High Water Runoff Resources

Are you high water ready? Spring streamflow is forecasted to be well above average in the Roaring Fork Valley and across the Western Slope.


There is potential for flash flooding during spring and summer monsoon seasons. If you are a property owner in an area prone to high water, flooding or flash flooding, please consider the following:

  • Is your property flood insurance in force and up to date? 
  • What is covered by your flood insurance? 
  • Have you taken steps to prepare your property for flooding (berms, sandbags, etc.)? 
  • Are there items that could be moved to higher points on your property or in your home in the event of a flood?  
  • Have you and your family identified where you would go and what you would take with you should you need to evacuate? 

Prepare early – don’t wait until the last minute. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or www.ready.gov for preparedness tips.

The PitkinAlert notification system enables local officials to quickly provide you with information about emergencies and community news, such as severe weather, road closures, missing persons, and evacuations. You may select exactly which alerts you would like to receive by text message, phone call, and/or email. Sign up for PitkinAlert.

Emergency alerts are available in other languages, like Spanish. To receive alerts in a non-English language, download the ReachWell app on your phone. View a video in Spanish on how to download the app.


With the large snowpack in our region this winter, low-lying areas could be at risk of flooding during the spring run-off. Sandbags can be purchased from several sources, including local hardware stores or search “sandbags” on the Internet. 


Sand Bag Suppliers:

Roaring Fork Coop | (970) 963-2220 | 0760 CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623

Lowe's | (970) 384-3940 | 215 W Meadows, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 

Safety & Construction Supply | (970) 618-0115 | Rifle, CO

Sand Suppliers:

Elam Construction | (970) 923-2399 | 7911 Upper River Rd, Woody Creek, CO 81656

Western Slope Materials | (970) 963-9424 | 14682 CO-82, Carbondale, CO 81623

United Companies | (970) 243-4900 | 14156 CO-82, Carbondale, CO 81623 


View a video on how to fill a sandbag and build a sandbag levee.


In the event of a flood, are you and your family adequately prepared? There is a 30-day waiting period for new flood insurance policies to take effect once they are purchased. Floodplain residents should consider buying flood insurance if you think your home is potentially vulnerable. Historically, about one-third of all flood insurance claims occur outside of the mapped regulatory floodplain area (for 100 year floods). Generally, a less expensive preferred risk policy is available for these properties.  For more information about flood insurance, contact your insurance agent. You can also visit www.floodsmart.gov or the Colorado Water Conservation Board's flood information and resources webpage. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risk in your area.