Flash Flood — La Plata, Colorado

2002-09-07 · near Durango, La Plata, Colorado

Wider weather episode

Flash flooding was widespread along the east side of the Animas Valley. Very large debris flows accompanied the flash floods. Two large houses in the path of the flows incurred extensive damage. Two mobile homes were knocked off their foundations. And some sheds were heavily damaged or destroyed. Mud, large trees, and boulders the size of cars covered many sections of county roads and residential properties up to 10 feet deep. A six mile section of irrigation canal was completely filled with debris. 750 people were evacuated from the Bar D Chuckwagon restaurant after being trapped for nearly three hours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5320845. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.