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Snowmelt, Rainfall Flood Several Steamboat Businesses

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Continued heavy rainfall and snowmelt have flooded some businesses in Steamboat Springs and more rain is forecast for the weekend.

The Steamboat Pilot and Today reported Friday that higher elevation snowmelt in the coming weeks could result in more high water flows. Stream monitors have been reporting record flows at more than double the 101-year median for the date.

Officials say flooding began Monday night. The unusually heavy snowmelt has flooded warehouses and caused thousands in damages and lost property.

Officials say sewers and drains are overwhelmed with the amount of water from runoff and snow. Some business owners have reported water levels up to 10 inches in buildings unable to handle the drainage.

Public workers closed a road south of downtown while they watch for flooding and mitigate boulder removal.

Steamboat Flooding
Mountain Mattress and Furniture employee Chris Cole in front of the company's flooded warehouse on 13th Street. (credit: Steamboat Pilot and Today)
Steamboat Flooding
Routt County Road 46B (credit: Steamboat Pilot and Today)

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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