Task Force 1 Deploys After Historic Flooding

Colorado Task Force 1 began operations in southwest Colorado on Monday morning. The team is responding to severe flooding across southern and southwestern regions of the state.

The task force sent a group of 17 specialized swiftwater and flood rescue personnel. These responders are assisting local emergency crews with search and rescue missions. Their goal is to locate and save people trapped or stranded by rising water.

The weather systems that triggered the emergency have created dangerous conditions across multiple counties. The Animas River is expected to crest at 22 feet. This level would surpass the historic flood records set in 1911. The National Weather Service in Grand Junction notes that at 20 feet, some homes become inaccessible due to flooded roads.

Heavy rains caused evacuations in South Fork, Del Norte, and Monte Vista on Sunday. By Monday morning, officials reported no injuries and no missing persons in that area. However, dangerous road conditions forced the closure of several routes, including US 160. The Escondida bridge remains closed and impassable. Local bridges are being monitored closely as water levels continue to rise.

In La Plata County, widespread damage has affected roads and bridges. Government offices closed on Monday, with the exception of voter services. Polling centers remained open to the public as originally scheduled. Several evacuation orders are in effect for residents in specific mobile home parks and neighborhoods.

Evacuation zones include the Durango Regency and North Valley Mobile Home Parks in Durango. Residents along Junction Creek on streets such as Columbine Drive and Alamo Drive are also under evacuation orders. The Meadow Brook Mobile Home Park in Ignacio and Pine River Ranches in Bayfield are included in the mandates. Maps of these zones are available at www.readylaplata.org.

Shelters have opened in three locations to accommodate displaced residents. The La Plata County Fairgrounds at 2500 Main Avenue in Durango offers overnight shelter with pet access. Ignacio High School at 315 Ignacio Street and Bayfield High School at 800 CR 501 also provide temporary housing. As of Monday morning, five people were staying at the South Fork shelter.

Wolf Creek Ski Area closed its doors just one day after opening. The closure was a precautionary measure due to flooding threats in the San Juan Basin. The mountain had opened about 30 percent of its terrain on Halloween. The official opening day is now scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6.

CO-TF1 was established in Colorado in 1991. It is one of 28 task forces in the nation under the FEMA National Urban Search & Rescue Response System. West Metro Fire Protection District sponsors the task force. Members represent 23 fire agencies across the Front Range.

Residents can call 970-385-8700 for questions regarding the evacuations in La Plata County. Those in Rio Grande County can reach a hotline at 719-873-1030, extension 1. People needing assistance with evacuation due to medical or accessibility reasons can call 719-657-4221. Lower temperatures are expected tonight, which may cause ice formation on wet roads.