Colorado flash flood watches issued for burn scar, 10 counties

The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches across southeastern Colorado, including the Aspen Acres Burn Scar and El Paso County, as monsoon storms threaten heavy rain, flash flooding and debris flows. The Aspen Acres watch remains active until 8 PM MDT, while the El Paso watch, covering 10 counties, runs until 10 PM MDT, according to reports from Forth.

Earlier, a flash flood warning was in effect for the Middle Aspen Acres Burn Scar from 1:48 PM to 4:45 PM MDT, covering east central Custer and west central Pueblo counties, with forecasters calling the risk life threatening. The NWS expects 0.8 to 1.2 inches of rain over the burn scar, enough to trigger debris flows through several drainages including North Saint Charles, South Creek, Squirrel Creek, Middle Creek and North Creek.

Soils in the region are already saturated from previous rain, raising the odds of flash flooding. The El Paso watch had briefly been lifted before the NWS reversed course and extended it. Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and move to higher ground if conditions worsen.