Debris Flow — Pitkin, Colorado

2024-07-26 · near Redstone, Pitkin, Colorado

Event narrative

A strong thunderstorm produced heavy rainfall rates resulting in a large mudslide at Avalanche Ranch along Highway 133. There were other mudslides along Highway 133 between Redstone Blvd and Red Dog Rd about 4 miles north of Redstone. These mudslides resulted in Highway 133 being closed in both directions from mile markers 53 to 57.

Wider weather episode

Deep monsoonal moisture pushed in from the west during the overnight and early morning hours accompanied by a shortwave disturbance, allowing for stronger storms to form capable of heavy rainfall rates. This moisture replaced a previously dry air mass so heavy rain threat was more localized. One particular storm resulted in debris flows over Pitkin County that evening.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.2593, -107.2354)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1204581. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.