UPDATE, 9:45 p.m.
U.S. Highway 550 reopened between Ridgway and Ouray Wednesday night, authorities announced at 9:15 p.m. Emergency officials encouraged motorists to be cautions when driving through areas that recently flooded.
Ouray County commissioners will hold an emergency meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday to discuss tonight’s flash flooding in Cutler Creek and other impacts.
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The Ouray County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order Wednesday evening for the area east of U.S. Highway 550 between Citadel Drive and Old School Road due to intense flooding.
“If you are home and able to, emergency services is directing residents to EVACUATE the area for your safety! Extreme flooding is occurring in this area due to heavy rain on the Gold Mtn burn scar. Please evacuate to the Ridgway Secondary School for an evacuation Center,” sheriff’s officials posted on social media around 6:30 p.m.
The evacuated area includes the Ponderosa Village subdivision, which already had some homes experience flooding on Sunday along Blue Tip Drive and White House Vista Lane.
Charred debris from the Gold Mountain Fire washed down the mountain again on Wednesday night, catching on the culvert under U.S. Highway 550 at Cutler Creek and piling against the bridge.
Flooding brought down more debris on Wednesday night. This photo was taken by Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance patrol personnel. Photo courtesy CDOT
Heavy rain the last several hours also forced the closure of U.S. Highway 550 at Cutler Creek and on Oak Street near the 4J+1+1 RV Park in Ouray, where it appeared that a small mudslide covered the road.
Public works crews with the city of Ouray worked to clear mud from Oak Street near the 4J+1+1 RV Park on Wednesday night after rain.
Photo by James Hanlon – Ouray County Plaindealer
The Gold Mountain Fire burn area is under a flash flood warning until 9 tonight. The National Weather Service said more than an inch of rain had fallen in the area.
U.S. Highway 550 was also closed due to flooding south of Ironton, according to CDOT.
To sign up for emergency alerts, text “ourayalerts” to 65513.
