Flash Flood in Mesa County, Colorado

Flash flooding was observed along Salt Creek down to the confluence with the Dolores River, near the intersection of Salt Creek Road and Colorado Highway 141. A COOP observer nearby reported a pickup truck caught in the flood and floated upright downstream. Additionally, a Colorado Department of Transportation grader was noted leaving the CDOT facility in nearby Gateway and headed toward the area of this flash flooding. No reports of additional damage, or any injuries or fatalities were received.

Anomalously deep moisture was present across southeast Utah and southwest Colorado on the afternoon of June 4th. Enough sunshine had gotten through during the morning hours to create afternoon instability of 500-1000 J/Kg, more than enough to produce some strong storms. In addition, atmospheric profiles favored heavy rain development and slow moving, training thunderstorms. All these factors combined to lead to a few instances of flash flooding.