OURAY, Colorado (KJCT) – On August 14, 2024, Ouray County authorities declared a state of emergency at a special meeting due to heavy rains that caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure throughout Ouray County.

We spoke with Ouray County officials and they said they haven’t seen floods and debris flows of this magnitude in decades. They believe dangerous natural disasters will continue to occur in some areas.

The weather over the past few weeks has caused flooding, mudslides, rock falls, rock slides, debris flows and other disruptions throughout Ouray County. These events have caused damage to private property and closed access to a major emergency evacuation route such as County Road 17. County Road 23 and County Road 361 have also been affected. Both the city of Ouray and the community of Ridgway have sustained significant damage. County officials expect that situation may continue to worsen in some areas. Ouray County Emergency Manager Glenn Boyd said, “From what I understand, we’re going to have to expect more monsoon rains next week. Things have loosened up from the past events and will likely slide much more easily.”

Work is underway to determine the extent of the damage.

Ouray County authorities advise motorists to be especially alert for possible rock or landslides and ask county residents to report damage to private property online. County residents may be eligible for financial assistance for damage.

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