1 Killed, 2 Missing After Flash Flooding In Larimer County
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Larimer County Dive Rescue Team recovered a body on Tuesday night from the Poudre River near Arrowhead Lodge. The sheriff's office reports two people are missing after flash flooding in the Cameron Peak burn scar.
The flooding destroyed at least five homes along Highway 14 near Rustic. The flooding took out bridges and littered the river with debris.
Highway 14 remains closed west of Rustic to Cameron Pass. The road is now open east of Rustic to Hwy 287 at Ted's Place. Poudre Valley REA is working to restore power west of Rustic, but crews are having difficulty crossing the river.
The worst damage is located just west of Rustic along Hwy 14 near Black Hollow Creek Road. The sheriff's office lifted the mandatory evacuation right around 10:30 p.m. for people who live east of Rustic.
"Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area," sheriff's officials stated at around 7:45 p.m.
The Red Cross has an evacuation center at CLP Middle School at 3515 W County Road 54G.
James Czarnecki tells CBS4 the river went from being clear to having multiple feet of debris. He and a friend went from campground to campground warning dozens of people and anglers in the river.
"I was astounded at how fast the river went from being completely clear, a normal day on the river, to a condition to where there was bank-to-bank debris flow and the water had risen two-and-a-half feet in a matter of 15-20 seconds," said Czarnecki. "I don't think people understand how flash floods can work. This was the first one I had seen and I was astounded by it."
Some campers tell CBS4's Alan Gionet they saw large logs floating down the river.
Wayne Couch II shared video west of Arrowhead Lodge of what he says is a house and a vehicle in the river.
Poudre Valley REA reports more than 100 customers in the Rustic area are without power. They add mudslides in the area downed multiple power lines as of 7:40 p.m. Crews initially estimated restoration at around two hours, but now say there is no estimated time.
The Canyon Lakes Ranger District says campgrounds along Highway 14 will be closed on Wednesday.
A Joint Information Center is open. Residents with questions can call 970-980-2500.
