| 7/23/2007 8:58:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Torrent of mud and muck
98 Alpine residents evacuated Saturday following 3-4 inch rain storm
by Paul Goetz
Mail News Editor
ALPINE - The cabin community of Alpine was evacuated about 9 p.m. Saturday as heavy rain and multiple mud slides made the area dangerous.
Evacuation was prompted by a National Weather Service prediction of another inch of rain before midnight, Chaffee County Fire Protection District Chief Jim Wingert said.
Fire district personnel evacuated 98 residents going door to door and using reverse 911.
About 30 responders with flashlights knocked on doors and attempted to determine priorities in darkness as rain continued to drizzle.
Electric power in Alpine was knocked out, but was restored about 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Residents estimated 3-4 inches of rain and hail fell between 7:15 and 8 p.m. when they reported hearing a loud roar.
"It came, it saw, it kicked butt," Wingert said during a press conference Sunday afternoon. "Some residents said they couldn't see 3 feet outside their windows when the rain came down."
Within 7 miles of the Alpine area along CR 292, 15-20 mud slides occurred, damaging outbuildings, houses, roads and automobiles.
"It rained about 45 minutes. We could hear a roaring and tumbling, and we watched as (3-4 feet of) mud went around our house," resident Jack Spencer, said.
"I walked back to the cabin and heard a rumble. I went around to the front side where I was safe and the mud slide went around my cabin," resident Jack Terry, said. "We've had mud slides before, but nothing like this."
Like toy cars immersed in playground puddles, sport utility vehicles and station wagons littered the area Sunday, stuck in mud which earlier roared down the hill following courses of least resistance.
Propane tanks were pushed and floated by force of the slides in the same fashion as the vehicles - away from where they were. Wingert said there is some concern about automobiles and propane tanks.
"Fluid leaking from (vehicle fuel) tanks could contaminate the aquifer," he said.
With more rain predicted Sunday night, emergency personnel were more concerned about drainage.
"We have to open the natural drainages," Wingert said. "Right now they are filled with debris and rocks."
Natural drainages in the area include Coal Camp Canyon and Weldon Creek.
"Basically you had this torrent of water come down the two drainages and spread out," Ann Ewing, U.S. Forest Service public information officer said.
More rain could cause more mud to slide and result in more damage to property, Wingert said.
Evacuees Saturday were housed at Buena Vista High School. Red Cross volunteers received evacuees.
"There was only one minor injury," Wingert said. "It was (an over exertion) related injury to one of the residents. That individual was taken to the hospital and released."
By early Sunday night the amount of property damage remained undetermined.
"It's unknown how much damage was caused because of possible mud indoors," Wingert said. "The extent to personal property doesn't look bad, but the damage to real estate is another question."
Bill Schuckert, U.S. Forest Service district ranger, arrived Saturday night and returned Sunday with Sam Schroder, timber forester, to assess damage to CR 292 which extends downstream beside Chalk Creek from Iron City to from Alpine.
Forest service personnel said CR 292 will remain closed until further notice. Officials will assess damage and what kind of equipment will be needed for clean up.
More than 30 personnel from Chaffee County Fire Protection District, South Arkansas Fire Protection District, Chaffee County Search and Rescue, Chaffee County Emergency Medical Services. U.S. Forest Service and Chaffee County Sheriff's Office responded.
Chaffee County Commissioners are looking into the possibility of applying for state and federal aid for the community.
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