Order# WRNF-2020- 23 Fire Closure
 
FOREST ORDER
USDA FOREST SERVICE WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
Eagle-Holy Cross, Aspen-Sopris, Rifle Ranger Districts
 
FIRE CLOSURE: Grizzly Creek Fire Area
 
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands within the Grizzly Creek Fire Area on the White River National Forest, Eagle and Garfield Counties, State of Colorado (the "Restricted Area") and described to the east boundary from the Colorado River Road in Dotsero, to the south at the White River National Forest boundary in Glenwood Canyon, to the north at the southern boundary of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, and to the west near Adams Lake. Lands include map sections: T.2s R.88w Sec.30-35; T.2S R.89W. Sec. 25-26; T.2S R.89W. Sec. 35-26; T.3S R.87W. Sec.19-20; T.3S R.87W. Sec.29-32; T.3S R.88W. Sec.2-11; T.3S R.88W. Sec.13-36; T.3S R.89W. Sec.1-2; T.3S R.89W. Sec.10-15; T.3S R.89W. Sec.21-28 T.3S R.89W. Sec.33-36; T.4S R.87W. Sec.5-8; T.4S R.87W. Sec.17-20; T.4S R.87W. Sec.29-33; T.4S R.88W. Sec.1-36; T.4SR.89W. Sec.1-4;  T.4S R.89W. Sec.9-16; T.4S R.89W. Sec.21-28; T.4S R.89W. Sec.33-26; T.5S R.87W. Sec.4-9;T.5S R.87W. Sec.16-21; T.5S R.87W. Sec.21-34; T.5S R.88W. Sec.1-36 T.5S R.89W. Sec.1-4; T.5S R.89W.Sec.10-15; T.5S R.89W. Sec.22-27; T.5S R.89W. Sec.36; T.6S R.87W. Sec.6-7; T.6S R.88W. Sec.1-16; T.6SR.88W. Sec.1-2 in the White River National Forest National Forest.
 
 The Restricted area is also depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A.
 
The purposes of this Order are to: (1) provide for public safety; and (2) prevent interference with firefighting operations.
 
PROHIBITIONS: This Order prohibits the following:
 
Going into or occupying the Restricted Area until this Closure Order is rescinded. 36 C.F.R. § § 261.52(e). 
 
EXEMPTIONS:
 
 Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
 
1) Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty;
2) Persons or entities with a written Forest Service exemption specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
 
This Order becomes effective at 12:01 am on 8/11/20 and remains in effect until rescinded.
 
Done at Glenwood Springs, CO, this 11th day of August, 2020
 
Scott Fitzwilliams

Forest Supervisor
White River National Forest
 
A violation of the prohibitions in this Order is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than$5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a legal entity other than an individual, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. (16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571).
 
Order# WRNF-2020- 23 Fire Closure

### 

Aug. 11, 2020

― I-70 Mountain Corridor Advisory ―

I-70 Glenwood Canyon remains closed due to wildfire

GARFIELD & EAGLE COUNTIES ― I-70 in Glenwood Canyon continues to be closed between Mile Point 116 (Glenwood Springs) and MP 140 (Gypsum). The closure is for both directions of traffic with no estimated time of reopening. The safety closure will allow CDOT to assess two bridges located near where the Grizzly Creek Fire started, as well as increased rockfall hazard in Glenwood Canyon. Both assessments are taking place today. Rockfall has been reported and is likely due to burned vegetation no longer holding rocks in place. 

CDOT has paused some construction projects to allow for detour traffic. CDOT asks that motorists not use Cottonwood Pass (Eagle & Garfield counties) or Independence Pass as detour routes, as these roads are not built for heavy traffic or commercial oversize vehicles. Vehicles over 35 feet in length may not use Independence Pass at any time. This includes a vehicle and trailer that, together, exceed 35 feet.

DETOUR ROUTES
Drivers should anticipate additional traffic on these routes. CDOT has paused some construction projects in order to accommodate detour traffic. However, travelers should be aware of possible construction impacts on US and state highways. CDOT recommends that through traffic on I-70 use a southern detour route, due to construction on commonly used northern alternate routes.

- WESTBOUND: Denver metro area motorists can travel on US 285 to US 50, and continue west to Grand Junction. Travelers on I-70 can use CO 9 to US 285 south to US 50, or use CO 91 southwest to US 24 to US 50. 

- EASTBOUND: Motorists traveling from Grand Junction can use US 50 east to US 285 and continue to Denver. Motorists headed to areas west of Denver can also use the westbound detour in reverse.

For residents and businesses north of I-70, the following alternate routes are best:

- WESTBOUND: Motorists can connect to US 40 via CO 9 or CO 131. To continue to Grand Junction, take CO 139 south to I-70. CDOT advises commercial traffic to use CO 9 instead of CO 131, for safety purposes. Please note that while CO 13 is open at this time, it is not a recommended detour due to construction. Oversize commercial vehicles are not allowed on CO 13 due to construction. 

-EASTBOUND: Near Fruita, motorists can travel north on CO 139 to US 40, then south on CO 131 or CO 9, returning to I-70. As stated above, CO 13 is not recommended due to construction.

FIRE INFORMATION
Agencies are responding to the Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon. Updates and information can be found at: 

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6942/
https://www.facebook.com/GrizzlyCreekFireCO

970-930-1850

grizzlycreekfire@gmail.com

MEDIA CONTACT: David Boyd, White River National Forest: David.Boyd@usda.gov,  970-319-4895

COVID-19  

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for all of us, particularly for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, CDOT maintenance and construction crews follow social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks.  As traffic returns to normal levels, motorists must drive cautiously and heed the speed limit so all of us can return home safely. 

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY. 

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT 

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated inter-regional express service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s multimodal mobility options.  

# # # 

Dead End Rd Fire: 22 acres, 100% contained.
Location: 7.5 miles north of Millersview, TX in Concho County

The fire has been turned back over to the locals to monitor. All state resources have been released. The cause was a roadside start in a recreational area.  

BAER KEY MESSAGES PREPARING FOR RAIN

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to manage unacceptable risks afterwards.

Summer thunderstorms and other rain events in the mountains can result in high runoff and flash flooding.

Wildfire increases the potential for post fire flooding, soil erosion, and debris flows that could impact campgrounds, fishing areas, homes, structures, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from the burned areas.

Post-fire, watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.

The public and communities adjacent to and downstream from burned areas should expect increased flooding and debris transport during smaller rain events than would normally cause this.

The potential for increased runoff and debris flows are not just a one-year concern.

We need to recognize the threat potential of flash floods and debris flows may exist for the next 3-5 monsoon and winter seasons, depending on the intensity of these storms.

For life and safety concerns, California National Forest closures may need to be implemented prior to forecast rain events until the burned area fully recovers.

Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads downstream from the burned areas of recent wildfires.

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams have been working on California’s National Forests to assess the condition of the watersheds on federal land that burned this summer and fall.

The BAER assessment team identifies potential threats to critical values-at-risk and recommends emergency stabilization response actions that are implemented on federal lands to reduce potential post-fire risks.

BAER critical values that may be considered at-risk on National Forest System (NFS) lands are:

• Human life and safety.

• Property on Forest Service lands such as buildings, water systems and infrastructure, road and trail prisms.

• Natural Resources on Forest Service lands such as water, soil productivity and hydrologic function, areas where invasive species or noxious weeds may impact native or naturalized communities and may include critical habitat or suitable occupied habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species.

• Cultural and Heritage Resources such as pre-historic and historic properties and sites on Forest Service lands.

For values and resources potentially impacted off NFS lands, one of the most effective BAER strategies is interagency coordination with other responsible agencies, entities, and local cooperators who assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners prepare for rain events. 

While multi-agency efforts are being taken to reduce the risks to life and safety downstream from the burned area, residents in the area should develop individual plans to protect themselves and their property. 

The Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work together and coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased run-off and potential flooding and debris flows.

NRCS works with local sponsors to prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas.  NRCS uses these reports, along with the BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows, and assist sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures (www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf).

Many local county offices of emergency management promote preparedness through emergency services programs to assist the public to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and quickly recover from natural emergencies that may impact county residents and visitors. Please check your local county website for emergency preparedness for potential National Weather Service flood warnings.

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.floodsmart.gov/, or www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/why. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/.

APPLE & EL DORADO FIRES COMMUNITY MEETING VIDEO

Video from the 9/30/2020 Flood after Fires Community Meeting:

https://www.facebook.com/RivCoReady/videos/343495606733316/?vh=e&extid=0

POST APPLE FIRE FLOOD EVACUATION STORM READY

Riverside County agencies are working with various other agencies to evaluate the Apple Fire burn scar in the Cherry Valley area. As more information becomes available about the potential for mud and debris flows from the Apple Fire, that information will be shared online at https://rivcoready.org/StormReady.

Post Apple Fire Flood Evacuation Map

The Storm Ready interactive map, with evacuation zones, has been created (see link below) and posted to the Storm Ready website at: https://countyofriverside.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=401339131f5046c69a04a49c7282cccb

Apple Post-Fire BAER 2500-8 Assessment Report Released

The San Bernardino National Forest received funding for emergency stabilization measures on Forest Service System lands burned by the Apple Fire.  The emergency treatments and activities are designed to decreased possible impacts to values-at-risk from the Apple burned area such as: life and safety, property, critical natural resources and cultural resources.  NOTE: Attached below as “Related Information” is a PDF document called “Apple BAER 2500-8 Assessment Report_PUBLIC”.

 Emergency Assessment of Post-Fire Debris Flow Hazards   

The Forest Service (USFS) Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment team coordinated early with US Geological Survey (USGS) staff during its evaluation of the Apple Fire burned area to strategically assess potential post-fire impacts to the watersheds and predicted debris flow response during damaging storm events.

From the USGS website found at https://landslides.usgs.gov/hazards/postfire_debrisflow/:

“Wildfire can significantly alter the hydrologic response of a watershed to the extent that even modest rainstorms can produce dangerous flash floods and debris flows. The USGS conducts post-fire debris-flow hazard assessments for select fires in the Western U.S.  We use geospatial data related to basin morphometry, burn severity, soil properties, and rainfall characteristics to estimate the probability and volume of debris flows that may occur in response to a design storm.”

USGS used the BAER team’s soil burn severity analysis of the area burned by the Apple Fire to estimate post-fire debris-flow hazards, including the likelihood of debris flow (in %), potential volume of debris flow, and combined relative debris flow hazard. These predictions are made at the scale of the drainage basin, and at the scale of the individual stream segment. The USGS Apple Post-Fire Debris Flow Hazard Assessment estimates convey these hazards for the Apple burn area.  The map on the USGS website shows the Estimates of probability, volume, and combined hazard are based upon a design storm with a peak 15-minute rainfall intensity of 24 millimeters per hour (1 inch/hour).   The online interactive map is posted at (click on the button at the top right corner of the map to show different predictions according to storm estimates): https://landslides.usgs.gov/hazards/postfire_debrisflow/detail.php?objectid=290.

USGS Fact Sheet 176-97, entitled “Debris Flow Hazards in the United States” contains information used to interpret the debris flow map and analysis that was incorporated into the BAER assessment team’s anticipated soil erosion and hydrologic response findings.  According to the USGS, “Analysis of data collected from studies of debris flows following wildfires can answer many of the questions fundamental to post-fire hazard assessments— what and why, where, when, how big, and how often?”  This information is extremely important in assisting the public in increasing their awareness of the areas where there may be a higher increase in flooding, sediment and soil erosion, and a high probability of debris flows –- all of which are potential risks to human life, safety, and property.

 PREPARING FOR RAINSTORMS

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to prevent problems afterwards.  Wildfire increases the potential for flooding, post-fire soil erosion and debris flows that could impact homes, structures, campgrounds, aquatic dependent plants and animals, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from the burned area. 

Post-fire watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.  Monsoonal storms bring heavy rain and rapid runoff from burned areas.  Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads and trails within and downstream from the burned areas on the San Bernardino National Forest (NF).

The Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team working with the San Bernardino NF to assess post fire conditions of the watersheds on federal land that were burned in the Apple Fire. The BAER assessment team identifies potential emergency threats to critical values-at-risk and recommends emergency stabilization response actions that are implemented on federal lands to reduce potential threats. 

For values and resources potentially impacted off National Forest System lands, one of the most effective BAER strategies is its interagency coordination with local cooperators who assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners prepare for rain events.  The Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work together and coordinate with other federal, state, and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased run-off and potential flooding.

Federal assistance to private landowners is administered by NRCS through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp/).  NRCS and the Resource Conservation Districts work with local governments (sponsors) to implement emergency measures in the wake of natural disasters to safeguard human lives, property, and natural resources. 

NRCS and local sponsors prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas.  NRCS uses these reports, along with the BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows, and assist sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures (www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf).

Multiple agencies work with BAER teams and look at the full scope and scale of the situation to reduce the potential threats to human life and safety, and property; however, BAER emergency stabilization actions on federal lands cannot prevent all of the potential flooding or soil erosion impacts, especially after wildfires change the landscape.

It is important that residents take steps to protect themselves and their property from flooding and debris flows:

- For their safety, communities need to monitor local weather reports and public safety bulletins, local road closures, emergency notifications, weather alerts, follow local county and city advisories, and act accordingly.

- Use a “weather radio” or smart phone “weather app” that monitors “all hazards” alerts issued by the NOAA-National Weather Service (www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/).

- Prepare for rainstorms by being prepared to evacuate if county or city emergency officials determine that flooding and debris flows are expected which could pose an increased threat to human life, safety, and property. Practice evacuations prior to real events.

- Know and be alert to environmental signs of dangerous weather conditions and be prepared to take action that can save lives.

- Understand that all drainages within and downstream of burned areas can produce flash flooding.

- If you find yourself in a flood, climb to safety (seek higher ground).

- Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it by vehicle or foot. Water hides dips in the road – worse yet, there may be no road left under the water as flooding can scour away the entire road surface and ground beneath the road.

Interagency Resources for Flood and Storm Preparedness and Emergency Information

Local Counties

The following local County Offices of Emergency Services and Management promote preparedness through its emergency services programs to assist the public to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and quickly recover from natural emergencies that may impact county residents and visitors:

§  San Bernardino County Flood Control District

§  San Bernardino County Rainfall Data Alerts

§  San Bernardino County Emergency Alerts

§  Riverside County Flood Control District

§  Riverside County Emergency Preparedness

§  Riverside County Emergency Alerts

State Agencies

The California Department of Water Resources (Cal DWS) provides information about emergency preparedness, flood and storm preparation in partnership with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES):

·       Cal DWS-Flood Preparedness

·       Cal DWS-Flood After Fire Video

·       CalTrans & CA Highway Patrol (CHP)-Be Storm Ready Video

Other Federal Agencies

The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) coordinates its Emergency Management program with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments to provide engineering services to respond to national and natural disasters in order to minimize damages and help in recovery efforts. Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. Public Law 93-288 authorizes FEMA to task the Corps with disaster recovery missions under the Federal Response Plan: www.usace.army.mil/Missions/EmergencyOperations/NationalResponseFramework/FloodControl.aspx.

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/wildfires-you-need-flood-insurance or www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS)-San Diego office created a website featuring information about flash flooding and debris flows, precipitation forecast and a flash flood potential forecast dashboard, and is located at: www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/hydro/ffpd.php.  The NWS-San Diego and Forest Service discuss Monsoon Storm Awareness in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgK0GVrJyRo.

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/sgx/.

APPLE FIRE SOIL BURN SEVERITY MAP RELEASED

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.— Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists recently completed their data gathering and verification field work of the Apple Fire burn area. The Soil Burn Severity map has been finalized. Soil Burn Severity levels are Unburned, Low, Moderate, and High.

The map shows that in the Apple Fire area, approximately 25% of the 33,209 acres analyzed by the BAER team is either unburned (5%) or low (20%) soil burn severity, while 50% sustained a moderate soil burn severity, and 25% burned at high soil burn severity.

The BAER post-fire assessment team uses soil burn severity data to identify if there are areas of concern where increased soil erosion, accelerated surface water run-off, and debris flows have the potential to impact human life/safety, property, and critical natural and cultural resources from storm events. The BAER team consists of Forest Service scientists and specialists that are considering emergency stabilization options for those critical resources.

BAER Team Leader Todd Ellsworth said, “The BAER team expects erosion and run-off within the Apple Fire area to increase as a result of the fire because 75% of the burned area experienced moderate or high soil burn severity.” In specific areas that experienced moderate to high soil burn severity, there is concern for increased post-fire run-off from steep hillslopes and resultant increases in post-fire soil erosion and debris flows.

The Apple Fire soil burn severity BAER map can be downloaded at the interagency “Apple Post-Fire BAER” InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6939) as a JPEG or PDF version under the “maps” tab.

A "Field Guide for Mapping Post-Fire Soil Burn Severity" can help with interpreting the map and can be found online at http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr243.pdf.

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/sgx/.