Pueblo, Colo. – Residents living near the Aspen Acres burn scar in southeast Colorado should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions Thursday as thunderstorms could trigger dangerous flash flooding and debris flows through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Aspen Acres burn scar, including portions of the Wet Mountains and southwestern Pueblo County. Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall falling over fire-scarred terrain can quickly overwhelm the landscape, sending water, mud, rocks and debris rushing into nearby roads, drainages and low-lying areas.
Communities that could be affected include Rye, San Isabel, Beulah and Colorado City. While the watch is focused on the burn scar, nearby roads, neighborhoods and recreation areas may also experience hazardous conditions if intense thunderstorms develop during the afternoon or evening.
Burn scars are especially vulnerable because vegetation that once absorbed rainfall has been removed by wildfire, allowing runoff to develop much faster than in unaffected areas. Even a short period of heavy rain can produce life-threatening flooding and debris flows.
Residents and visitors should closely monitor weather updates, avoid hiking or camping near drainages and steep terrain, and be ready to move to higher ground if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Additional advisories may be needed if thunderstorms intensify later Thursday.
