CDOT relaxes U.S. 24 closure protocol, but flash flooding still a concern

Even though the Colorado Department of Transportation is relaxing its U.S. 24 closure protocol, emergency crews say they’re still concerned about flash flooding in the area.

The El Paso County Office of Emergency Management hosted a meeting at Ute Pass Elementary School in Chipita Park Tuesday evening to give residents updated information about the risk of flooding and mitigation efforts.

Beginning May 1, when a flash flood warning is issued by the National Weather Service, CDOT crews will be dispatched to three locations along U.S. 24, including Cave of the Winds Road, Cascade and in the Green Mountain Falls area. But unlike years past, CDOT will not preemptively close the highway. If debris flow begins to impact the highway, then it will be immediately closed to traffic.

“I think we’re learning a lot as we go along in terms of road closures and openings and how we notify folks and communicate better with them,” said El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark. “I don’t think people need to be scared, but they definitely need to be prepared.”

CDOT and NWS representatives told residents at the meeting they were pleased with the mitigation results in Waldo Canyon, but there are still trouble areas.

Fern Gulch located just above Ute Pass in Cascade is already full of sediment after the recent rain in Southern Colorado.

“It was full on Monday. We cleaned it out yesterday, went back up to check it this morning and it’s completely full of sediment again,” said Ken Quintana with CDOT.

Susan Soloyanis told KRDO NewsChannel 13 that she’s lived in Cascade for decades and is pleased with the mitigation work near her home.

“They did a tremendous amount of work up the hill from me and it has made a significant difference in both water and sediment coming down the mountain,” Soloyanis said.

Another public meeting will be held Wednesday night from 4 – 6 p.m. at the P.E.O. Chapter House at 1819 W. Cheyenne Rd in Colorado Springs to address flooding concerns along Cheyenne Creek.