Residents who live in and around the Lake Christine Fire burn scar area are advised to be aware of the high risk for flash flooding and mud and debris flows that could occur after a heavy rainfall. The precipitation, coupled with the burn scar, warmer temperatures and above average snowpack, is expected to produce a faster and heavier runoff period. 

Wildfires result in a loss of vegetation and leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates conditions for flooding. Even areas that are not traditionally flood-prone are at risk of flooding for up to several years after a wildfire. The prospect for a wetter than normal spring has emergency officials from Eagle, Pitkin, and Garfield Counties planning for mud and debris flows. This is in addition to the planning they do every spring for flooding that could occur in and around local creeks, rivers, and reservoirs after a higher-than-normal winter snowfall.
“The outlook through May indicates a higher chance of above normal precipitation over western Colorado, including the central mountains,” said Aldis Strautins, a Service Hydrologist for the National Weather Service.

“With the anticipated high water runoff, potential flooding and increased risk of debris flows, it is important that all of our public safety and support agencies work together to plan and coordinate our response before there is an emergent need. We also want to make sure our communities are aware of the above average risk for these events and prepare for them this year,” said Eagle County Sheriff James Van Beek. “The safety of our citizens, community and first responders is our highest priority and we want our citizens to be prepared
Residents near the Lake Christine burn scar area, regardless of the county they live in, are strongly encouraged to register for Pitkin Alert. When the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning in the Lake Christine burn scar areas, Pitkin Alert will send out notifications to users who have registered for the weather alerts at www.pitkinalert.org. Registered users of EC Alert will also receive notifications.
Those who only want to receive information about the threat of flash floods, mudslides and debris flows from the Lake Christine burn scar, can text LCFLOOD to 888777.
People should remember to use caution around fast-moving streams and rivers, especially in a high runoff year. Those who live near the Lake Christine burn scar should be prepared to quickly move to higher ground or evacuate if necessary.

A map of the Lake Christine burn scar area can be found at http://bit.ly/LCFmap1 .
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Local emergency officials are hosting a community meeting to address the risk and how to be prepared. The meeting will be held on June 10, 2019 at 6 pm at Eagle County Annex building, 20 Eagle County Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623 .

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Pitkin County, Colorado – October 9, 2018 – Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo has rescinded all Stage 1 fire restrictions for all lands in Pitkin County effective immediately Tuesday, October 9, 2018. Stage 1 fire restrictions were initially put in place on June 12, 2018, and, on June 29, 2018, were elevated to Stage 2. After a brief reprieve from restrictions in September, Sheriff DiSalvo, using data to guide the decision, reinstated Stage 1 fire restrictions on September 21, 2018.
 
The Energy Release Component (ERC) is the prevailing measurement used to determine when fire restrictions are put in place. Low ERCs, along with weather forecasts and the fire activity in the County guided Sheriff DiSalvo this week to remove the current Stage 1 fire restrictions.
 
“Although we are coming out of fire restrictions, I’m asking all Pitkin County residents and visitors to remain vigilant, adhere to fire safety rules and report all smoke and fire to 911 immediately,” said Sheriff Joe DiSalvo.
 
All Pitkin County citizens and visitors are reminded and encouraged to practice smart wildfire prevention behavior by observing the following campfire safety rules:
 

• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Only use established campfire rings.
• Pick safe and proper campfire sites.
• Ensure that campfires are completely out and cool to the touch by using the “drown, stir, and feel” method.

 
If you have any questions, please contact your local fire district, USFS District Ranger or the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office at:
 
Aspen Fire Protection District -- 970-925-5532
Basalt & Rural Fire Protection District --  970-704-0675
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District --  970-963-2491
Snowmass/Wildcat Fire Protection District --  970-923-2212
Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office --  970-920-5300
White River National Forest --  970-963-2255