Ranch hit with 22 flash floods following Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire
More than 3,300 sandbags still surround home in case another flood happens.
More than 3,300 sandbags still surround home in case another flood happens.
More than 3,300 sandbags still surround home in case another flood happens.
For some people residing in San Miguel County, the sight of rain or smoke brings back scary memories.
"It's that kind of uneasiness that I feel all the time when I see a storm coming up," Frankie Herrera said.
Frankie and Geri Herrera own a ranch in lower Rociada. Since the Calf Canyon Hermits Peak Fire, they've been hit with 22 flash floods.
"We don't know for sure how much water got underneath the house, but the lawyers also were telling us if the water got underneath there and there's mold, we're going to have to replace the house," Herrera said.
Herrera showed us around his property, pointing out all the damage that was left behind.
"The riverbed is full over there, so we are getting a lot of sheet flow and we are getting a lot of rocks over there that have been slowly inching this way," Herrera said.
The fencing surrounding their property is gone, the pump room needs to be replaced, the tracking room is damaged and their barn was compromised during one of the floods. On top of that, the pond in their backyard is now filled with right feet of sediment.
"A spring storm can hit the snow up there and melt the snow. And now here we go again with another flood," Herrera said.
More than 3,300 sandbags line their property as a precaution.
The Herrera's left with PTSD.
"It's been a nightmare for Geri... the ones at night, are the ones that scared the most," Herrera said. "Last night I had a dream about the floods. Once a week, I either dream about the fire or the flood."
As Herrera drives to his ranch, he's reminded of everything his community has suffered.
"I feel for the people that lost their houses," Herrera said. "I have some of my friend's houses I pass by every day and I'm wondering when are they going to be able to rebuild? When are they going to get the support they need?"
Some possible relief is on the way for the Herrera family.
"They're going to put in some retaining baskets and they're going to run them all the way from the back of the barn, all the way past the Curtis' house," Herrera said.
The defense baskets will surround the entire property with the goal of diverting any water that heads their way.
The hope is to have them up within a month.