Debris Flow — Pitkin, Colorado

2023-05-07 · near (ase)aspen Arpt, Pitkin, Colorado

Event narrative

Warm temperatures increased snowmelt and caused a debris flow on unsettled slopes on the Rio Grande Trail in Snowmass Canyon. The trail ran along the Roaring Fork River.

Wider weather episode

Accelerated snowmelt from a near-record snowpack due to above normal temperatures produced high and fast flow on drainages in Pitkin and Gunnison counties. As a result, flooding compromised various trails in Pitkin County as well as a ranch along East River in Gunnison County.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.2250, -106.8570)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1086431. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.