Eastern Utah and Western Colorado, including Southwest Colorado, are under a flash flood watch until 9 p.m. today. The warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
“There is not widespread flash-flood potential in Durango proper, but in burn scars and narrow canyons,” said Christopher Cuoco, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Grand Junction. “This is not one of those incredibly life-threatening situations.”
Rain will fall through Friday, decreasing as it moves west to east, Cuoco said. Snow and a mix of snow and rain have an 80 percent to 100 percent chance of falling at elevations above 9,000 feet. The average amount of rainfall in Durango will be between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch over the next 24 hours.
Burn scars and steep terrain have a “strong potential” for flash floods due to vegetation loss. Road travel could potentially be affected if roads close due to debris or water, and there could be some flooding in town, Cuoco said.
“If (you) come across debris in the road, report it to law enforcement,” Cuoco said. “Do not drive or walk across water on roads as it can be dangerous.”
Currently, no delays due to weather have occurred at the Durango-La Plata County Airport.
“Operations are normal so far,” said Kip Turner, aviation director at the airport. “We are not aware of any reasons there would be delays.”
Rain was brought in by the remnants of Tropical Storm Simon, which crossed land along the Baja Peninsula on Wednesday.
eseverson@durangoherald.com
