Debris Flow in Garfield County, Colorado

Colorado Department of Transportation reported a mudslide and subsequent road closure of Colorado State Highway 82 at approximately mile marker 11, or between Satank Road turn off and Colorado State Highway 133. The road was closed for roughly 2 hours, reopening by 00:15AM MDT, or 23:15 MST. Colorado State Highway 82 in the vicinity of Carbondale is known to be susceptible to flash flooding and mud and debris flows will heavy, intense rainfall.

Another monsoonal surge of moisture began the night before August 21st, which combined with some lift associated with a jet aloft to create scattered to widespread shower and thunderstorm activity on the afternoon of the 21st. These showers and storms had a fast storm motion of 20-25 miles per hour, but some training was evident. This, combined with more than ample moisture, meant that the threat for heavy rain and debris flows was present across vulnerable locations.