Eagle County first responders staying vigilant as water rises

Emergency responders will be out and about tonight (Monday) as concerns about high water continue. River levels are expected to remain high through Thursday for Turkey Creek, Gore Creek and the Eagle River. Thunderstorms could cause higher peak flows, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms tonight and an equal or slightly less chance tomorrow, decreasing later in the week.

Eagle River Fire Protection District crews are performing patrols of local waterways, and will respond to issues as needed.

Officials from the Town of Vail will continue monitoring the water for the next few nights. The town has replenished sand and bag supplies for residents to last a few more days. 

Eagle County Road & Bridge and Town of Gypsum have replenished sand and bags at the county’s Maintenance Service Center in Gypsum.

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office has provided sandbag support through an inmate crew. Deputies are monitoring crossings and have closed the South Forty pedestrian bridge in Edwards.

Greater Eagle Fire is working with the Town of Eagle to help educate the public regarding safe use of the Eagle River Park. Visitors to the area may not realize water levels are not typical. Large debris in the water and obstacles downriver can be hazardous.

The Town of Minturn has created a sandbag barrier along the road at Little Beach Park. 

Red Cliff officials are coordinating sandbag efforts along Turkey Creek and are monitoring potential threats to utilities along the town’s bridges. 

Community members are reminded to be cautious around river banks and to report any unsafe river conditions to the Vail Public Safety Communications Center at 970-479-2201 in the Eagle Valley or the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center at 970-920-5310 in the Roaring Fork Valley. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Video of today’s river levels can be found at: https://vimeo.com/345579465