People living in low-lying areas near the Fraser River should prepare for flooding

The Grand County Emergency Management Office is warning residents and visitors that flows on the Fraser River and its tributaries will increase beginning Thursday, May 30. As a result, flooding is possible in low-lying areas of the Fraser Valley and parts of Granby. .

Fraser River flow is expected to increase by 50 cubic feet per second to 75 cfs due to the extended spring runoff season, as well as warmer temperatures and stresses on the Moffat collection system..

According to Headwaters Trails Alliance, Denver Water will reduce the amount of water withdrawn between Thursday and Sunday to perform maintenance on the Moffat Water Tunnel.

Landowners and others living near the Fraser River should prepare for possible flooding. Sandbagging is a method of protecting property. Barriers can be constructed with sandbags to help divert and prevent water from entering inside doors and around foundations. Tips for using sandbags are available on the county website. in English and Spanish.

Sandbagging stations are also available in Winter Park, Fraser and Granby. These stations will have shovels in stock, but residents should consider bringing their own in case they are not available.

Residents will also need to bring their own sandbags. Bags can be purchased at local hardware stores.

Anyone considering recreation on the Fraser River and its waterways is encouraged to exercise extreme caution. Higher flows can create strong currents and unstable banks.

The department is also warning motorists not to drive through flooded areas.

For emergency notifications, residents and visitors can sign up for CodeRed. Notifications are available via SMS, phone calls and emails.

Additionally, information on stream flows and flooding will be shared on Facebook pages, including those of the Grand County government.Grand County Sheriff's Office and Grand County Emergency Management. Updates will also be posted online at GCEmergency.com.