Debris Flow — San Miguel, Colorado

2022-08-13 · near Telluride, San Miguel, Colorado

Event narrative

Several mudslides occurred on Black Bear Pass and the nearby Bridal Veil Road and Bridal Veil Trail as a result of heavy rain from thunderstorms. An abundance of boulders and mud accumulated on the pass. Water flowed down from the peak and across the road below. Eight vehicles and fifteen occupants were stranded as a result of the debris flows. The pass and roads remained closed for several days for cleanup operations.

Wider weather episode

High pressure remained centered over the Southern Plains which allowed for monsoon moisture to continue to stream into western Colorado. This increase in moisture resulted in scattered showers and thunderstorms across the region. Storms were slow moving and produced heavy rain. A localized debris flow occurred in San Miguel County.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.9309, -107.7836)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1039683. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.