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 8^th, 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

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

Hinsdale County Office of Emergency ManagementMarch 13, 2019 at 3:05 PM ·
Avalanche Preparedness
Roofs:
1. Clear your roof with proper tools including a roof rake or a shovel.
a. Snow rakes allow you to clear snow from your home’s roof without climbing a ladder and limit damage to your roof.
b. A plastic rake or shove will cause damage than a metal shovels to your shingles or roof.
2. Always clear a roof with a two people for safety and accountability. Falling snow may bury people and has resulted in the death of one individual in Crested Butte.
3. Stay off the roof.
4. Hire a professional.
Power Outages:
1. PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:
2. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
3. Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
4. Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
5. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
6. Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
7. If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
8. Check on neighbors.
Clear snow from Home Utilities:
1. Keep utilities clear of snow.
2. Snow may block ventilation of homes. Clear snow away from to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
3. Clear snow from exhaust pipes and air intake vents
4. Make sure to clear snow and ice away from all outdoor vents, chimneys, and flues, thereby reducing the potential for CO poisoning. Whenever possible, use a broom instead of a shovel in order to not damage your propane system components.
5. 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.
6. Propane Winter Safety Tips: https://www.amerigas.com/…/january/winter-storm-preparedness
7. Electric safety tips: https://safeelectricity.org/…/ti…/weathering-a-winter-storm/

https://www.facebook.com/Hinsdale-County-Office-of-Emergency-Management