Killington Resort, VT, will be closed today and tomorrow after flash flooding and a mudslide caused road closures and extensive damage. The primary east-west thoroughfare, Route 4, up to Bear Mountain, is washed out and closed in spots.
The mudslide, reaching approximately 15 feet in height, crossed Route 4 just past Mission Farm Road, according to Jim Haff, a select board member in Killington, who estimated the damage was well over a million dollars.
“All summer operations will be closed today, Monday, July 10th and Tuesday, July 11th due to weather. This includes the Adventure Center, Bike Park and Golf Course.”
– Killington Resort
A flood watch is currently in effect through Tuesday evening.
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Burlington VT
324 AM EDT Mon Jul 10 2023
Widespread, heavy rainfall capable of producing considerable to
catastrophic flooding is beginning to unfold. Road washouts are
ongoing, and are expected to increase in extent and severity over
the course of the day.
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall.
* WHERE...All of Vermont, and in northern New York, Essex, Clinton,
and Franklin Counties.
* WHEN...Through Tuesday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be
flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.
Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are
possible. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood
with more heavy rain.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches, with locally
higher amounts of over 7 inches especially near and along the
spine of the Green Mountains. While the heaviest rainfall
rates should abate by Monday evening, widespread area and
river flooding is expected to persist through Tuesday.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
In addition to Route 4, East Mountain Road from Foster Farm Road to Route 4 also suffered considerable damage due to flooding. This road closure resulted in several dozen cars stranded near Sunrise Mountain Village. Nearby Okemo Mountain Resort has also been affected.
The thunderstorms that caused the flash flooding and mudslide also damaged infrastructure in Windsor and Rutland counties. State police announced the temporary closure of Route 14 in Royalton near Vesper Road due to road flooding. Cold River Road in Shrewsbury, just south of Killington, was closed early Saturday morning due to downed powerlines and trees on fire.
“Stay off the roads, limit travel, and stay put until we can get the word out.”
– Whit Montgomery with the Killington Police Department
Efforts to address the aftermath of the disaster were underway in Killington. Cleanup operations involved the assistance of workers from Casella, Mosher Excavating, and Fiore Property Services and Excavation. State officials were also present at the scene to support the recovery efforts.
The forecast for the next couple of days is heavy rain.
