WINTER STORM WARNING

A trough of low pressure moving through the Great Basin, will bring significant snowfall, favoring the southern and central mountains where up to a foot of new snow will fall by midday Monday. The San Juan Mountains will receive the highest amounts, with significant amounts extending southward to the New Mexico border from Durango to Pagosa Springs. Winter Storm Warnings are in place for those areas. In addition Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for many of the other mountains and plateaus of western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Most other valleys will see a mixture of rain and snow, with little accumulation. Isolated thunderstorms are possible today as well, enhancing precipitation rates. Another stronger storm will follow, beginning Monday night and continuing into early Wednesday, This storm will bring more precipitation and colder temperatures

No Large Emergencies At This Time

There are currently no large emergencies in the Archuleta County Response Area at this time.
***Test 11/02/11 0757***

USFS Conducting Prescibed Fire in Burns Canyon

The US Forest Service is conducting a prescribed fire in the Burns Canyon area.  This is South of Pagosa by about 8 miles and just west of  County Road 500.  Smoke will be visible from town for the next few days.  Please do not call 9-1-1 if you believe you are seeing this fire.

HWY 160 IS NOW OPENED

The Sheriff's office and Pagosa Police dept. Have completed the sweep of all cars in the area.  The area has been cleared and the 160 has been reopened. Thank you for your understanding

HWY 160 IS CLOSED DUE TO A BOMB THREAT

Highway 160 has been shut down due to a bomb threat between the 400-500 block of the downtown area. Please do not travel to this area. If you are in the area please evacuate until further notice. You can also listen to KWUF on the radio for up to date info

No Large Emrgencies at this Time

There are no large emergencies at this time in the Archuleta County Response Area.

Final Sambrito 2 Fire Update - August 29

Rain fell over most of the Sambrito 2 fire Sunday afternoon. Seven new fire starts were reported adjacent to the fire and were quickly extinguished by firefighters. The Sambrito 2 fire is now 87% contained and full containment is expected by this evening. The fire size remains at 535 acres.

Aircraft were demobilized Sunday evening and most engines and crews will be released Tuesday morning. Due to the widespread lightning on Sunday, the aircraft will remain within the Dispatch Zone to assist with initial attack efforts. Two engines, one 20-person crew, and some overhead personnel will remain on the Sambrito 2 fire and will also be available to assist with initial attack.

Sambrito 2 Fire Update - 8/28/11

The lack of gusty, erratic winds yesterday allowed firefighters to make good progress on the Sambrito 2 Fire and there is now a rough containment line around the entire fire.  Fifty-two percent of the fire is contained and full containment is expected by Monday evening.  A reconnaissance flight this morning measured the fire at 535 acres.

Today, crews worked towards strengthening the remaining containment line and began mopping up, making sure there are no hot spots that could jump the line during a wind event.  A single-engine air tanker (SEAT) and medium and light helicopters were available to assist firefighters with retardant and water drops as needed. There are 210 firefighters and seven fire engines assigned to the fire.

The Sambrito 2 Fire is located approximately 8 miles east of Ignacio and 5 miles northwest of Arboles. It started on August. 24.

Sambrito 2 Fire Update - Aug. 27 - 9:00 AM

Thunderstorm activity occurred over the Sambrito 2 fire late Friday afternoon, bringing lightning and strong gusty winds for several hours, but the fire received only a small amount of precipitation.

The Sambrito 2 Fire grew on the north end of the fire yesterday near the head of Sambrito Canyon, as firefighters worked to secure the southern end of the fire. The fire is now 15% contained. A reconnaissance flight will occur later today to map the fire perimeter. Small spot fires due to extremely dry fuels continue to hamper efforts to contain the fire.

Firefighters will continue efforts to keep the fire contained within the Sambrito Creek drainage and north of private lands, the closest of which are about ½ mile southwest of the fire. A single-engine air tanker (SEAT) and medium helicopter will continue to assist firefighters with retardant and water drops as needed. There are 150 firefighters and 5 fire engines working the fire, and one additional 20-person crew and fire engine are on order.

The fire, which is burning on Southern Ute lands, was reported about 2:00 PM Wednesday. Most of the fire is in Archuleta County, but a small portion on the southern end is in La Plata County. No residences are threatened and no evacuations have been ordered. The fire is burning in ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, and Gambel oak approximately 8 miles east of Ignacio and 5 miles northwest of Arboles.

For more information contact Pam Wilson, Fire Information Officer, at 799-2926.

Sambrito 2 Fire Update - Agu. 26

Sambrito 2 Fire, Aug. 24, 2011

Sambrito 2 Fire -- Day 3
This fire started Aug. 24 around 2 PM and is burning in the Sambrito Creek drainage on Southern Ute lands in Archuleta and La Plata Counties. The current acreage is 477 acres. The fire is not threatening any residences and no evacuations have been ordered. It is being managed by a Type 3 interacency incident management team from southwest Colorado.

Approximately  150 firefighters are working to contain the fire, and they are being supported from the air by a single-engine airtanker (SEAT) and a medium helicopter. As of 8/25 the fire was 0% contained but that figure is expected to increase today with the addition of more firefighters. Incident Commander Ron Klatt is hoping for full containment by Monday, Aug. 29th.

Residents are reminded that although parts of southwest Colorado have received some significant rainfall, the moisture has been fairly scattered with some areas not receiving any precipitation.

For more information contact Pam Wilson, Fire Information Officer at 970-799-2926.

Multiple Small Fire Near SW Archuleta County

There are multiple small fires in the area northwest of Arboles.  Most of these are in LaPlata County on the west side of the mountains.  The largest is estimated at 35 acres and may burn into Archuleta County if it crests the ridge.  All are thought to be on tribal lands.  Multiple fire agencies (local and federal) are working on these fires at this time.  Weather is happening aircraft operations.  As information becomes available we will post it.

Small fire in wilderness visible from Pagosa

The US Forest Service is monitoring a small fire that is south of Pagosa Peak and north of the fourmile trailhead.  The fire is visible from Pagosa.  The fire is in the wilderness.  Please do not call 9-1-1 of you think you are setting this fire.

Several Small Fires Keep Firefighters Busy in Archuleta County

Lightning on the 2nd of August ignited a series of small fires in Southern Archuleta County.  Most of these fires were discovered within the last week.  These fires do not pose any risk to the public at this time. 

• Payan Fire (SUIT) - Between Hwy 121 and Cat Creek Road - 60 Acres
• Cold Springs Fire (Archuleta County) - West of Cold Springs Subdivision, south of CR 542 (Montezuma Rd) - 10 Acres
• Reeding Fire (SUIT)- South of the King Ranch, south of CR 542 (Montezuma Rd) - 5 Acres
• That are also two single tree fires in the area of the Weminuche Ranch in Hinsdale County (USFS)

Firefighters from Pagosa Fire, Los Pinos Fire, Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, the BIA, the BLM, and the USFS have been actively managing these fires.  These fires have utilized a number of specialized resources including a helicopter, a bulldozer, a fire use module, and the San Juan Interagency Hotshot Crew.

Cold Springs Fire Monday Morning

Pagosa Fire and Sheriff's Firefighters on the Cold Springs Fire (Wednesday)

Reeding Fire (Tuesday)

Reeding Fire Helibase (Fire is behind ridge)

More Smoke from New Mexico this Morning

Once again we have heavy drift smoke throughout the county from fires burning in New Mexico.  We expect conditions to improve as the day goes on. 

Even with the rain we have received in the last week, small fires have continued to ignite in the area.  The fire restrictions South of Highway 160 and West of Highway 84 are still in effect.

Smoke from New Mexico as of 10:00am Saturday  7/16

Smoke in County from New Mexico

Once again this morning, we have heavy drift smoke throughout the county from fires burning in New Mexico.  We expect conditions to imporve as the day goes on. 

In the past few day we have had five small fires accross Archuleta County:

• A few in the Pagosa Junction area
• One just northwest of Pagosa in Martinez Canyon
• One in the area of Square Top Mountain

The largest of these fires was five acres and none of them pose any threat at this time.  Over 50 firefighters from Pagosa Fire, Los Pinos Fire, Upper Pine Fire, the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, San Juan Public Lands (USFS/BLM), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Park Service have been involved in the suppression of these fires.

7/2/11 - 9am: visable satellite showing smoke drift from the south

Fire Northwest of Town

From highway 160

Smoke Visable South of Town

A large plume of smoke is visable from the Los Alamos Fire south of Pagosa Springs.  It looks like a thunderhead.  If you think you are looking at this fire, please do not call 9-1-1.

Small Fire Northwest of Pagosa (in Martinez Canyon)

There is a 1/4 acre fire northwest of Pagosa in Martinez Canyon.  Firefighters are on scene and the fire has been lined .  We do not anticipate that the fire will grow or houses be affected.  We will let residents know should anything change.  If you think you seen this fire, please do not call 9-1-1.

As of this Evening New Mexico Smoke Continues to Affect the County

If you see diffuse smoke, please do not call 9-1-1 if you think it is the smoke from New Mexico.

Smoke in Archuleta County From New mexico

All of Archuleta County is receiving smoke form New Mexico.  The Southern San Juan Range and the Highway 84 corridor has been especially impacted.  If you see diffuse smoke, please do not call 9-1-1 if you think it is the smoke from New Mexico.

Navajo Peak hidden in smoke from New Mexico (6am 6/28)

Visible Satellite Image 6am 6/28:  Smoke From New Mexico in Circle

Water is safe to drink and use

The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District is happy to report that the Drinking Water Warning and Boil Water Advisory has be lifted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Five bacterological samples analyzed by the San Juan Basin Health Laboratory in Durango confirmed that the water was safe and free brom bacteriological contamination.  PAWSD appreciates the concern and understanding of all our customers and realizes the inconvenience it caused the community, but knows that the protection of public health is our formost concern and erring on the side of caution is always the best path to take.  Again, the PAWSD water has been confirmed as safe to drink and use for all purposes.  The management and staff of PAWSD thank you for your cooperation.

Gene Tautges
Operations Manager
Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District

PAWSD UPDATE

The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District would like to update its customers affected by the boil water advisory.  This update is as of 3 PM June 4^th. 

 The water distribution system in the affected areas was flushed through fire hydrants, and the clear well at the San Juan Water Plant was emptied as a part of reducing the possibility of contaminating the drinking water. 

As required by state health department drinking water regulations, 5 water samples were delivered to the state laboratory in Durango this morning.  The bacteriological tests take 24 hours to complete and results are expected on Sunday afternoon, June 5^th .  The results of the tests and expected removal of the boil water advisory, if applicable, will be given to all local media as soon as it is available.

 It will also be posted on the following websites:
            acemergency.org

            pawsd.org

In addition a reverse 911 telephone message will be sent through the Archuleta County Emergency Management.  Please call 731-2691 for further information or visit either of the websites. 

ATTENTION! - Drinking Water Warning

Click here for PAWSD drinking water advisory

The geographic area affected is the Pagosa Lakes Central Core Area, Meadows, Lake Forest, Lakewood, Trails, Vista, Eaton Estates, and Lakeview sub-divisions.

As a precaution, PAWSD is issuing a Boil Water Advisory for the area affected. A “Boil Water Advisory” is issued only after careful consideration among representatives from public health, regulatory agencies and municipal departments after possible contamination.

We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate having laboratory samples showing no contamination on Sunday afternoon June 5th. If you have questions please call (970) 731-9491 and your call will be answered as soon as possible.


Full Text below....

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DRINKING WATER WARNING


Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

There is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms including cryptosporidium.

What does this mean? What should I do?

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DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three (3) minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. DO NOT BOIL for an extensive period of time. MORE IS NOT BETTER. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

��

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

��

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms.

What does this mean? What should I do?

��

This breach may have introduced disease-causing organisms into the water system. Inadequately treated water may contain disease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

��

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water.

What happened? What is being done?

Thursday June 2, 2011 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) personnel were alerted of an equipment malfunction in the San Juan Water Treatment Plant. Personal responded to the plant to find a critical chemical feeder had failed to function causing the plant to exceed State mandated water turbidity levels. Upon arrival, stand-by personnel immediately shut down the plant and corrected the problem. PAWSD personnel notified the State Health Department.

As a precaution, PAWSD is issuing a Boil Water Advisory for the customers of PAWSD. A “Boil Water Advisory” is issued only after careful consideration among representatives from public health, regulatory agencies and municipal departments after possible contamination and or changes in turbidity measurements has occurred. Customers affected by the “boil advisory” are those serviced by the San Juan Water Treatment Plant. The geographic area affected are customers living in the Pagosa Lakes Central Core Area, Meadows, Lake Forest, Lakewood, Trails, Vista, Eaton Estates, and Lakeview sub-divisions.

We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 72 hours. For more information, please contact PAWSD Office at 970-731-2691 during regular business or Gene Tautges at 970- 731-2690. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District

Colorado Public Water System ID#: CO0104300

Date distributed: 3 JUN 2011

Smoke Near Chimney Rock

Please note today, May 5, 2011, the Forest Service is doing prescribed fire near Chimney Rock.  There is approximately 50 acres that the Forest Service is burning.  These prescribed fires are done to help mother nature. Sense humans have not allowed the forest to burn, the forest is not as healthy as it could be and these prescribed fires allow the forest to regenerate and become healthier.  If you believe you see fire and it is not Chimney Rock please call 911.

Last Up Date on the Astraddle Fire

Today was a good day on the fire, the fire was declared "controlled".  This means that the smoke from the fire should  be minimal and crews will be watching the fire and putting out any left over hot spots. Over the next few days the fire will be declared out and that will mean the end of the fire.  Please be very cautious this summer with fire, the conditions are drying, as we go with out any significant moisture. Have an enjoyable Easter weekend.

Astraddle Fire Update, 12:22 Thursday, April 21, 2011

The overall size of the fire is approximately 4 acres.  The fire did not grow last night, we just have a better idea of the overall size now.  The fire is smoking and will until the fire is out.  Therefore if you see smoke coming from that vicinity, please do not call dispatch.  There are Firefighters on scene and will be until the fire is determined to be totally out.  We will update the blogg each day at  approximatley noon, as long as there are still Firefighters on scene.

Last Update of the Night

The Fire Fighters will work until dark and then leave.  They have done a very good job on the fire and have a strong line around it.  For this type of fire the patrolling deputies over the night will check on the fire and make sure it does not reignite.  Tomorrow they will be back at the fire "mopping up".  If you are driving to Durango tomorrow please watch out for the crews near the highway.  Have a good night!

7:30 Update of the Astraddle Fire

The fire now has a official name and it is the "Astraddle Fire".  We have added a picture of the fire area and as you can see the fire fighters are doing very well with the fire now.  The anticipated weather is winds slowing down after sun set and the humidity rising, these are very good for maintaining control of the fire. Tomorrow we are expecting a "Red Flag day" so please be very cautious with any open fire.  The Fire Fighters have eaten and they are hard at it again, working to put this fire out.

Picture of Astraddle Fire

Firefighters putting out hot spots.

6:30 Update to Fire West of Pagosa

The fire fighters are reinforcing the fire line and winds have slowed some on the fire.  The fire has not grown and is still identified as 4 acres. Some resources have been allowed to leave.  The fire fighters are still in the mop up stage.

Fire West of Pagosa Springs on Highway 160

The fire west of town has been contained at approximately 5:40 today. The fire is still putting up smoke and you will see the smoke for sometime.  At 5:49 the fire fighters were in mop up on the approximate 2 acre fire and there are no structures threatened at this time. The organizations on this fire are Archuelta Sheriff, Paggosa Springs Fire, Los Pinos Fire, Pagosa Springs Police, US Forest Service and Archuleta County Emergency Management. Updates will be posted every half hour starting at 6:00.

Yesterday's Prescribed Burn went well!

The U.S Forest Service and other assisting agencies successfully burned 171 acres yesterday . The purpose of the burn is to reintroduce fire to a fire dependent ecosystem.
The Prescribed Burn was located in Burns Canyon off of CR 500. Today the U.S Forest Service are back on the burn to monitor. As the temperature's rise this afternoon we may see a little smoke. Please do not call 911, if you think its this fire.
Thanks

Prescribed Fire at 6:50 pm - Operations are going well

Prescribed fire at 6:50pm.

Prescribed Fire in Area of Burns Canyon

Pagosa Public Lands is conducting a prescribed fire in the area of Burns Canyon.  Smoke from the fire will be visible from many locations in and area Pagosa Spring for a few days.  Burns Canyon is about 8 miles south of town.  You will see a smoke haze and small smoke.  Federal and county resources are on this planned fire and will be monitoring it.  If you see a light smoke haze in the area, or smell wood smoke, please do not call 911, if you think it is this prescribed fire.  We will be posting another update at 09:00 am.

Snow has ended

The snow that was falling in Pagosa and the surrounding mountains has ended.  If you are venturing into the mountain, wind chill temperatures in the mountains are going to be extreme through Thursday. Also please remember to check your Avalanche Forecast (http://avalanche.state.co.us/pub_bc_avo.php?zone_id=8) and make your risk decisions accordingly, if you are heading into the backcounty.

Snow

This current storm is not expected to have too much impact on Pagosa Springs or the surrounding area:  4 to 8 inches of snow in town / 8 to 13 inches in the sounding mountains. 

If you are interested in weather.  A few days ago, we started the second part of the Southwest Colorado Radar Study:

• See www.archuletacounty.org/OEM/2011SWCO-Study.pdf for more information.
• See wdssii.nssl.noaa.gov/web/wdss2/products/radar/noxp88d_loop.shtml and
• wdssii.nssl.noaa.gov/web/wdss2/products/radar/NOXP.shtml for real time radar comparisons. The Panels labeled with "NOXP" are the experimental radar at La Plata County Airport.  The Panels labeled with "88D" are the NWS radar in Grand Junction.  
• Please note this information is all experimental and has not been verified.  Use it at your own risk.

Winter Strom has Ended... Have a Great New Year!!!

The Winter Storm that has been affecting us the past couple days has ended.  12 to 14 inches of snow has fallen in Pagosa Springs, 2 to 3 feet in our mountains.   Furies can be expected in Pagosa with little accumulation, 2 to 4 inches of new snow in the mountains.  Temperatures will be cold, and wind chill values are extreme.  Avalanche Danger is high, meaning Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely.  Roads will be continue to be icy, so please drive slowly and carefully.
IMPORTANT...Please keep your vehicles parked at least 5 feet out of the road's right-of-way so that the snow plows can finish their work.  Vehicles left in the right-of-way will need to be moved and may be towed.

For road conditions, please see www.cotrip.org

If you are venturing into the backcountry, it is very important to visit avalanche.state.co.us and read the current information. 

This will be the last post for this storm.  We are expecting cold, but good weather this next week.  Have a great New Year and if you are visiting please travel safe home.

This is the first time we have used this web page for an emergency event.  We will be continuing to enhance this service and as well as other local notifications service.  Please send your comments and suggestions to cschmidt@archuletacounty.org.

Winter Storm In Progress... 2 to 4 inches expected tonight

The National Weather Service has decreased the amount of snow we are expecting tonight. The front has passed, although the associated low pressure is still currently over us, bands of intermittent snow will continue to effect us most of the night. Winds have decreased and should remain light in town.  The winter storm warning should expire at 6 am Friday.

The mountains will continue to get snow through tomorrow.  5 to 9 additional inches is expected.  Winds will continue to be gusty and Avalanche Danger Extreme.

Major Winter Storm In Progress: More Snow Still to Come

The moister the National Weather Service thought we were going to get this morning, missed us and went just east of the continental divide.  Currently a band of drier air has moved into the area, we have even seen a little sun.  With the low still sitting off to our west, bands of snow will continue intermittently throughout the afternoon.  The National Weather Service is still saying 6 to 12 new inches of snow by Friday morning.  Temperatures will be dropping throughout the afternoon and roads once again will become very icy.

Major Winter Storm In Progress: Snow to intensify again around 11am

Currently there is 12 inches of new snow in Pagosa Springs and almost 2 feet in the surrounding mountains.  We are seeing numerous vehicles sliding off the road.  DRIVERS NEED TO SLOW DOWN.  If you must travel, drive slow, leave ample following distance, and take a survival kit.

The National Weather Service is expecting snow to intensify again in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding mountains around 11am.  Heavy snow will continue through early afternoon.  Another 6 to 12 inches can be expected in Pagosa Springs by Friday morning.  The majority of this snow is expected to fall today. Winds will also increase slightly through the afternoon.  Occasional gusts to 40 mph could be seen in wind prone areas around Pagosa Springs.  The mountains are expecting another 10 to 19 inches of snow with 30 mph winds; gusts can be expected to 45mph.  Should the power go out, please tune to KWUF 1400 AM or KSUT 88.1 FM for emergency information.

IMPORTANT...Please keep your vehicles parked at least 5 feet out of the road's right-of-way so that the snow plows can do their job.  Vehicles left in the right-of-way will need to be moved and may be towed.

For road conditions please see www.cotrip.org

Backcounty conditions are currently extreme.  There is an active AVALANCHE WARNING in all of the mountains surrounding Pagosa Springs.  Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely in the backcounrty for all elevations and aspects. Conditions are very dangerous.   If you are venturing into the mountains, it is very important to visit avalanche.state.co.us and read the current warning.

Major Winter Storm In Progress: Heavy Snows to continue until late Thursday Morning

The National Weather Service has updated their forecast for the Pagosa Springs area.  Snowfall totals in town could now top 20 inches.  Heavy snows are expected to continue until mid to late morning.  Lighter snow will then continue all day.  Currently 8 inches of new snow is on the ground at Steven's Field off of County Road 600.

Major Winter Storm In Progress: Limit Vehicle Travel Through Thursday Morning

A major winter storm continues to affect Pagosa Springs and the surrounding mountains.  The Archuleta Sheriff and Emergency Management caution residents and visitors to limit road travel through Thursday morning.  We are seeing numerous vehicles sliding off the road.  If you must travel, drive slow, leave ample following distance, and take a survival kit.  The National Weather Service is predicting 10 to 12 inches on the ground by that time.  Storm total could be as high as 18 inches in Pagosa and three feet in the sounding mountains.  Should the power go out, please tune to KWUF 1400 am or KSUT 88.1 fm for emergency information.

IMPORTANT...Please park your vehicles 5 feet out of the road's right-of-way so that the snow plows can do their job.  Vehicles left in the right-of-way will need to be moved and may be towed.

For road conditions please see www.cotrip.org

Back county conditions are currently extreme.  If you are venturing into the mountains, it is very important to visit avalanche.state.co.us for the current avalanche conditions.