Debris Flow in Gunnison County, Colorado

Heavy rain from a thunderstorm produced a mudslide along Highway 50 between mile marker 181 and 182 which closed the highway in both directions. This occurred approximately 25 miles east of Gunnison or 7 miles south-southwest of Waunita Hot Springs.

Significant monsoonal moisture had advected into the region in the days prior to August 9th. By the 9th, the atmosphere had saturated enough to promote a widespread heavy rain threat with afternoon convection. In addition, upper level support in the form of divergence aloft in the right entrance region of an upper level jet also worked to support widespread strong convection. Storm motion was reasonably quick, but training of storms was anticipated, enhancing the threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and debris flows. Areas of steep terrain in the central Colorado mountains were the most favored to see that flash flood and debris flow potential.