Lake City Colorado Real Estate
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Hinsdale County and the Town of Lake City faced many challenges while responding to the threat of flooding resulting from abundant snowpack and unprecedented avalanche activity along the Henson Creek and Lake Fork river. Working together, and with the support of the State of Colorado, Bureau of Land Management, National Resource and Conservation Services, and other organizations, Hinsdale County and the Town of Lake City have accomplished a great deal in a short time. The following is a brief sample of their many accomplishments.
Heavy equipment was brought in to remove debris and haul it out of the area to reduce the risk of debris flows. The amount of debris and the corresponding threat has been dramatically reduced.
The Colorado Department of Natural Resources was tasked with evaluating dam safety. With local partners, they determined that the Ute-Ulay dam did not pose a significant risk. However, the Hidden Treasure dam had the potential to become blocked, hold water, and then fail, creating a substantial debris flow. It was recommended that the dam be removed. Contractors began deconstruction, but as the work progressed it was determined that the risk to the community could be mitigated while preserving a portion of the historic Hidden Treasure dam for future generations.
Colorado Department of Transportation evaluated bridges in the affected area. Heavy equipment has been and will continue to be used to remove debris and prevent them from collecting at bridges.
The Town and County devised a public warning system using automated cell phone and landline notifications, and door to door notification by governmental personnel. A warning siren with voice messaging capability has been installed in the Town of Lake City, and a second warning siren will soon be erected to supplement the system.
Over the course of the last six weeks preparedness plans have been developed from the community. Representatives from the Town, County, State and supporting agencies met on June 14, 2019, for a plan rehearsal. Participants ran through a mock exercise to test the alert and warning, evacuation, and re-entry plans. They then provided input. This information will be incorporated into the document.
Critical facilities in Lake City were identified, and the Army Corps of Engineers and others worked to develop plans to protect facilities necessary for the operation of the town, as well as buildings with historical significance. Based on the advice of engineers, an earthen berm was improved along the north bank of the Henson Creek. A second berm made from large sandbags weighing as much as 4 thousand pounds each was constructed south of the Henson Creek to divert flood waters away from homes and businesses. Large sandbags were also used to protect structures between the berms on the south side of Henson Creek. Moreover, approximately 25,000 individual sandbags were filled and distributed throughout the community to homes and businesses.
With these mitigations in place, the threat to Hinsdale County and Lake City is significantly reduced. The Unified Coordination Group sent to assist with the preparedness effort has stood down. Remaining mitigation work will be overseen by local recourses.
Although not anticipated, State of Colorado and emergency management partners stand ready to respond if Hinsdale County needs assistance in the future.
Above was taken from email sent on June 15, 2019 from the Public Information Officer, Michael Davis.
This morning, the Hinsdale County Board of Commissioners ratified a local disaster declaration due to post avalanche events impacting some of our waterways. Avalanche activity combined with annual runoff has caused debris blockage.
Yesterday, Governor Polis verbally authorized an executive order for a state of emergency that enables the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center to provide planning support and staffing for a multi-agency coordination group as Hinsdale County lessens the severity of post-avalanche impacts.
The Hinsdale County Road & Bridge crew has cleared one lane to Capitol City. However, the narrow makeup of the canyon in the Klondike slide area the river, road and snowmelt has caused a buildup of debris. Local, regional, and state representatives are visiting the site today to determine next steps to avoid the road washing out. Currently, the gate above Snowden’s Meadow remains closed to vehicular traffic.
Join Hinsdale County and the Town of Lake City for a public briefing at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 8th, at the Armory. The audio of the briefing will be posted on-line and the event may occur on Facebook Live, if capabilities allow.
Follow Hinsdale County Facebook page or website for updates.
Sign up for Code Red Alerts on the Hinsdale County website. If you need assistance signing up, please visit the Silver Thread Public Health District.
Klondike Slide and County Road 20
Monday April 8 – Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the closure order – at least to foot traffic – on County Road 20 beyond the ATV staging area. The Road & Bridge Department will continue to work to clear debris in this area.
Visitors travel at their own risk and are encouraged to remain aware of surroundings and hazards typical of a high-snow year.
It may not feel like it yet, but spring thaw is here… With thaw comes run off and the potential for flooding. If you are a property owner in an area prone to high water or flooding, consider call about flood insurance TODAY! Is your property flood insurance in force and up to date? Flood insurance must be in place at least one month prior to an event, so call TODAY.
What is covered by your flood insurance?
Have you taken steps to prepare your property for flooding?
Are there items that could be moved to higher points on your property on in your home in case of a flood?
Have you and your family identified where you would go and what you would take should you need to evacuate?
PREPARE EARLY! DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
At the April 3 BOCC meeting, Resolution #5 was approved by Commissioners Borchers, Thompson and Whinnery to terminate the local Avalanche Disaster Emergency Declaration, effective April 3.
Undersheriff Chris Kambish lifted the closure order on the Waterdog Trail.
By order of the Sheriff’s Office, County Road 20 remains closed beyond the ATV Staging Area.
By order of the Sheriff’s Office, County Road 30 remains closed beyond Wager Gulch.
Recovery efforts are underway to address impacts from recent emergencies.
Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management
7:50 pm March 16
A Comnet technician conducted testing in Lake City this evening. They believe all issues with the 911 system have been resolved.
The Hinsdale County coroner confirmed the fatality reported yesterday was not avalanche related.
More permanent barriers were installed in several areas today by Hinsdale County Road & Bridge.
Clearing work continues on the McJunkin / Hammonds Meadows slide.
The Town of Lake City has cleared all fire hydrants except those that are flagged due to non-disaster related maintenance issues.
Mineral County’s Sheriff’s department provided relief assistance in Hinsdale County today.
The emergency operations center is transitioning to remote staffing at 5:30 p.m. for the remainder of the weekend.
Follow Hinsdale County Facebook page or website for updates.
Sign up for Code Red Alerts on the Hinsdale County website
Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management
12 mins ·
10 a.m. March 15, 2019:
On Thursday, March 14, Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue initiated a backcountry welfare check. Search efforts continue as conditions allow.
Hinsdale County is receiving assistance in the search this morning from Wolf Creek Ski Patrol.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for:
• All of County Road 30 beyond the Highway 149 intersection
• All of County Road 20 beyond the Ice Climb staging wall
• the Monte Queen subdivision
• the 400 block of Bluff Street on the west side
• the damaged home impacted by the Station 11 slide
Limited access for evacuees to their property is permitted ONLY through the Rapid Tag process. Evacuees should go to the Coursey Annex behind the sheriff’s office to find out the required procedures.
Anyone violating the Mandatory evacuation orders will be prosecuted.
Areas of concern are locations where residents should stay inside and minimize outdoor activity. Avoid areas between buildings and slopes. Be prepared to evacuate and continue to monitor conditions.
Areas of concern include:
• All areas of Bluff Street
• Primrose Lane
• Waterdog trail drainage
• Water tower hill (Vine Street)
Residents NOT LOCATED IN AREAS OF CONCERN needing to clear roofs should use proper tools with two people for safety and accountability. Falling snow can cause serious injury or death. Stay off the roof or consider hiring professionals.
Residents should clear snow and ice away from all outdoor vents, chimneys, and flues, thereby reducing the potential for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Whenever possible, use a broom instead of a shovel in order to not damage your propane system components.
Clear snow and ice from around your propane tank. If the pipes freeze and crack, gas can pool in the snow, causing it to become an ignition source, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Priorities for today include:
• Incidents as they occur
• Search efforts in the Silver Coin slide region
• Continued debris removal from the Gladiator slide
• Access to the Tristate substation
• Initial assessment of damaged house in Lake City Heights
• Continue clearing access to fire hydrants
The following three environmental conditions may impact avalanche risk:
1) Rain on snow events
2) Rapid warming of 2-3 days of overnight non-freezing temperatures
3) Another large snow event
Hinsdale County is hosting a public meeting at the Armory at 4:00 p.m. today.
Follow this page or www.hinsdalecountycolorado.us for updates.
Sign up for Code Red Emergency Notifications at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF7ED953CC69.
Current avalanche forecasts and information can be obtained at https://avalanche.state.co.us/
https://www.facebook.com/Hinsdale-County-Office-of-Emergency-Management
