The interactive map below indicates evacuation zones as well as road closures. Click on the colored areas to see the name of each zone. Zoom in using the + or - keys, or click on the four-cornered box on the top right for a larger view. There are NO evacuation orders in effect at this time.
CR 20 (Henson creek road) is closed to all traffic past the locked gate at Snowden's Meadow pullout. This includes all traffic, motorized or foot. CR 30 (lake road) is closed to vehicle traffic past the gate at Grizzly Gulch/Silver Creek Trailhead. Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office has issued an emergency closure for public lands in Henson Creek and Lake Fork drainages accessed by Hinsdale County Roads 20 and 30. Concerns for flooding have made it unsafe for any travel beyond the gates. The closures preclude vehicle access to BLM roads and lands at higher elevations. This emergency closure remains in effect until the order is rescinded. It is VERY important to abide by these road closures. Anyone traveling on CR 20 or recreating along Henson Creek in any area up to the closed gate should be aware of their surroundings at all times, including changes in weather as well as the condition of Henson Creek and road conditions.
CURRENT SITUATION: Multiple large avalanches in Lake City's backcountry this winter have covered roadways and deposited massive amounts of debris including large rocks and trees into Henson Creek and the Lake Fork river. This avalanche activity combined with annual runoff has caused concerns of debris blockage. Hinsdale County Board of Commissioners ratified a local disaster declaration, and Colorado Governor Polis has authorized an executive order for a state of emergency in Hinsdale County. A Unified Coordination Group provided by the Colorado Emergency Operations Center and coordinated by Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has been deployed to Hinsdale County due to flood threats. The primary missions for the Unified Coordination group are to: 1) Mitigate threat from avalanche debris, and 2) Give community members tools and information to help prepare themselves for flood events.
Residents and visitors should take note that openings of backcountry campgrounds and trails, including the Alpine Loop, will be delayed due to continued deep snow and/or avalanche debris.
