Debris Flow — La Plata, Colorado

2018-07-16 · near Hermosa, La Plata, Colorado

Event narrative

A large amount of mud, tree branches, and other debris flowed through Hermosa Creek on the eastern portion of the 416 fire burn scar as a result of heavy rain from thunderstorms. At its crest the creek was running about 3 feet deeper than normal. Radar estimated half an inch to an inch of rain fell within a short period of time.

Wider weather episode

Deep subtropical moisture lingered across southwest Colorado and resulted in scattered showers and thunderstorms that produced heavy rain and debris flows.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.4203, -107.8451)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 766088. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.