The abundant spring moisture and increased snowpack in the high country has benefits – such as forecasts for full reservoirs – but also has created some challenges like flooding, monstrous snow drifts on trails and avalanche debris.

Public health officials are also cautioning the wet, cooler weather has made the environment more hospitable to disease-spreading ticks, which thrive in these conditions.

Several species of ticks live in Ouray County, according to the Colorado Department of Public ...