The expression “double-edged sword” has often been used to describe Colorado’s 2018 fire season whenever storm clouds approach.
On Tuesday, it’ll likely be used with regularity across the state as a powerful weather front creeps over burn areas with the potential to drop large hail stones and bring frequent lightning strikes and brief heavy rain.
The storm could help firefighters extend fire lines and mop up a dozen active wildfires from Costilla County in the southern part of Colorado all the way to the Wyoming border. It could also be the harbinger of new headaches including flash floods, lightning-sparked spot fires and high winds spreading fires.
Forecasters warn that flash flooding and winds up to 60 mph are possible Tuesday over burn areas.
“We don’t want too much rain,” said Jennifer Costich, spokeswoman for the Christine Lake fire a mile west of Basalt.
In burned-out fire areas, stripped of trees and other vegetation, as little as .03 inches of rain in a short period of time can trigger a “very dangerous situation,” according to the National Weather Service.
Flash flooding typically occurs in waterways, along creek and river beds, but it can also occur along roadways, in ravines and in most any down slope area — places that don’t usually carry or channel water.
People in areas under flash flood watches and warnings should be prepared to take action and move to higher, safe ground at a momentap notice.
416 FIRE
The fire area north of Durango is under a flash flood watch Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.
The burn scar area in northwest La Plata County could see heavy rainfall and residents in the area, especially along the U.S. 550 corridor near Hermosa, “should prepare for potential flooding impacts,” the weather service said. “Elsewhere, be prepared for flash flooding and debris flows on many area highways and roads.”
The fire, which started June 1, has burned more than 54,000 acres and was 50 percent contained Monday afternoon, fire officials said.
SPRING CREEK FIRE
Moderate, cooler weather and ongoing rains, including thunderstorms along the eastern edge of the fire area, has increased chances of flash flooding, fire officials said. Lightning in recent days has also been a concern.
“Fire weakened trees continue to pose a hazard and flash floods are occurring in areas that receive rainfall,” fire officials said Monday.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible Tuesday afternoon and evening, the weather service reports. “Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, with wind gusts up to 40 mph and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary storm risks,” the weather service said. “Any heavy rainfall which occurs on burn scars could produce dangerous flash flooding.”
Chances for thunderstorms will decrease mid- to late-week as drier air pushes into the region. But lightning, brief heavy rainfalls and winds up to 50 mph will still be possible and could raise concerns.
Thunderstorm chances ramp up again Friday and into the weekend as monsoon moisture returns.
The fire, in Costilla and Huerfano counties, has burned more than 108,000 acres and was 91 percent contained Monday night.
LAKE CHRISTINE FIRE
On Sunday, fire crews built hand lines along the northwestern edge of the fire, officials said Monday.
“Much of the burned area has exposed soils which could lead to an increased potential for erosion or runoff during rainfall,” fire officials said.
Utility companies continue repairs along damaged transmission lines. Late in the afternoon Sunday, some isolated flareups, creeping fire, smoldering and isolated torching occurred in the northern fire section. The northern end of the fire remains uncontained. Burning in steep, rugged terrain, the fire will likely continue to spread north. Smoke will continue to plume for some time and flames may be visible in the evening.
The fire has burned just over 6,800 acres and was 59 percent contained Monday night.
WESTON PASS FIRE
Cooler temperatures and a chance for rain are expected to impede fire growth and help fire crews reach full containment.
The lightning-sparked 13,023-acre wildfire nine miles southwest of Fairplay is at 93 percent containment.
Hot, dry temperatures Thursday through Sunday are another concern.
Wildfires in Colorado and the U.S.
The map shows active wildfire locations and all 2018 fire perimeters*. The map defaults to Colorado; to see all wildfires, click “U.S.” in the view area. Click the map layers icon in the top right corner of the map to change map backgrounds and to toggle active and contained fires, and perimeters. Click a marker or perimeter for details. To view the full map and a table of all 2018 wildfires, click here.
*Data comes from two sources, and , and could contain inconsistencies. Map by Kevin Hamm and Daniel J. Schneider.
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