The Colorado Springs Gazette reported this week on the increased flood risk experts are working to assess in the Grizzly Creek Fire area east of Glenwood Springs as they eye forecasts for rain next week.
Firefighters continue to battle the now 30,000-acre Grizzly Creek Fire, which broke out on Aug. 10 along Interstate 70. A private cabin and two outbuildings have so far been the only casualties in the fire, which was 30 percent contained as of Saturday. However, the fire scorched vegetation and soils along Glenwood Canyon, increasing the risk of future flooding. Boulders have already fallen from the canyon walls, showing the potential risk for water to further destabilize the area.
According to Mike Ferris, fire spokesman, some of the fire-fighting work has been focused on protecting the watersheds that serve Glenwood Springs municipal water system. Limiting the burn scar near No Name and Grizzly creeks will help limit sedimentation that would negatively impact the town’s water supply.
Read more from the Gazette.
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