Flash Flood in Mesa County, Colorado

A combination of heavy rainfall and a canal breach resulted in areas of flash flooding in some northern sections of Grand Junction. The flooded areas were bounded from east to west between 27 Road and 24 Road, and from south to north between F Road and the barren hills to the north of Grand Junction Regional Airport. The flash flooding in the eastern part of the affected area was unrelated to the canal breach. A road just northwest of the airport was impassable with fast moving water 2 feet deep where several cars were stopped. A woman got out of one of the cars and slipped into the fast moving water. She was carried about a quarter mile downstream where she was rescued. Significant erosion occurred along many sections of paved roads and at some residences. Some outbuildings were flooded and landscaping was heavily damaged. Several roads were closed for up to two days as repairs were made. Natural drainages that normally only contained water flows about a foot deep were running over 12 feet deep.

Flash flooding was observed along Salt Creek down to the confluence with the Dolores River, near the intersection of Salt Creek Road and Colorado Highway 141. A COOP observer nearby reported a pickup truck caught in the flood and floated upright downstream. Additionally, a Colorado Department of Transportation grader was noted leaving the CDOT facility in nearby Gateway and headed toward the area of this flash flooding. No reports of additional damage, or any injuries or fatalities were received.

Flash flooding was observed at the intersection of Highway 65 and the DeBeque cutoff as well as other areas to the south of DeBeque where farmland was inundated. Irrigation ditches overflowed and were filled with debris. Many roads in the area were inundated and isolated some residents by cutting off escape routes. Some flood damage occurred to outbuildings near one of the houses.