Free sand and sandbags are available in Durango and Bayfield ahead of potential flooding expected Friday and Saturday.
The remnants of Hurricane Priscilla are expected to hit the Four Corners starting Friday, bringing 1 to 2 inches of rain in a matter of days, with up to 3 inches possible in the high country.
The rain could cause flooding throughout the area, prompting county officials to urge residents to act proactively, said La Plata County Director of Emergency Management Shawna Legarza.
“A flood watch is in effect from Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon,” Legarza said. “So it’s going to be excessive rainfall. As emergency management, we want people to be as prepared as possible.”
The La Plata County Office of Emergency Management is partnering with Durango Fire Protection District, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District and Los Pinos Fire Protection District to provide free sand and sandbags to community members.
DFPD Chief Randy Black said fall storms like this one have caused some of the region’s biggest flooding events.
“We’re getting a month or multiple months’ worth of rain in a few days,” Black said.
Sandbags will be available at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center at 2500 Main Ave. in Durango and Upper Pine Station 1 at 75 South Clover Drive in Bayfield.
“We want homeowners to be as prepared as possible,” Legarza said. “The little things that we can do is get the sand and the sandbags ready, start filling them and to be prepared. If any homeowners know that they live in areas that have potential for flooding, or they’ve seen it flood in the past, please go get some sand and sandbags.”
Legarza said areas at risk for flooding include canyons, normally dry washes, slickrock, recent burn scars and low-lying areas near bodies of water. In these areas, water can stack up quickly and pose a risk to people and animals.
The best way to stack sandbags, she said, is to stagger them three to four bags high, like a bricklayer lays bricks. Additionally, sandbag walls should be built to divert water toward a lower point in the landscape so it drains away from any structures.
When the rain hits, residents should be aware of their surroundings.
“Never drive through a flooded area – ever,” Legarza said. “Don’t attempt to try to cross a flooded gully or a flooded wash.”
Legarza said people should check with the Colorado Department of Transportation, which monitors road closures caused by flooding, rockslides and mudslides. If someone finds themselves in a flooded area, they should move to higher ground.
“Just be prepared. Know where you’re going, check the weather radar, check CDOT,” Legarza said. “Always make sure you have a little bit of extra food and water and some blankets in your car. It’s a good preparation for winter months. Make sure your animals are safe, too.”
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
