One of two mudslides blocking Clohsey Lake Road in Leadville. (Pike & San Isabel National Forests / August 3, 2010) |
LEADVILLE, Colo. - Approximately 15 people had to be rescued when torrential rains caused two mudslides in Chaffee County, officials said.
Heavy rain hit the Leadville area Saturday afternoon and continued for at least six hours into the evening.
Roughly 40 people camping or hiking in the area were trapped above the slides, which blocked Clohsey Lake Road, said Barb Timock, a public affairs officer with the Pike & San Isabel National Forests.
One mudslide was up to seven feet deep and it covered a four-wheel drive trail in the San Isabel National Forest in Chaffee County, according to Tim Ransom, who sent FOX31 News a photo of the slide.
On Monday, Chaffee County Search and Rescue workers evacuated 15 people who asked to leave the area via ATV. 15 people and twelve vehicles remain trapped above the slides, Timock said.
Clohsey Lake Road remains closed to the public and officials planned to wait until the road dries out before attempting to clear debris.
Heavy rain hit the Leadville area Saturday afternoon and continued for at least six hours into the evening.
Roughly 40 people camping or hiking in the area were trapped above the slides, which blocked Clohsey Lake Road, said Barb Timock, a public affairs officer with the Pike & San Isabel National Forests.
One mudslide was up to seven feet deep and it covered a four-wheel drive trail in the San Isabel National Forest in Chaffee County, according to Tim Ransom, who sent FOX31 News a photo of the slide.
On Monday, Chaffee County Search and Rescue workers evacuated 15 people who asked to leave the area via ATV. 15 people and twelve vehicles remain trapped above the slides, Timock said.
Clohsey Lake Road remains closed to the public and officials planned to wait until the road dries out before attempting to clear debris.
