Mudslide closes Colorado 14 in wildfire zone
Posted: 07.06.2012 at 6:51 PM
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FORT COLLINS, COLO. (AP) -- Heavy rain has led to mudslides that have closed part of Colorado 14 in the Poudre Canyon, which was affected by the High Park wildfire.

Larimer County sheriff's officials sent 227 pre-evacuation alerts Friday evening telling residents from Mishawaka to Gateway Park along Colorado 14 to be ready to leave if conditions get worse.

Authorities say heavy rain hit the Poudre Park area Friday afternoon, leading to mudslides and flash flooding that deposited branches, ash and mud up to a foot deep in some places.

The area was affected by the High Park fire, which has burned across about 136 square miles since June 9.

Charred hillsides are vulnerable to erosion and flooding during downpours because they have less vegetation to soak up rain, and burned soils can repel water.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)