High pressure retrograted in response to a deepening mid-level trough over the center of the nation and parked over western Colorado. Even so, subtropical moisture remained entrenched over the area with precipitable water values exceeding an inch and trending over 150% of the climatological norm. As a result, widespread showers and thunderstorms erupted over western Colorado. Additionally, convergence along the Continental Divide enhanced storm coverage. Heavy rain and training was common with storms which led to numerous reports of flash flooding and debris flows, including over the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek Fire burn scars.

Flash Flood in SAN MIGUEL, COLORADO
From 31-JUL-21 14:50:00 to 31-JUL-21 14:50:00 (MST-7)
Location: PLACERVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several inches of water ran across Colorado Highway 145 between mile markers 86 and 88.

Debris Flow in SAN MIGUEL, COLORADO
From 31-JUL-21 13:30:00 to 31-JUL-21 13:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: SAWPIT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A large mudslide occurred across Colorado Highway 145 near Sawpit as a result of heavy rains. The highway was closed for a couple of hours due to cleanup operations. The most severe slide occurred at mile marker 79 with 1 to 2 feet of debris and boulders across the road.

Debris Flow in GARFIELD, COLORADO
From 31-JUL-21 16:30:00 to 31-JUL-21 16:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: SHOSHONE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 25.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Multiple debris flows occurred along Interstate 70 within the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar between mile marker 123 and Hanging Lake Tunnel. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) described the damage from the new flows as extreme. The new debris piles were around 17 feet tall over the roadway and house-sized boulders fell as well. Hanging Lake trail received considerable damage. At least seven bridges were either destroyed, washed downstream or otherwise severely damaged. National Forest officials say it will be at least late-season 2022 before the trail can be reopened.

Flash Flood in MESA, COLORADO
From 31-JUL-21 18:10:00 to 31-JUL-21 18:10:00 (MST-7)
Location: LOMA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A flash flood occurred 10 miles north-northeast of Loma as a ten foot wall of water flowed outside of a normally dry wash. Evacuations took place for homes along 16 Road. Though not within the Pine Gulch Fire burn scar, the heavy rain originated from the scar and flowed downstream.

Flash Flood in MESA, COLORADO
From 31-JUL-21 18:06:00 to 31-JUL-21 18:06:00 (MST-7)
Location: FRUITA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A flash flood occurred in Hunter Canyon on 21 Road northeast of Fruita with an estimated 8 feet of water flowing down the wash. Though not within the Pine Gulch Fire burn scar, the heavy rain originated from the scar and flowed downstream.

Debris Flow in GARFIELD, COLORADO
From 31-JUL-21 16:45:00 to 31-JUL-21 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: DOUGLAS PASS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Ten feet of water flowed on County Road 205 within the Pine Gulch Fire burn scar.