The past few days have been nerve wrecking. Flood warnings were constantly going off, sirens consistent, and the rain pounded down. I watched news and checked Boulder's OEM site every 5 minutes. I knew there were so many other things I should be doing but I couldn't take my eyes off of what was happening around my town. I felt so helpless.
My mom, sister, and niece live in Allenspark, a small town between Lyons and Estes Park. Both Lyons and Estes Park are under water. Highway 7, the way I drive to my mom's house, was destroyed by the raging Saint Vrain River. Normally this river is fairly tame, about 8 feet wide and at least 10 feet below the highway.
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| Highway 7, near mile marker 12 |
This is the only photo I have seen of the area, which is terrifying. All roads are damaged by rock slides or flooding, and my family is trapped. I received an email from my mom yesterday saying that they are safe, have electricity and water, and her cabin is cozy and dry. The community was pulling together, helping each other, and sharing supplies.
My dad lives in South Boulder up on a hill. I thought that he would be untouched there, but a creek passes close to his home. The creek overflowed into the road, taking out a footbridge, flooding cars, and closing the main road to his house. Unfortunately his house flooded. I spent some time there helping to suck up the water soaked into his carpet, and move furniture and belongings upstairs. It is a big, expensive mess, but they are working hard to clean it up.
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| Table Mesa and Broadway, the road to my dad's house |
Despite how the floods have affected my family, I know that we are very fortunate. I will write more soon, but wanted to let friends and family know that we are ok.
