I traveled up the Big Thompson Canyon for the first time after the recent, and devastating flood. The road crews have done an amazing job, and opened the Highway 34 route last week, rebuilding a large section of the destroyed road. Although it is called a "temporary" road, it seems to be in very good shape, and is paved for the entire route.
The devastation in the canyon was difficult to see, and the loss to homes and property owners was immense, as you can see from some of these photos. The river bed has changed forever, as the river simply changed it's route where ever it pleased. We saw several bridges sitting alone in the canyon, with no water beneath them, as the river flowed several hundred feet away. Boulders and rocks are spread throughout the canyon, completed changing how it used to look. Smith Park, where our family has had picnics for many years is completely gone.
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| Mountain Goats in the Canyon |
There are signs of hope. As mentioned, the roadway is mostly rebuilt, allowing access to the canyon so people can start the rebuilding process. The town of Estes Park was thriving, with businesses reopening, and some of the damage repaired. Reports from the DWR is that the trout count on the upper Big Thompson has soared since the flood, and I saw many fly anglers working the snowy river on the drive up. It will be like learning a new river when I fish it again, as many of the familar spots that I have fished in the past are only recognizable due to the mile marker on the road. I visited Kirk's Flyshop in Estes, met with the friendly staff, and purchased a few needed items. Although the purpose of this trip was not to fish, I will look forward to returning to these waters in the future.
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| Big Thompson River in Downtown Estes Park |
I've reported on the recovery of the Poudre River since the same flood. While the Poudre suffered damage, the Big Thompson destruction was significantly worse. Although nature will take care of it's recovery, as evidenced by the fish count, my thoughts are with the people that will have to rebuild their homes.
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| Kirk's Fly Shop |
I traveled up the Big Thompson Canyon for the first time after the recent, and devastating flood. The road crews have done an amazing job, and opened the Highway 34 route last week, rebuilding a large section of the destroyed road. Although it is called a "temporary" road, it seems to be in very good shape, and is paved for the entire route.
The devastation in the canyon was difficult to see, and the loss to homes and property owners was immense, as you can see from some of these photos. The river bed has changed forever, as the river simply changed it's route where ever it pleased. We saw several bridges sitting alone in the canyon, with no water beneath them, as the river flowed several hundred feet away. Boulders and rocks are spread throughout the canyon, completed changing how it used to look. Smith Park, where our family has had picnics for many years is completely gone.
There are signs of hope. As mentioned, the roadway is mostly rebuilt, allowing access to the canyon so people can start the rebuilding process. The town of Estes Park was thriving, with businesses reopening, and some of the damage repaired. Reports from the DWR is that the trout count on the upper Big Thompson has soared since the flood, and I saw many fly anglers working the snowy river on the drive up. It will be like learning a new river when I fish it again, as many of the familar spots that I have fished in the past are only recognizable due to the mile marker on the road. I visited Kirk's Flyshop in Estes, met with the friendly staff, and purchased a few needed items. Although the purpose of this trip was not to fish, I will look forward to returning to these waters in the future.
This is so sad to see, but thanks for posting the pictures Mike. I used to spend a lot of summers in Estes many years ago. It was also considered for a place to retire. Hopefully by this time next year it will all be a faint memory.
ReplyDeleteThe downtown area of Estes looks like it will recover fairly soon. I didn't get a chance to see some of the other areas of Estes. The canyon is a mess, it is really sad.
DeleteDamn. I've been up and down that canyon so many times.
ReplyDeleteI went part of the way up on Friday looking at the river as I went. Had the grandkids with me so could not get too serious about much. Just wanted to add that reading about the flood and living through it and then seeing the harshness of what now is reality is going to take some time to process. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMel, I agree..it is going to take a long time to process the damage.
DeleteMike! WOW! Spent many hours on that river and in Estes and the Big Thompson Flood was something we remember from our past! Your images and the reality of the flood is it now our present as well. I have not been up the canyon as of yet; however, I am sure I will be shocked to see all impacted by the flood. I plan to get up there to support the Estes Park businesses! Thanks for the update!
ReplyDelete