11, 2012
City of Boulder’s water supply expected to meet community needs for 2012
The City of Boulder’s water supply is expected to meet community water use needs throughout 2012, despite below-average mountain snowpack levels. However, given this year’s dry weather pattern and low snowpack, the city will continue to monitor for drought conditions through 2012 and beyond to assure that water demand projections are on target. In addition, Boulder’s water customers are asked to continue to use water wisely.
Snowpack measurements on May 1, 2012, in the city’s Silver Lake Watershed averaged about 50 percent of what is typical for this time of year. As a result, peak spring streamflow levels will be lower than average.
Arapaho Glacier and Boulder Watershed are good for now
However, last spring’s exceptionally high snowmelt runoff completely filled the city’s reservoirs on upper Boulder Creek, and the reservoirs stayed full longer, leaving storage levels above average at the beginning of this year. Current measurements indicate that the city’s reservoirs are still projected to fill as the snowpack melts. Additionally, Boulder will have access to an above average amount of water from its western slope supplies, through the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) system.
The city compared the evaluation of the current water supply conditions with its Drought Response Plan, which factors in water reserve needs in the event of a multi-year drought. While it was determined that a drought declaration and water use restrictions are not necessary at this time, water customers are still encouraged to continue using water wisely as they have for the past decade. The community’s water conservation efforts have kept water use at least 15 percent below 2000-2001 levels, since the 2002 drought.
The city recommends water-wise practices by sticking to the following outdoor watering guidelines:
- Water your lawn in the evenings or early mornings, after 6 p.m. or before 10 a.m., and water your lawn every three days.
- Do not over water. Do not water when it is raining or when the soil is already wet.
- Trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens can be watered more effectively with a hand-held hose or low-volume non-spray irrigation, after 6 p.m. or before 10 a.m.
- Check your sprinkler system and make sure it is working properly and that you are only watering landscaping and not the surrounding areas like streets or sidewalks.
For information about the city’s water conservations program, including rebates, strategies and tips, visit www.bouldersaveswater.net.
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Boulder Street alcoholic found dead in creek
0April 27, 2012
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Boulder police investigating body found in Boulder Creek
arly this morning, a passer-by walking along Boulder Creek in the area of 13th and Arapahoe called police to report a body in the water, near the bank.
The man was deceased. He was a homeless person known to police, but his identity is not being released until authorities can determine whether the man had any family who should be notified.
According to a homeless man who spoke to police, he and the deceased man were drinking with a small group of transients until the early morning hours. Around 4 a.m. the group split up.
Police were not called until 6:30 this morning, when the passer-by noticed the body.
At this time, circumstances do not appear to be suspicious. The Boulder County Coroner has been notified.
The police department press release does make the connection between the street alcoholic drinking by the creek and his body being found in the creek. This is not an unusual demise for this population. To say that they are homeless or transient is misnomer according to experts who work with chronically addicted street people. They are no more transient than the student population at CU or IBMers who work in Boulder on monthly contracts. To call them homeless implies that all homeless are like this.
Some homeless are situationally homeless because of loss of job. This is seen more and more in Boulder. Many of them do not have a drinking problem. They just need and want work. Some so called homeless are mentally ill and are on the streets because they cannot cope in society, but they all don’t have alcohol problems.
Nationally, approximately 70% of “homeless population” are adult males in a dominant addiction such as alcoholism. They are homeless by choice: ie they would rather fly a sign for drinking money and stay by the creek. The other 30% are out of work people and the mentally ill.
Alcoholism is a serious problem in Boulder for the “homeless” and the employed alike
In this rare press release, it is unusual that the Boulder Police department makes a connection between this kind of death and drinking, but it is more likely than not in most homeless deaths in Boulder.
Chronically addicted males on Boulder streets account for millions of dollars spent each year in emergency services, hospital services and homeless shelter services.
Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Boulder flood season a-comin’ and it could be a bad mofo
0April 13, 2012
Colorado Severe Weather Week reminds community to be Flood Aware
Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 15 to April 22, and the City of Boulder, Boulder County and the University of Colorado would like to remind community members that along with severe weather comes flash floods. Flash floods in Boulder can happen at any time throughout the year.
Boulder is the number one flash flood risk community in Colorado due to its location at the mouth of Boulder Canyon, the number of people who live and work within the Boulder Creek floodplain, and the numerous other drainage basins running through the city. Therefore, flood safety and preparation is always a high priority for the community.
Boulder Creek flooded in 1894 and covered what is now Canyon BLVD,
Since the Fourmile Canyon Fire occurred in 2010, the flood risk to Boulder Creek and Fourmile Canyon Creek has increased due to a lack of vegetation and permeable soil in the burn area. If a severe storm were to occur over the burn area, rain runoff and flooding would be greater than in the past. This increased flood potential could last anywhere from 2 to 10 years until the landscape starts to recover.
The City of Boulder and its partners are working together to prepare for the season and to educate community members on how to prepare.
What can you do?
Be alert. It can be raining in the mountains and burn area but be dry in Boulder. Rainfall in the burn area could result in:
- Muddy or murky creek water downstream.
- Creek levels rising more quickly.
- Higher frequency of flooded underpasses.
- Increased possibility of flash flooding.
If it is raining, avoid seeking shelter in underpasses. Many of Boulder’s underpasses serve the double purpose of conveying flood waters and will flood when creeks overflow.
Remember, flash floods can literally occur IN A FLASH during a severe storm. In 2011, several people went to Boulder Creek to try to witness flooding as it was occurring. This is unwise and dangerous. People should NOT go to the creek when flood waters are rising. Flash floods are not like floods in other parts of the country that rise gradually. A significant flash flood could sweep down a creek in a matter of minutes, leaving little time to get to safety.
It’s important that residents and people who work in Boulder keep track of the weather and know the dangers. Here are some steps residents and employees can take to increase their safety if a flood event should occur in Boulder:
Before a flood – Be ready:
- Have a plan for where to meet in an emergency and make sure children know where to go when they are at school or away from home.
- Keep an emergency kit accessible. Include a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, flashlights, rubber boots and gloves, first-aid supplies, medicines, water stored in tightly-sealed containers and food that requires no cooking or refrigeration.
- If you’re concerned about your property being flooded or are in a floodplain, purchase flood insurance. A homeowner’s insurance policy will NOT cover flood damage. There is a 30-day waiting period before new coverage goes into effect.
- Fill out a Family Flood Action Plan and post it in your home. Visit www.boulderfloodinfo.net to print one or pick one up at one of the Boulder Public Library or at the city’s Municipal Building at 1777 Broadway.
- Sign up to get emergency alerts sent to you on your phone, email or Twitter account atwww.BoCo911Alert.com. CU students, faculty and staff can sign up for CU Alerts athttp://www.colorado.edu/alerts.
During a flood:
- Move to higher ground immediately.
- Stay out of flowing waters. Swift moving waters may sweep people away.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas. Cars float in 18 inches of water, and half of all flood fatalities are auto related.
- Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is the number two killer in floods.
- If time allows, turn off electricity and gas.
- When an emergency warning is issued by sirens, radio or other media, seek information immediately. Tune radios and televisions to local news stations.
There is no way to predict whether flooding will occur. It is dependent on many variables including intensity, duration and location of storms as well as existing soil conditions. The best course of action is to be alert and be prepared. The city maintains a flood information website that can help residents prepare before, during and after a flood event. For more information about personal preparedness, visit www.boulderfloodinfo.net.
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Tree removals to impact traffic the week of Aug. 29
1August 27, 2011
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry Section is anticipating minor and temporary traffic impacts during the week of Aug. 29 (weather and contractor dependent) as a result of pruning and tree removal work that is necessary for safety reasons.
Traffic impacts include:
● Tuesday, Aug. 30, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.: Intermittent lane closures on Pearl Street between 18th and 20th streets due to the removal of a large Siberian elm tree in poor health.
● Wednesday, Aug. 31, between 6 and 9 a.m.: Intermittent delays to bike and pedestrian traffic along the Boulder Creek Path during tree pruning operations west of the Boulder Public Library Main Branch.
● Wednesday, Aug. 31, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.: The northbound, outside lane of Broadway Avenue between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard will be closed so crews can remove a honeylocust tree in poor health. The tree was struck by lightning in July 2010 and its health has significantly declined since that time. The transit stop at Central Park will be moved south to the bridge over Boulder Creek during the removal operation.
● Thursday, Sept.1, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.: The southbound, outside lane of Broadway Avenue between College and Euclid avenues will be closed so crews can remove a silver maple tree that is a safety concern due to a large trunk cavity and advanced decay.
Most of the wood from the trees being removed will be recycled into mulch and used in City of Boulder parks. Trees that are being removed will be replaced where possible next spring.
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Boulder Armed robbery suspect still at large
0August 16, 2011
Boulder police continue to search for an armed robbery suspect who threatened three women with a gun and then stole their purses.
Extra police patrols are monitoring the Boulder Creek area and will continue to do so.
On Monday afternoon, just before 4:00 p.m., a Hispanic male approached three women who were enjoying Boulder Creek near the area of 5th and Canyon. He displayed a gun and told the three to walk into the water so he could separate them from their purses, which they had placed on the bank. The women complied and the suspect fled on a bicycle with all three purses. No one was hurt.
The victims, plus several witnesses, heard a sound that they believed was a shot fired from a gun as the suspect rode away on his bike. Detectives recovered a projectile from a handgun in the area of the robbery. The suspect was last seen heading east on the Boulder Creek path, near the Criminal Justice Center.
Detectives are working on obtaining a sketch. The suspect is described as a:
Hispanic male
Early-to-mid twenties
5’8” – 5’10” tall
160 pounds with a stocky build
Wearing a grayish-blue polo shirt & jeans
Carrying a black backpack
Short dark hair
Boulder police are working with investigators from the University of Colorado Police Department, because Monday’s armed robbery is similar to a separate armed robbery that occurred on the campus on August 11.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brian Scott at 303-441-3381. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Boulder Burn Scar from Fourmile Canyon Fire and Story from NASA #boulderfire #boulder
0August 2, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
In September 2010, the Fourmile Canyon Fire broke out in the foothills west of Boulder, Colorado, scorching more than 6,000 acres (2,500 hectares) and forcing residents to evacuate. Ten months later, residents had to evacuate again, this time to flee floods. Stripped of vegetation, the slopes along Fourmile Canyon soaked up little of the water dropped by a thunderstorm. Instead, the runoff surged into local stream channels.
On June 7, 2011, the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite observed the Fourmile Canyon burn scar. The top image is made from a combination of shortwave infrared and visible light. The bottom image is natural color.
The scar is more easily detected in the false-color image, where the burned area appears in shades of red and orange. Creek valleys, which generally escaped the flames in September 2010, form winding corridors of green through the scar. To the east and southeast, the city of Boulder lies on relatively flat land.
After the fire, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warned residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding, even from small rainstorms. Late on July 13, 2011, such a storm occurred. As rain fell west of Boulder, Fourmile Creek rose rapidly. In fact, at one USGS gauge, the water discharge rate skyrocketed in a matter of minutes from 10 cubic feet per second to 350 cubic feet per second. The increased water flow translated into a 4-foot (1.2-meter) surge down the creek. Smaller surges followed later that night and over the next few days.
Fourmile Creek is a tributary of Boulder Creek, which flows eastward through the city. Water levels usually peak between mid-May and early July. But thanks to the melting of an unusually heavy snowpack, water levels on Boulder Creek were especially high when the July 13 thunderstorm struck. As residents in the Fourmile burn area were ordered to evacuate low-lying homes, emergency sirens also sounded in Boulder.
By late July 2011, water levels had receded along both the Fourmile and Boulder Creeks, although water levels in both remained above normal. Colorado’s monsoon season typically lasts from about mid-July to early September, so the possibility of more flooding remains.
Because of the angle of sunlight, these images may cause an optical illusion known as relief inversion.
References
Byars, M. (2011, July 13). Heavy rains hit Fourmile, prompt evacuations along Boulder Creek. Boulder Daily Camera. Accessed July 29, 2011.
Colorado Mountain Club. Protecting Yourself from Mountain Hazards. Accessed July 29, 2011.
Colorado Water Science Center. (2011, July 13). Video From Fourmile Creek at Orodell. USGS. Accessed July 29, 2011.
Colorado’s Surface Water Conditions. (2011, July 29). Boulder Creek at Boulder, Colorado. State of Colorado. Accessed July 29, 2011.
National Water and Climate Center. (2011, July 7). Weekly Report – Snowpack/Drought Monitor Update. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed July 29, 2011.
National Water Information System. (2011, July 29). USGS 06727410 Fourmile Creek at Logan Mill Road near Crisman, Colorado. USGS. Accessed July 29, 2011.
National Water Information System. (2011, July 29). USGS 06727500 Fourmile Creek at Orodell, Colorado. USGS. Accessed July 29, 2011.
News staff. (2011, July 13). Thunderstorms pound area; flood sirens sound in Boulder. The Denver Post. Accessed July 29, 2011.
Ruddy, B.C., Stevens, M.R., Verdin, K.L., and Elliott, J.G. (2010). Probability and volume of potential postwildfire debris flows in the 2010 Fourmile burn area, Boulder County, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010–1244. Accessed July 29, 2011.
Snider, L. (2011, June 8). Boulder Creek swells as warm weather melts snowpack. Boulder Daily Camera. Accessed July 29, 2011.
NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon, using EO-1 ALI data provided courtesy of the NASA EO-1 team and the United States Geological Survey. Caption by Michon Scott.
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Boulder Flood Live!
0July 13, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1 Info
in News
Watch live video from Boulder Channel 1 on www.justin.tv
Live updates from the Boulder Creek by your host Jann Scott
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FLASH! Boulder Flooding #boulderflood
0July 13, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
7/14 3 p.m. Gold Hill residents advised to use Sunshine Canyon Drive
Fourmile Canyon Drive and Gold Hill Run are closed from Poorman to Dixon in Fourmile Canyon. Residents of Gold Hill are advised to take alternate routes. Sunshine Canyon Drive is clear.
7/14 2:56 p.m. Impacts to Ann U. White Trail/Wagon Wheel Gap Road
Water is currently running down Ann U. White Trail and rising quickly. Wagon Wheel Gap Road (off Lee Hill Road) may be affected because of trail drainage.
7/14 2:21 Call center now open
A public information call center is now open. Call 303-413-7730 for updates on today/tonight’s weather event and related emergency information.
7/14 2:12 p.m. – Rock slide on Boulder Canyon Highway 119
A rock slide has occurred on Highway 119 at approximately mile marker 35. The westbound lane is completely closed. The Boulder County Sheriffs Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation are en route to respond. Motorists can expect delays; alternate routes are advised.
7/14 1:10 p.m. – FLASH FLOOD WARNING for Fourmile Fire burn area
The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the Fourmile Fire burn area effect immediately.
Prepare for possible flooding and take appropriate actions in low lying and heavy drainage areas for Fourmile Creek and Fourmile Canyon Creek.
The Boulder Emergency Operations Center is activated and providing support to field emergency operations.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
7/14 10:30 a.m. – Anne U. White Trail in north Boulder area is closed due to flooding
The Anne U. White Trail (which follows follows the Four Mile Canyon Creek in an area near north Boulder) was closed last night by the Sheriff’s office due to flooding. The trailhead is located off Wagonwheel Gap Road and Lee Hill Road.
Continued flash flood warnings in the trailhead area are expected throughout the day today. Damage to the trail, including wash-outs and log jams may require the trail to remain closed for longer for repairs.
Updates will be made available as repair assessments and time frames can be estimated by the Boulder County open space trails staff.
7/14 9:10 a.m. – Current status of Fourmile Fire burn area after last night’s storm activity
Boulder County Road Maintenance crews are in the area clearing roads and culverts. All roads are open with the exception of Fourmile Canyon from Poorman Road to Gold Run Road and Gold Run Road to Dixon Road. Even though the other roads are passable, people are being asked to proceed with caution because of the debris remaining on the roads.
This morning, deputies and firefighters are in the Fourmile burn area assisting residents and assessing damages. There have been reports of a number of structures (both residences and outbuildings) and vehicles that were damaged by the rising water and debris flows. The reports indicate that these occurrences were throughout the burn area and not in any one isolated location. At this time, we do not have any estimates of the total cost of damages from these storms.
The weather forecast for today is predicted to be similar to the weather patterns we experienced yesterday (July 13, 2011). Residents living in the Fourmile burn area need to remain alert and cognizant of the potential for additional flooding.
7/14 9 a.m. – Notice about water quality after heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall increases the flow of sediment into our local streams and creeks, increasing the cloudiness of water. As a result of recent heavy rainfall over the Four Mile burn area, this sediment has been significant, contributing to a temporary discoloration of Fourmile Creek and Boulder Creek.
The cloudiness and discoloration is an indicator of poor water quality and can mean an increased level of pathogens, such as E. coli and Giardia. People should always avoid drinking untreated and unfiltered water from streams, creeks, lakes, etc. Cloudy, fast-moving water may also have hidden debris that poses a safety risk, so people should avoid recreational activity in the creeks after heavy rainfalls or, at a minimum, exercise extreme caution.
Treatment plants for drinking water are designed to remove sediment and disinfect the water against pathogens, so the cloudy stream is not a concern for tap water. The City of Boulder does not draw any of its drinking water from these creeks.
7/14 1:10 a.m. – Secondary surge has occurred, no problems reported in city
The secondary surge on Boulder Creek has moved through the City of Boulder without causing any major impacts. While some emergency staff will remain at EOC throughout the night to monitor the possibility of more bad weather, no additional updates to this website are anticipated until after 8 a.m. unless there is a significant change in circumstances.
7/14 12:45 a.m. – Second surge possible in City of Boulder between 1:15 and 1:30 a.m. – no significant impacts anticipated
Emergency officials are expecting a possible second surge of water from the Fourmile Canyon burn area in approximately 30 to 45 minutes from now. This surge could affect Boulder Creek and move into a portion of the city east of Eben G. Fine Park, similar to what occurred several hours ago. The surge is expected to be no worse than the first one, when the excess water fanned out and dissipated without causing any major problems in the city. As a result, no alerts are being sent out and no sirens are being sounded. Police officers are, however, walking the creek paths and urging anyone who might be outdoors in these low-lying areas to move away from the water. Emergency crews continue to monitor the anticipated impacts in the city, and if notifications become necessary, will notify dispatch immediately.
7/13 8:18 p.m. – Event Update
Predicting Boulder Creek to rise to appoximately 1800 cfs, which will create nuisance flooding in low lying areas around the creek. Sirens being activated to warn people of flooding and to stay out of low lying areas. People living in Married-Studen Housing around 17th and Arapahoe should be aware of nuisance flooding in area.
7/13 8:15 p.m. – Water Surge near Boulder
The water surge is two miles from the City of Boulder.
7/13 8:10 p.m. – Additional road updates
Additional road updates:
Lee Hill at Lefthand Cayon is open.
Lee Hill at Old Stage closed.
784 Bow Mountain is closed.
1178 Carriage Hills is closed.
7/13 8:00 p.m. – Flood waters hitting Eben G Fine Park
Approximately 4-foot water surge hitting intersection of Boulder Canyon and Fourmile Canyon. Eben G. Fine park being evacuated. People must evacuate low-lying areas along Boulder Creek now. Approximately 15 minutes till 4-foot water surge hits City of Boulder limits. Boulder Police officers are in the area warning people of the expected water surge. Residents near Boulder Creek should stay alert and ready to evacuate.
7/13 7:45 p.m. – Event Updates
Flooding reported in Fourmile Canyon. Water levels appear to be receding. About 2″ of rain reported in burn area in less than one hour. One home reporting damage from significant debris flows in the 1500 block of Gold Run. Debris flows on many roads in area.
Four Everbridge (emergency call back) messages have gone out to different residential areas. First call went out at 6:22 p.m. to 304 numbers warning residents of active flooding in area. Second went out to 108 numbers at 6:48 p.m. with the same message. Third went out at 6:57 p.m. to 41 numbers advising to shelter in place because of road closures, and fourth went out at 7:24 p.m. to 67 numbers warning of flooding in low lying.
Members of the public are asked to not call the media line for information.
7/13 – 7:20 p.m. Road Closures
Storm is moving through. Fourmile Canyon Road is closed from Ingram Gulch to Logan Mill Road due to water and debris. Gold Run Road is closed at Dixon. Lee Hill is closed at Lefthand Canyon.
Related posts:
Flash flood warning in Fourmile Canyon:#boulderflood VIDEO OEM Updates
0July 8, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
We just returned from Four Mile Canyon where the mudslides occurred. There were four of them which began at mile marker 8 just past where you turn to go to Wall Street. Four Mile Creek is black with soot. (see video)
It was continuing to rain. The slides get larger as you continue past mile marker 8. Even in our 4 wheel drive TV production SUV we could only make it to the second slide. The command center gave us an escort from Four Mile Fire department. We had to have a radio person with us in case it slid again and we got caught up in a slide.
Initially, a Boulder County Sheriff deputy came up on the slides during the down pour at around 6:00pm. He told us it was all he could do to drive out in his Sheriffs big SUV Chevy.
Four Mile fire chief said that a large amount of the slide had hung up about 50 feet up the hill on a rock out cropping. There was some concern that it would slide again on into the night as the rains continued.
Four Mile Fire was on the scene and stationed through out the canyon to watch for more slides. A large road grader was pushing dirt and a front end loader and 10 Wheel dump truck were working the larger slides.
The hope is to get the road opened by morning. The concern is that it will keep raining and cause major slides.
Flash flood warning in Fourmile Canyon in effect until 9:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder Canyon and the Fourmile Canyon areas are under a National Weather Service Flash Flood Warning until 9:15 tonight. The fire protection districts and communities in the Fourmile Canyon Fire burn area are on high alert and closely monitoring events and responding to hazardous conditions.
Heavy rainfall occurred in the canyons around 6 p.m., and the Fourmile Creek reached peak flow around 7 p.m., but the creek did not overbank. Creek flows are now receding and water levels are dropping in the Fourmile Creek and Boulder Creek in Boulder Canyon.
Fourmile Canyon Drive is closed to travel due to mud, rock and debris flows between blocks 5900 and 8000 (Wall St. area). Lefthand Canyon and other roads in the area have had minor rock slides, but are passable. Motorists are urged to use caution on all roadways impacted by water flows and rock slides.
Sheriff’s deputies and emergency services personnel are on patrol in the Fourmile Canyon and Lefthand Canyon areas. They are checking creek water levels and monitoring the passage of roads. The Boulder Emergency Operations Center has been activated and continues to monitor weather, road and community conditions.
Reverse notification messages were sent to approximately 300 residences telling them to remain on alert and be prepared to seek higher ground.
10:30 p.m. – EOC deactivating; severe weather clearing out of area
The storm systems are tracking to the south and the risk appears to be low for the Fourmile Area, but not completely gone. Storms are expected to continue all night with diminished intensity and a southerly track. The flash flood warning has ended and all residents have returned to homes.
Another everbridge was sent to advise residents that the flash flood warning has expired but to remain vigilant due to weather still in the area. The only road closure presently is west of Emerson Gulch (off Fourmile Canyon Dr.) and is 4 feet deep and 100 yards wide. County road crews are building an emergency access through it and will go to work on removal of debris tomorrow.
The Emergency Operations Center will deactivate at 10:30 p.m
7/7 – 9:12 p.m. – Crews On Scene Clearing Roads
7/7 – 9:12 p.m. – County road maintenance crews are on scene with plows and road graders clearing the rock slides and debris flows. The goal is to get one passable lane in Fourmile Canyon tonight and go back tomorrow to widen the road.
7/7 – 8:39 p.m – Damage Assesment
7/7 – 8:39 p.m. – There are no reports of structure or infrastructure damage, other than debris flows on roads in the Fourmile area. Electricity and phones are working. No injuries have been reported.
7/7 – 8:30 p.m. – Downstream Impacts
Levels in Boulder Creek have peaked and are receding. Underpasses could be flooded. Some street flooding, but no imminent danger to City of Boulder. Use caution on roads and paths.
7/7 – 8:15 p.m. – Road Closure Update
7/7 – 8:15 p.m. – Fourmile Canyon still closed between 5900 and 8000 blocks (Wall Street area). Gold Run, Gold Hill and Lickskillit are open. Lefthand Canyon and Boulder Canyon have some rocks on the road, but are passable.
7/7 – 8:07 pm. – Assessment of Area
7/7 – 8:07 p.m. – Sheriff’s deputies are in the Fourmile and Lefthand Canyon area. They are checking creek water levels and the passability of roads.
7/7 – 8 p.m. Reverse Notification Sent
Reverse notification messages and phone calls sent to approximately 300 residences telling them to remain on alert and be prepared to seek higher ground. The National Weather Service has a flash flood warning in effect until 9:15 p.m.
Road Closures
7/7 – 7:51 p.m. – Fourmile is closed at 5900 block. Traffic westbound needs to find an alternate route. There are rock slides in Lefthand Canyon and Boulder Canyon, but they are passable. Please use caution when on these roads. County road crews and Colorado State Patrol enroute to assess and clear.
Lefthand Canyon has some minor rock slides. Roads are passable, but use caution.
7/7 7 p.m. – Flash Flood Warning in Fourmile Burn Area
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect in the Fourmile Burn Area. Intense storms are expected to continue moving through the area.
