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With Debris-Filled Snowpack, Officials Are Concerned About Spring Runoff

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Emergency managers in Summit County are watching the rivers and streams closely as warm temperatures and above average snowpack could lead to serious flooding this spring.

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In Summit County, the threat is combined with what avalanches brought down which is blocking local waterways. Trees, brought down during marches historic avalanches, block sections of the Tenmile Creek's path.

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An image of one of the avalanches near Tenmile Creek close to Copper Mountain (credit: Brandon Maki)

Now, the concern is what else the spring runoff will bring down.

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"We are just now, as the snow melts, starting to get a good idea of how much debris is there in that area," said Brian Bovaird, Summit County's Emergency Manager.

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Most of the runoff ends up filling Dillon reservoir, but that is not designed to stop flooding down stream. It is in place to collect enough water for Denver users.

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"We could get a few more storms in before the runoff really starts to happen," Bovaird added.

RELATED: Colorado Weather: Western Rivers Rising As Snowmelt Accelerates

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