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PHOTOS: Bigger Than Expected Damage Near Red Feather Lakes

Reghan Cloudman
/
USFS
Picture taken on May 23, 2014 of downed trees at Bellaire campground and day-use area in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near Red Feather Lakes.

Damage from a severe thunderstorm May 23 near Red Feather Lakes is much more extensive than the previous estimate of just 200 trees down.

Over 1,000 trees were downed in a 36 acre area by Bellaire campground and day-use area northwest of Fort Collins.

“We have trees that have been completely uprooted. Those roots are now above ground and have to be dealt with as well as the holes that are left. There’s also damage to fences and signs and things like that that we’ll also need to take care of,” said Reghan Cloudman, spokeswoman for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Credit Reghan Cloudman / USFS
/
USFS

Cloudman cautioned that the soil is saturated, and more trees could fall in the days to come. Officials don’t yet know if the damage was caused by a tornado or a micro burst- a localized down draft of sinking air from a thunderstorm.

People in the Bellaire campground were evacuated, with no reported injuries. The campground and surrounding area remains closed.

Credit Reghan Cloudman / USFS
/
USFS

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