Flood and Fire Awareness Week 2022

Flash Flooding

Flash floods are no strangers to Colorado. Since 1900, nearly 300 people have been killed in flash floods across the Centennial state.

A flash flood is defined as a rapid rise in water levels that occurs in less than 6 hours. This rise can happen along large creeks, normally dry washes, arroyos, or over normally dry land areas. Flash floods can occur with little to no advanced notice.

Flash floods frequently result from high rainfall rates, and infrequently from dam or levee failures or sudden breaks in river ice jams. Flash floods can be very destructive due to the force of the moving water and the accompanying debris. This tremendous force can easily damage or destroy roadways, bridges, and buildings.

In recent years, Colorado has seen major flooding and damage when heavy rains have occurred on wildfire burn scar areas. If you are in or near a burn scar area, you need to plan ahead. Be aware of general flash flood plans and procedures that have been developed and implemented by your local emergency management officials. You should know your flash flood risks, and make your plans now to minimize risk for you and your loved ones.

National Weather Service forecast offices discuss flash flood potential in daily hazardous weather outlooks and in graphical weather stories posted on National Weather Service websites. Forecast offices will also post flash flooding concerns to Facebook and Twitter.

During days when flash flooding is possible a Flash Flood Watch will be issued.

During days when flash flooding is likely or occurring, a Flash Flood Warning will be issued.

If you are in a drainage area or other low spot and a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area, you need to act quickly. Get to higher ground immediately and act as quickly as possible. It may be just a short walk or climb to that higher ground.

Many flash flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not drive through a flooded roadway. The water may be much deeper than you think because the roadway may be damaged or washed away. One to two feet of water will carry away most vehicles. Instead...Turn around, Don't drown.

For more information on flood safety, please go to:

weather.gov/safety/flood.

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