By Shannon Lukens. Here are the updates of flooding in Hayden and Hwy 40 road closures and school closures, as they come in. Photos courtesy Cindy Hermann.
More statewide coverage:
- Flooding in northwestern Colorado cancels school in Hayden, shuts down Highway 40 between Craig and Steamboat Springs from CBS4
- Flooding closes school, parks and roads in Hayden from 9News
- Highway 40 closed between Steamboat Springs and Craig due to overflow at Dry Creek in Hayden from Denver 7 News
- US 40 closed from Craig to Steamboat due to flooding from Fox 31
UPDATE at 7:28 p.m.
Flood Watch for the Moffat County and City of Craig, CO
From Moffat County and City of Craig
The water continues to rise and has now impacted numerous County roads and City Streets.
Barclay and Heather Streets are closed north of Elmwood.
CR 30 mm 1.5 Closed until late Friday.
CR 78 Open to residents only.
CR 18S and CR 89 Closed until further notice
Over 1000 sandbags have been given out today. Craig Fire is assisting filling sandbags and distribution will begin again tomorrow.
City Road and Bridge were able to clear culverts along North Yampa.
Moffat County Road and Bridge is working to replace and add culverts on the impacted roads.
Sandbags will be available at City Park north parking lot. Residents in the immediate area of concern can pick up sandbags today until 6PM and Friday from 7AM-6PM. Residents outside the area of concern can also pickup sandbags in limited numbers if the need arises. Please contact City of Craig Road & Bridge Department at 970-824-4463 to make arraignments to pick up sandbags.
County and City officials ask people to sign-up for MoffatAlerts Emergency Notification. Click the following link. Moffat County – Public – Sign In (everbridge.net) Go to bottom of page to sign-up for a new account or click on the QR code below. The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office and City of Craig Police Department asks people not drive through the flood areas and avoid them at all costs.
Scan to Sign up for MoffatAlerts
Thank you.
Todd Wheeler
Moffat County Sheriff’s Office
Emergency Management Coordinator
UPDATE at 5:05 p.m. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for parts of Craig, especially around Fortification Creek. Flooding is expected to occur. Flood Warning Forecast
Moffat County Road 30 is closed at Mile Post 2 for spring flooding. The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office says the county road is washed out and impassable and no alternate routes are available.
MOFFAT COUNTY ROAD 30 CLOSED AT MILE POST 2
UPDATE at 4:32 p.m. Friday’s forecast calls for rain and snow. The Weather Channel writes, for April 14, “Snow during the morning will give way to a mixture of rain and snow during the afternoon. High 36F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.”
UPDATE at 3:44 p.m. Northwest Colorado is bracing for more flash flooding after hitting Hayden hard on Thursday. The National Weather Service says parts of Routt County and the intersection of Dry Creek and Hwy 40 in Hayden is under a Flood Advisory until noon on Saturday. The flooding is caused by snowmelt. Expect minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas and water over the roadways. Some low-water crossings may be impassable. Turn around and don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Flood Safety Tips and Resources from the National Weather Service
UPDATE at 3:09 p.m. from the City of Craig and Moffat County.
For Immediate Release
Flood Watch for the City of Craig, CO and From Moffat County and City of Craig
Starting today around 11 a.m. the Elected Officials, Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Craig Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and County and City Road and Bridge Supervisors met to discuss possible flooding issues within the county and the city. A discussion was held to prioritize areas of concern and attempt to be proactive should flooding evolve.
County roads are being impacted throughout the Moffat County. However, those impacts haven’t required any full road closures at this time. Colorado Highway 40 east of Craig near Hayden has been impacted and was closed for several hours on Thursday 04/13/23. US Highway 40 opened in both directions shortly after 1pm.
Currently, the primary areas of concern are the low-lying areas near Fortification Creek, within the City Limits of Craig. This includes 17th Street on the North, East to Lincoln Street West to Rose street and South to First Street. Fortification Creek has not escaped the bank in the area of concern, but with the anticipated weather, rain and snow in the forecast tomorrow, Government Officials are taking precautionary measures. Warm temps and the chance of rain and snow have increased the possibility of flooding. Colder temps will arrive after midnight with a chance of snow through Friday morning. Colder temps are forecasted through the weekend.
City and County Road and Bridge crews will start building sand berms in the 500 and 600 blocks of Lincoln St. today. Crews have also began filling sandbags. Sandbags will be available at City of Craig Road & Bridge shop at 1710 N Yampa. Residents in the immediate area of concern can pick up sandbags today until 6PM and Friday from 7AM-6PM. Residents outside the area of concern can also pickup sandbags in limited numbers if the need arises. Please contact City of Craig Road & Bridge Department at 970-824-4463 to make arraignments to pick up sandbags.
County and City officials ask people to sign-up for MoffatAlerts Emergency Notification. Click the following link. Moffat County – Public – Sign In (everbridge.net) Go to bottom of page to sign-up for a new account. The Sheriff’s Office and City of Craig will also be updating social media as situations change in Moffat County and City of Craig.
Scan to Sign up for MoffatAlerts
Thank you.
Todd Wheeler
Moffat County Sheriff’s Office
Emergency Management Coordinator
Dry Creek flooding today from the Routt County Fairgrounds, courtesy Marci Marumoto
Water on Routt County Road 86 going to Elkhead Reservoir which is the Cog detour. Picture courtesy Marci Marumoto, who reports that water was going over the road in four places, and some were deep. This picture is headed east.
UPDATE 2:43 p.m. from Town of Hayden
We regret to inform you that we will be canceling the Pee Wee Wrestling Tournament that was scheduled for this Saturday, April 15, 2023. Due to the current flooding situation in Hayden and the Hayden Center being a place for evacuees, we have decided it is best to cancel the Pee Wee Wrestling Tournament. At this time we will not be rescheduling. We apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause but feel this is in the best interest of our community.
Thank you to everyone who has shown support for our Hayden citizens that have been affected by this flooding, especially our Public Works Department and First Responders.
If you have already brought your food item(s) for the tournament to the Hayden Center, you are more than welcome to stop by and pick them back up. If not, we will use them for those who are evacuated to the Hayden Center.
Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions, please contact our Recreation Director, Rhonda Sweetser:
rhonda.sweetser@haydencolorado.org | 970-276-0501
1:45 p.m. Highway 40 is open from Steamboat Springs to Craig, according to CDOT and COTrip.org But here are detour options available if Hwy 40 closes again.
UPDATE at 1:30 p.m. Press Release from Routt County
Alternate Routes During Closure of US Highway 40 from Steamboat Springs to Craig
Steamboat Springs, CO, April 13, 2023 – Colorado Department of Transportation has closed US Highway 40 from mileposts 92 to 130 due to flooding in and around Hayden. Highway 40 between Hayden and Steamboat has opened to local traffic ONLY. This includes traffic to and from Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
Motorists are advised to use one of the alternate routes below when traveling to or from Craig. Please be advised, these alternate routes have limited cell service and GPS may not be available. Not all roads are paved and may not be suitable for all vehicles. Please use caution while traveling these routes.
Northern route from Craig to Hayden: US Highway 40 to the turn off to Elkhead Reservoir (Routt County Road 86 or Moffat County Road 29), turn right onto CR 28, it turns into CR 78, take CR 78 to CR 76, Take a right onto Riverview Road and that will take people to Highway 40 in downtown Hayden. From there take Highway 40 into Steamboat.
Southern route from Craig to Hayden, Oak Creek, or Steamboat: Highway 13 South from Craig, turn left onto CO-317 by Hamilton, which becomes Routt County Road 29, Keep left to turn onto CR 53. CR 53 will go into Hayden or turn right from CR 53 onto CR 37 (Haul Road) and take the road behind Yampa Valley Regional Airport to CR 27 (Twentymile Road). From CR 27 people can turn left to get to Highway 40 or turn right on Highway 27 to continue to Oak Creek. Motorists can also take CR 27 to CR 33 to get to Steamboat Springs.
Please note Routt County Road 65 (CO-394 on the Moffat County side) is closed to all traffic. The road is impassable and cannot be used as an alternate route between Hayden and Craig
Get alerted about situations like this by signing up for Routt County Alerts. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. Sign up now: RouttCountyAlerts.com
UPDATE at 1:16 p.m. From Routt County Communications: Highway 40 between Craig and Steamboat is open in both directions to all traffic.
UPDATE at 11:14 a.m. from the Town of Hayden Facebook page:
Update on Flooding: The Town would like to thank everyone for helping and working to deal with this flooding. The water seems to be receding at the moment but the weather service has issued a flood warning for the area through April 15th, 8am. Our PW crew, Routt County, and CDOT are working to clear culverts and snow piles in anticipation of possible flooding again late tonight. If you have a storm drain in front of your home and see it getting clogged please do what you can to unclog it and allow the water to flow to the proper areas.
Photos of Hayden courtesy Colorado Department of Transportation.
UPDATES at 11 a.m. CDOT says floodwaters are receding and they hope to be able to reopen Hwy 40 today after 12 p.m. They will continue to monitor conditions. Keep checking with COTrip.org
Press release from Colorado Department of Transportation; 11 a.m. April 13.
― TRAVEL ALERT ―
US 40 Craig to Steamboat Springs closed due to flooding
Afternoon closure may be necessary on US 40 Berthoud Pass due to avalanche conditions
CLEAR CREEK, GRAND, MOFFAT & ROUTT COUNTIES—A safety closure is in place for US Highway 40 from Craig to Steamboat Springs due flooding in Hayden. The closure is from Mile Points 92 to 130. Floodwaters are receding, and CDOT anticipates potentially being able to reopen today after 12 p.m. Crews will continue to monitor to assess conditions and determine when it is safe to reopen for the traveling public. Motorists are encouraged to use COtrip.org to determine an alternate route during the closure.
Warm temperatures are melting heavy snowpack from winter storms, and this makes flooding more likely. CDOT crews are regularly monitoring conditions overnight. A review at 2 a.m. this morning triggered the safety closure in place now. Flooding at this location is most likely in the morning hours, additional US 40 closures are possible as spring runoff continues.
A safety closure may be necessary today on another section of US 40. Further east, crews may need to close US 40 Berthoud Pass due to avalanche conditions. Berthoud Pass is near Interstate 70 and the Denver Metro Area. If there are warm temperatures or slides on US 40 Berthoud Pass, a safety closure will be necessary. Avalanches have come down onto the roadway on the north side of the pass earlier this week.
Travel Impacts
Both eastbound and westbound motorists on US 40 are affected by the safety closure between Craig and Steamboat Springs (Mile Points 92-130). The closure will last until at least 12 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Motorists should be aware a closure may be necessary later today on a section of US 40 further east, on US 40 Berthoud Pass. Please see maps below. Travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for the most current information.
UPDATE at 10:57 a.m. Yampa Valley Electric says some of their equipment has been submerged under water. They’re asking that everyone stay away from electric poles and submerged equipment. YVEA is in constant contact with Routt and Moffat Emergency Management agencies, ready to evaluate any emergencies that may arise due to the flooding.
Yampa Valley Electric also reports that the big outage in west Steamboat Springs Wednesday was because of a raccoon at the sub station across from Bob Adams Airport.
Press Release from Yampa Valley Electric Association: Headline: YVEA Update on Flooding Impacts in Hayden area
Due to rapid snow melt, local communities are experiencing flooding in Routt and Moffat Counties. Yampa Valley Electric Association is in constant contact with Routt and Moffat Emergency Management Agencies. We are working closely with them to evaluate any emergencies that may arise due to this flooding. Due to this flooding, some of YVEA’s equipment is partially or entirely submerged underwater. While our equipment is designed to withstand these flooding conditions, we ask all members to stay away from partially or fully submerged equipment and electrical poles where water is rushing around the base. We are also asking members not to approach our crews while working. Our crews need all of their focus to be on restoration and safety, and they should not be asked when the estimated restoration time is or approached with any questions. If members have questions about outages or restoration times, it is best to call us at 970-879-1160.
Travel in these locations is not advised. We recommend all members look to emergency management or the Colorado Department of Transportation for alternate routes and the most up-to-date road closures. There is a sandbag station at the Hayden Police Station for community members who need sandbags. Hayden Center is the current emergency shelter location. If you need to evacuate and don’t have a place to go, please call 911 or 970-276-3714 during regular business hours for assistance. We would also like to recommend that members sign up for emergency alerts and follow the Town of Hayden on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
As of 9:30 am on Thursday, April 13th, YVEA is not reporting outages due to the flooding. However, members in the areas of the flooding should be prepared in case of an emergency outage situation, which there is always a potential for. If directed by emergency management, we may need to perform emergency outages. For the latest on outages, members can follow YVEA on Facebook www.yvea.com Our thoughts are with our communities during this flooding, and we ask all of our members to be safe during this emergency.
UPDATE, from RouttCountyAlerts.com at 8:20 a.m.- Highway 40 between Hayden and Steamboat Springs is open to local traffic only including traffic to and from Yampa Valley Regional Airport – HDN.
This is the map from CoTrip.org earlier this morning. Check road conditions before any travel between Steamboat Springs and Craig.
ORIGINAL POST:
Dry Creek has crested its banks and there is flash flooding in the town of Hayden since around midnight last night. There is no school today in Hayden and all parks are closed. Hwy 40 between Craig and Steamboat Springs has been closed so check with COTrip.org for updates. A sandbag station has been set up by Hayden Police at the police station. The Hayden Center is set up as well for anyone who needs to evacuate their homes. More snow is melting quickly which is expected to cause more flooding.
We will keep you updated as best we can through the Steamboat Radio Facebook page. Also, sign up for RouttCountyAlerts.com as updates are being provided from there as well.
Hayden Town Manager Mathew Mendisco writes that today will “bring more melting of snow and flooding as we are experiencing rapid snow melt due to increasing temperatures and a small chance of rain. We are monitoring the situation and working the best we can until the waters recede.”
6 a.m. Routt County Communications writes about the flooding, “Dry Creek through the town of Hayden. Mostly around the area of Hayden Town Park, Dry Creek Park and the Routt County Fairgrounds and the neighborhoods between 1st through 6th streets.”
From Hayden Valley Schools at 3:47 a.m.:
For Immediate Release:
Hayden Valley Schools in Hayden, Colorado are closed today, Thursday, April 13, 2023, due to flooding in the immediate region. With safety concerns and in consultation with the Hayden Town Police, Superintendent Christy Sinner has canceled school for the day.
Highway 40 west of Hayden between Shelton Lane in Hayden and Walker Street in Craig is closed (mile point 108 to 92).
Updates will be provided as available and needed.
Judy Parrott
Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper/Board of Education Clerk
Hayden School District RE-1
At 8:39 a.m. Thursday from Hayden Secondary Athletics Facebook page
From Steamboat Springs School District at 7:52 a.m.
Due to delays from road closures on Highway 40, please be advised of potential impacts on school bus transportation routes. Students will be excused for being late or absent due to the road impacts.
- Sleeping Giants School students should expect delays getting to school.
- Any students on the west side of town who ride routes 7 or 14 will be delayed getting to school.
- An alternative form of transportation is recommended for students from the Sleepy Bear mobile home park.
Our transportation teams are out and doing their best to get students to school. We appreciate your patience, and please stay safe getting to school!
Laura Milius
Director of Communications | Steamboat Springs School District RE-2
Emergency Press Release from the Town of Hayden:
Here is a map of the Colorado Snowpack from CBS4 in Denver this morning. It shows the Yampa and White rivers at 143% of normal.