Information and resources for safety, emergencies, and reporting concerns.

See Something. Say Something. Do Something. 

Current advisories and alerts

Winter Weather Advisory, March 14-15

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Larimer County from midnight Thursday, March 14, through 6 a.m. on Friday, March 15. Snow and gusty winds are expected. Total snow may vary and accumulations could range between 2 and 10 inches locally. The heaviest snow will be south of Fort Collins. Winds could gust as high as 50 m.p.h. on Thursday.

Slow down and use caution if driving. Check local forecasts and give yourself more time to travel.

Indecent exposure reported in Campus Arboretum (Feb. 26)

Indecent exposure today in the Campus Arboretum area was reported to CSU Police. At 2:44 p.m. today, a female walking on Lake Street witnessed a man exposing himself in the arboretum. She walked away from the area, but reported feeling followed for a short distance. The witness described the person was a white male, 6 feet tall with an average build. He was wearing a black shirt, black sweatpants, and a mask.

Additionally, at 4:20 p.m. today, two women reported a similar incident in the same area with a suspect matching the description in the first incident.

If you have any information or witnessed anything today near the Campus Arboretum that may be related to these incidents, please contact CSU Police at 970-491-6425.

Resources:

  • Incidents of sexual misconduct or harassment can be reported to the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity by calling 970-491-1715 or by visiting their website.
  • CSU student Victim’s Assistance Team is provided by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center, this team responds 24/7 to assault victims and their families and provides confidential support. Call 970-492-4242 and ask to speak with an advocate.
  • Women and Gender Advocacy Center provides confidential resources to students including academic, medical, and emotional support. Call 970-491-6384 during business hours Monday-Friday.
  • CSU Health Network provides confidential medical and emotional support services to students. Counseling Services: (970) 491-6053
  • SAVA is a community resource for sexual assault survivors.
  • The Employee Assistance Program provides mental health support to employees.

Safety tips:

  • Report to police anyone who is behaving suspiciously.
  • Do not confront or engage someone who is behaving suspiciously. Call police immediately calling 911 or by texting 911.
  • Report illegal or suspicious behavior immediately. Delaying a report to police can mean that police are not able to contact a suspect.

Public Safety Updates for Students (Feb. 9)

Dear students,

The Spring 2024 semester is in full swing and to ensure you have a successful year, we are sharing information to address some emerging safety concerns.

Transportation and pedestrian safety: This semester started with two serious pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents. Each of us have a part to play in accident prevention. Across the nation, pedestrian deaths are increasing, particularly at night.

It is very important that drivers adhere to speed limits and traffic controls like stop signs, and approach crosswalk zones with caution. Drivers should reduce distractions (put down your cell phone when driving!). Pedestrians should cross at crosswalks, remove headphones to be more aware of their surroundings, and use safety lights at night.

Bicyclists must dismount in campus dismount zones and adhere to traffic laws. Don’t be that person trying to ride through the Plaza and avoiding hundreds of fellow Rams walking to class. If you see areas of concern on campus (damaged pavement, visibility issues, blocked access, etc.) please share on the Parking & Transportation Services reporter.  To learn how to safely navigate campus with various forms of transportation visit csumoves.colostate.edu.

Scams on the rise: More students are losing money to scammers. If a job offer or “you’ve won” alert appears to be too good to be true, it is probably a scam.

Be suspicious of any request for your bank account information, credit card information, social security number, or passport information via email, text message, or on social media. All financial transactions at CSU can be completed with a NetID login and can be verified by contacting the office.

Fake job postings, extortion, and false relationships are among the phishing attempts being reported to CSU police. Be wary of strangers on social media that want you to reveal personal details.

No legitimate employer will offer you a job through a random or unexpected email and they sometimes use the CSU and Career Center logos to make their scam look authentic. If you are interested in a job, visit joinhandshake.com for a listing of campus jobs from verified campus employers.

Do not cash checks for other people. You will be out the money shared back through payment apps like Zelle or Venmo. If you suspect a scam on campus, please alert the CSU Cybersecurity and Privacy Unit by contacting the IT Helpdesk or via phone at (970) 491-7276.

Be aware of your surroundings at bars and parties: As spring approaches, social functions and nights out tend to increase. Drug-facilitated crimes are not new to college towns but remain a potential safety threat. Do not leave drinks unattended and in social situations, watch out for one another and signs that someone may need help. Reach out for medical assistance if you think someone may need it. Drug-facilitated crimes can range from spiking a drink to surreptitiously injecting someone with a needle.

With recent reports of random needle injections at nightclubs, concerts, and crowded parties in Europe, across the U.S., and here in Colorado, it is a good time to be aware of needle spiking. If you suspect you have been poked, check for an injection mark, bruises, or symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Trust your instincts. Reach out for medical assistance if you think you or someone may need it, and call police if you think you saw or experienced a criminal act.

For up-to-date information on campus safety including alerts, resources, and how to report concerns visit safety.colostate.edu.

Sincerely,

CSU Public Safety Team

Scroll down for resolved alerts and advisories.

Types of alerts and advisories

Colorado State University uses alerts and advisories to inform the university community of arising safety issues. Four levels of notifications may be used depending on the type of incident. All notifications are sent by CSU Police and/or CSU Safety and Risk Services.

Orange square with an exclamation point. Text says

Emergency Alert

Emergency alerts are sent to campuses for a confirmed immediate threat to the safety of those on campuses, or near campus in areas of high student populations. Take immediate action to secure your safety and the safety of others around you. Follow directions accompanying an emergency alert.

Safety alert

Safety alerts are sent as a timely warning to the university community of a crime committed on or near campus, in accordance with Clery Act guidelines, providing increased community awareness of ongoing or dangerous situations. Safety alerts include criminal homicide, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, hate crimes, domestic violence, arrests and referrals for drug, alcohol or weapons violations. Follow any instructions accompanying a safety alert.

Safety advisory

A safety advisory is sent to the university community for issues that are not threats or emergencies. Safety advisories inform the community of activity that may impact campuses.

University closure

A University closure notice will be sent when weather conditions prevent the institution from normal operations. University closures due to weather apply to all Larimer County campuses. An emergency situation other than weather may also cause a closure.

Prior Alerts, Now Resolved

Update: Engineering/Physics Building will reopen March 1

CSU Facilities Management and Environmental Health Services have cleared Engineering/Physics Building to reopen tomorrow, March 1. Rooms B111, B110, B110A B109 and B103 will remain closed for further remediation and restoration work, as well as hallways adjacent to the area to all access for workers.

Message from Feb. 28:
The Engineering/Physics Building is closed due to a small fire in the building today. Do not enter the building. The Engineering/Physics Building will be closed tomorrow, Feb. 29, for remediation efforts. Colleges or academic departments will follow up regarding rescheduling classes that were to be held in the building tomorrow.

 

Icy conditions; use caution (3:30 p.m., Feb. 16)

An incoming weather front has created icy conditions throughout Larimer County and on CSU campuses. Uses extra caution on sidewalks and roads. CSU crews are sanding, but expect icy conditions throughout the evening into the morning as rain/snow mix turns to snow.

3 p.m. Feb 7: Police activity west of campus – Avoid the area

Police activity on Springfield Drive between City Park Avenue and Constitution Avenue. Avoid the area and find alternative routes.

Water main repair Feb. 6 at Plum and Shields streets

City of Fort Collins crews will repair a water main starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the intersection of Plum and Shields streets. The repairs will take all day. One lane of Shields Street will be closed from Laurel Street south past Plum Street. The westbound lane of Plum Street will be closed from Shields Street to City Park Avenue. Eastbound Plum Street will be open.

Extra traffic congestion can be expected in the area. Find alternative routes, and allow extra time for travel.

Icy spots on campus, use caution

Be aware of some icy spots around campuses. CSU crews are clearing sidewalks and putting down ice melt. Use caution traversing campus. There is potential for refreezing this week with nighttime lows in the low 30s, so be careful in the mornings.

Update (10:45 a.m., Jan. 18): Lake Street has reopened

Lake Street between Mason Street and Center Avenue has reopened.

Lake Street closed for accident investigation (8:45 a.m., Jan. 18)

Auto accident reported at on Lake Street and Libbie Coy Way. Avoid the area if possible. Lake Street is closed from Center Drive to Mason Street for an extended time for an accident investigation.

Update: Power has been restored

Power has been restored to all main campus buildings.

Power outage reported on west side of Main Campus

Power is out on the west side of campus. Currently impacting several buildings on the west side of main campus, including the following residential facilities: Durward, Westfall, Summit, Ingersoll, Edwards, and Newsom. Canvas and Moby also impacted. Estimated repair time of three hours (by 2 p.m.).

University closed Tuesday, Jan. 16 due to weather conditions

Colorado State University is closed and canceling all operations Jan. 16. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes and operations (meetings, work functions) are closed or canceled for all Larimer County campuses. 

For anyone returning to Fort Collins, check road conditions. Housing facilities are open for students already in transit to campus.

For more information about weather related decisions and how they are communicated, see https://source.colostate.edu/university-guidelines-weather-closure/. 

CSU employees with essential or emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. These employees may include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing & Dining, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories, and student-facing services. 

The university closure generally extends to employees who are assigned to a Larimer County campus and who are working on site or remotely today; however, employees who work remotely should refer to the teleworking policy  and their memorandums of understanding with their units for more information about their work obligations during a university closure. Remote employees with essential duties, for example, may be required to continue to work from their remote location. 

Check safety.colostate.edu for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks. 

Please watch local news outlets and local agency websites for information about travel and continue to avoid all travel while driving conditions are becoming dangerous. Unless you are required to be on a campus, please do not report to university grounds. Parked cars (other than those in designated residence hall lots) on campuses during and immediately after storms make it extremely difficult for Facilities Management crews to clear snow from parking lots and streets. 

Update: (11 a.m., Jan. 16): CSU is no longer on accident alert

Report all traffic collisions by calling CSUPD or 911 if emergency.

Update: (9 a.m., Jan. 15): CSU is on accident alert

CSU is on accident alert until further notice. Report online all traffic collisions that do not involve injuries or suspected intoxication.

A Wind Chill Warning remains in effect. Snow will continue through the afternoon and temperatures will remain very cold. Wind chill overnight may reach 24 degrees below zero. Take precautions if you plan to be outside for more than 10 minutes.

Update (6 p.m., Jan. 13): CSU is no longer on accident alert

CSU is no longer on accident alert. All traffic collisions on university property should be reported to police by calling either the non-emergency line at (970) 491-6425 for 911 for emergencies.

Update (11 a.m., Jan. 13): CSU on accident alert, Wind Chill Warning in effect until Jan. 16.

Colorado State University is on accident alert until further notice. Report online traffic collisions not involving injuries or suspected intoxication.

Arctic cold persists throughout the region.  Overnight lows below-zero will persist through Tuesday morning. Daytime recoveries will be limited, with highs remaining in the single digits through Monday.

Light snow in the mountains today, then heavier again late tonight through Monday.

Whiteout conditions over the higher mountain passes at times through Monday. Several feet of snow expected for the higher elevations. Periods of light snow over the plains through

Sunday with additional accumulations of an inch or so. Snow will increase on Monday across the plains.

Student returning to campus: Morgan Library Cube and Lory Student Center are open to students and employees. The Rec center is open to students and members.  The City of Fort Collins has activated its Emergency Weather Shelter Plan.

A Wind Chill Warning is in effect until Jan. 16. Take precautions if you plan to be outside longer than 10 minutes. Check on animals as well.

Wind Chill Watch; arctic cold forecasted through Jan. 16

Several rounds of snow and blowing snow will occur in the mountains over the next several days. Arctic cold will settle across the Northern Colorado area Friday night into Saturday, with dangerously cold wind chill readings expected to last all the way through Tuesday morning. This will be an extended cold snap, resulting in a heightened risk of frostbite and hypothermia for people with prolonged outdoor exposure, and an increased burden on outdoor animals.

Periods of light snow in lower elevations starting Friday night will lead to slick roads at times through this weekend. Wind chills of 20 degrees below to 30 degrees below zero, with the most severe conditions over the eastern plains. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes.

Avoid prolonged outdoor activities. When outside, make sure you wear several layers of appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Check National Weather Service forecasts before travel or heading outdoors.

Winter Storm Warning Nov. 23-24; use caution if traveling

UPDATE, 9:30 p.m., Nov. 22: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the northern Front Range, including the Fort Collins area. Be prepared if traveling and take caution on roadways.

Snow will develop in the evening on Thanksgiving, with the bulk of the accumulation and the greatest impacts to travel expected during the overnight period and into early Friday. Moderate snowfall amounts between 6 to 12 inches are expected, with locally heavier accumulations in the northern foothills. Temperatures will be very cold both Friday and Saturday, with highs remaining in the 20s.

 If traveling, use caution when driving or traversing campuses.

Winter weather advisory in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 to noon Sunday, Oct. 28

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that includes Fort Collins and Larimer County beginning 6 a.m. Saturday through noon Sunday. Snow is expected with a total accumulation of 3 to 7 inches in the Fort Collins area. Heaviest snow is predicted to fall during the CSU Rams football game at Canvas Stadium on Saturday.

Use extra caution when traveling and traversing campus. Walkways could become slippery as well as stairs and ramps at Canvas Stadium. Mountain travel could be difficult. Give yourself extra time and monitor forecasts for updates.

TEST of CSU emergency message system, Oct. 27

A test of the CSU emergency messaging system was conducted at noon on Oct. 27. There is NOT an emergency.

During an emergency, you may receive information from CSU through email, text message, and access information online (https://safety.colostate.edu as well as https://source.colostate.edu/), or through other communications.

CSU uses the Everbridge notification system that is supported by the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) and activated for CSU-related emergencies by CSU personnel. The system issues email notifications to all who maintain an @colostate.edu email address. Cell phone notifications are also made to employees and students who have a telephone number on file with the university. To sign up for alerts from other agencies or for more information, please visit the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority website at leta911.org.

To learn more about the university’s emergency response procedures and policies, visit www.safety.colostate.edu.

Visible smoke advisory – do not call 911; Friday Oct. 20, Visual Arts Building, Main Campus

A newly completed wood-fired kiln will be used for the first time in the A-wing courtyard of the Visual Arts Building on Main Campus. There will be smoke visible as a normal part of this kiln firing.

The firing process will take several hours beginning Friday morning and will extend into the night. Students participating in this curricular activity will be supervised by faculty and all safety precautions will be observed. This is a curricular activity and is approved as part of a departmental academic program.

Cannon test fire at 1 p.m. Friday

Please be aware that at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, the CSU Army ROTC cannoneers will test fire the cannon inside Canvas Stadium. The purpose of this test is to verify a new seal on the cannon is working properly.

Indecent exposure incidents reported to CSUPD Sept. 21 and Sept. 23

At approximately 11:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, students observed reported a male, masturbating in the Campus Arboretum along Pitkin Street. The suspect fled the area running northbound.

Additionally, at 10:41 p.m. on Sept. 21, officers were dispatched to the arboretum for a report of a masked male dressed all in black with no pants on masturbating in the trees near Summit Hall along Pitkin Street, also in the Arboretum.

Descriptions of the suspect are similar in both cases and appear to be connected. The suspect is described by witnesses to be between 20 to 30 years old, shaggy light brown hair, 180-200 pounds, 5 feet to 5 feet 9 inches tall with pale skin complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to call CSUPD at 970-491-6425.

Resources:

  • Incidents of sexual misconduct or harassment can be reported to the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity by calling 970-491-1715 or by visiting their website.
  • CSU student Victim’s Assistance Team is provided by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center, this team responds 24/7 to assault victims and their families and provides confidential support. Call 970-492-4242 and ask to speak with an advocate.
  • Women and Gender Advocacy Center provides confidential resources to students including academic, medical, and emotional support. Call 970-491-6384 during business hours Monday-Friday.
  • CSU Health Network provides confidential medical and emotional support services to students. Counseling Services: (970) 491-6053
  • SAVA is a community resource for sexual assault survivors.
  • The Employee Assistance Program provides mental health support to employees.

Safety tips:

  • Report to police anyone who is behaving suspiciously.
  • Do not confront or engage someone who is behaving suspiciously. Call police immediately calling 911 or by texting 911.
  • Report illegal or suspicious behavior immediately. Delaying a report to police can mean that police are not able to contact a suspect.

Flash flood warning for central Larimer County, Sept. 14

From the National Weather Service: At 4:03 p.m. (today, Sept. 14), Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated moderate rainfall continuing over the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing per law enforcement. Excessive rainfall over the Cameron Peak burn scar may result in debris flows moving through the Buckhorn Creek drainage. Debris flows can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.

Additionally:

Local flooding may occur in Fort Collins on street, bikeways and drainages. Do not enter flooded areas on foot, by car, bike or other means. Find alternative routes.

Intersection of Prospect Road and Shields Street closed for accident investigation (9:15 p.m., Aug. 30)

The intersection of Prospect Road and Shields Street is closed in all directions while Fort Collins Police Services investigates a motor vehicle accident. Alternative routes required. Avoid the area.

Update: Intersection was reopened at 3:15 a.m. Aug. 31 after a crash investigation concluded.

Updated 10 a.m., Aug. 25: Heavy rain potential through the weekend (Aug. 25-26)

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect from Friday morning (Aug. 25) through Saturday morning. Several rounds of heavy rain likely through Friday night/Saturday morning.

Heavy rain is likely with these storms. Localized rainfall totals more than 3 inches are possible where storms develop. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

East Troublesome and Cameron Peak burn scars are the most susceptible at this time.

Do not attempt to cross flooded areas. Seek alternative routes.

Updated 10 a.m., Aug. 25: Heavy rain potential through the weekend (Aug. 25-26)

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect from Friday morning (Aug. 25) through Saturday morning. Several rounds of heavy rain likely through Friday night/Saturday morning.

Heavy rain is likely with these storms. Localized rainfall totals more than 3 inches are possible where storms develop. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

East Troublesome and Cameron Peak burn scars are the most susceptible at this time.

Do not attempt to cross flooded areas. Seek alternative routes.

Update (5:40 p.m., Aug 3): Additional storms forecasted for evening of Aug. 3

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Fort Collins area. Take caution and avoid any areas of standing water. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas. Find alternate routes when necessary.

All buildings open Aug. 3

All campus buildings will be open for regular business starting Thursday, Aug. 3.

Rockwell Hall remains closed Aug. 2; basement of Forestry Building also closed.

Crews made headway Tuesday on clean up and assessing each campus building impacted by floodwater. Rockwell Hall and the basement of the Forestry Building will remain closed Wednesday, Aug. 2, to allow crews to continue work. Please do not enter closed buildings. Any person with class or work in these buildings should contact their instructor or supervisor.

Campus roadways have been cleared of debris and most sidewalks are passable. The Lagoon area remains full and the area should be avoided. Saturated grass areas, including the Oval, should be avoided protect the grass from damage.

A flood watch is in effect for the Fort Collins area through midnight with potential for additional for heavy rain that could impact campus operations tomorrow. Additional updates will be shared here should there be any change to university operations.

Main Campus impacted by flooding; Morgan Library, Eddy Building, Forestry  Building and Rockwell Hall closed Aug. 1 for clean up

Parts of Colorado State University’s Main Campus in Fort Collins were impacted by flooding caused by overnight storms. CSU crews responded and worked throughout the night to stabilize campus infrastructure.

Some buildings were impacted by flooding and will be closed today, August 1, to allow crews to clean and assess for repairs. If you have work or class in one of these buildings, please contact your instructor or supervisor. Please do not enter buildings that are closed.

Closed buildings are:

  • Eddy Building
  • Forestry Building
  • Morgan Library
  • Rockwell Hall

Areas of water may remain on campus today, Aug. 1. Use extra care when traversing campus and use alternative routes rather than crossing directly through water-logged areas.

Flooding on Main Campus, July 31

CSU’s Main Campus is experience flooding this evening, July 31. Avoid any areas with standing water. CSU crews are monitoring. Motorists and pedestrians: do not cross flooded roads or other areas. Find alternative routes.

A flash flood watch is in effect until midnight. According to the National Weather Services at 8:14 p.m. MDT, July 31, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing in Wellington and expected to begin shortly in the Fort Collins area.

Travel on city streets is difficult and should be avoided if possible.

Thunderstorm watch June 22

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Thunderstorm Watch for much of the Front Range until 9 p.m., tonight (June 22).

From the NWS: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected again this afternoon and evening with strong to severe storms possible across the urban corridor and plains. Large hail, damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and an isolated tornado are all possible with these storms. Storms will begin earlier today, generally noon to 3 p.m. over the mountains and adjacent plains, then spreading eastward during the late afternoon and evening. Many areas on the plains are already saturated and thus more sensitive to additional rainfall, including rivers and creeks. A flood watch has been issued from noon until midnight tonight for the Denver metro area, and areas south and east of Denver, across the Palmer Divide, and other portions of the eastern plains. There is also a limited threat for flash flooding over the burn areas, mainly Cameron Peak.

Flash flood warning May 18

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Flash Flood Warning for  East Central Larimer County in north central Colorado until 4:30 p.m. today, May 18.

At 1:23 p.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 0.5 inches of rain has fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1.5 inches in 1 hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Excessive rainfall over the burn scar may result in debris flows moving through Buckhorn Creek. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.

Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include mainly rural areas of East Central Larimer County. This includes the following additional locations: Upper Buckhorn along County Road 44H, Crystal Mountain, Stringtown Gulch, Big Bear, and Lower Buckhorn on County Road 27 above Masonville.

Update: Flood watch extended to 5 p.m., Friday May 12

Update at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 12: The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch for north central Larimer County until 5 p.m. Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

“Doppler radar indicated long duration moderate to heavy rain due to showers. This is causing urban and small stream flooding. Overflowing poor drainage areas have already caused minor flooding in the advisory area. Rain will decrease later this morning although the water will remain high through the afternoon,” according to the NWS bulletin.

Original message:

The National Weather Services is advising the of potential for numerous strong to severe storms are possible Wednesday, May 10, in afternoon through the evening hours. These storms may have large hail and damaging winds exceeding 70 mph.

A flood watch is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday, May 11, to noon Friday, May 12. Moderate to heavy rain is expected Thursday from a longer upslope storm. Portions of the northern I-25 corridor pose a risk for flooding. Avoid flooded areas. Do not attempt to drive flooded roads.

Burn scar areas below 9,000 feet are of particular concern. Rapid rainfall runoff over burned areas can cause flash flooding. Stay weather-ready if you are in or near an area affected by wildfire.

Parking enforcement continues along Plum Street

Earlier sunsets and winter conditions can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other cars. While sunset times change throughout the year, the university’s schedules do not, creating new challenges for driving on campus.

Plum Street is a busy thoroughfare with many utilizing drive lanes, bicycle lanes and pedestrian crosswalks. Cars parked in no parking zones create hazards and can unintentionally force cyclists into drive lanes, or obscure pedestrians cross the street.

To reduce the risk of an accident or the loss of life, CSU police will be more active in the area contacting motorists who are parked or idling in areas not designated for parking. Drivers could incur a Traffic Education and Enforcement Program (TEEP) citation if contacted for an infraction.

CSU’s Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users, and to ensure safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. It was put into place after a student pedestrian was killed on campus the first day of classes of the fall semester in 2019.

If you need to pick up or drop off someone, please use designated loading zones.

Fire weather warning for Fort Collins April 18

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 a.m-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. Larimer County areas below 6,000 feet — including Fort Collins — are included in the warning.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. Winds will be out of the southwest at 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Humidity will be as low as 9 percent.

A combination of strong winds low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Avoid outdoor burning and any activities that may produce sparks.

Slick travel for morning commute today, April 4; Winter weather advisory in effect 

Bands of moderate to heavy snow have spread across the I-25 corridor this morning, April 4, with slick travel conditions in spots. Snow will also continue across the northern mountains today with snow and blowing snow likely.

CSU crews have been and remain working to clear campus roads and sidewalks. Slick and slushy conditions due exist, so please use extra caution when traversing campus walkways and entering buildings.

Students who are unable to make it to classes today should contact their instructor to make alternative arrangements. Employees who cannot travel to a CSU campus for work today should contact their supervisor.

University closed due to weather conditions March 27

Colorado State University is closed and canceling all operations Monday, March 27. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes and operations (meetings, work functions) are closed or canceled for all Larimer County campuses.

For more information about weather related decisions and how they are communicated, see https://source.colostate.edu/university-guidelines-weather-closure/.

CSU employees with essential or emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. These employees may include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing & Dining, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories, and student-facing services.

The university closure generally extends to employees who are assigned to a Larimer County campus and who are working on site or remotely today; however employees who work remotely should refer to the teleworking policy at http://policylibrary.colostate.edu/policy.aspx?id=776 and their memorandums of understanding with their units for more information about their work obligations during a university closure. Remote employees with essential duties, for example, may be required to continue to work from their remote location.

Check www.safety.colostate.edu for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks.

Please watch local news outlets and local agency websites for information about travel and continue to avoid all travel while driving conditions are becoming dangerous. Unless you are required to be on a campus, please do not report to university grounds. Parked cars (other than those in designated residence hall lots) on campuses during and immediately after storms make it extremely difficult for Facilities Management crews to clear snow from parking lots and streets.

Thank you,

The Public Safety Team

Freezing drizzle, icy conditions on campus sidewalks, roads 

Icy conditions caused by freezing drizzle overnight will impact travel to and on CSU’s Larimer County campuses today, March 7. Crews are working to treat sidewalks and roadways. Extra caution walking, biking and driving is advised. Some sidewalks could be very slick; use caution traversing campus.

Campus remains operating as usual. Any student not able to attend classes should contact their instructor. Any employee unable to perform work duties should contact their supervisors.

The National Weather Service as issued a winter weather advisory for Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins. Freezing drizzle, clouds and fog can be expected. Another round of freezing drizzle is possible this evening. Scattered snow could fall, but only light accumulation is expected.

Colorado State University open Feb. 23; Wind chill advisory in effect (Updated at 10 p.m., Feb. 22)

Colorado State University campuses are open and operational on Feb 23. Extremely cold temperatures are forecasted. A wind chill advisory is in effect with wind chills potentially reaching 15 degrees below zero to 25 degrees below zero.

Use caution while traveling outside and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Wear appropriate clothing and dress in multiple layers, including a hat, and gloves. If you have plumbing susceptible to freezing, open cabinets or allow a slow drip. Keep pets indoors, check on/protect livestock, and ensure an open water source.

CSU crews have been and remain working to clear campus roads and sidewalks. Icy conditions due exist, so please use extra caution when traversing campus walkways and entering buildings.

City of Fort Collins and Larimer County crews have been clearing roadways, focusing on major arterials.  Extra caution while driving is advised.

Students who are unable to make it to classes today should contact their instructor to make alternative arrangements. Employees who cannot travel to a CSU campus for work today should contact their supervisor.

Normal daily operations; Exceptionally cold temperatures forecasted

Colorado State University is open for regular operations Monday, Jan. 30. Exceptionally cold temperatures will impact the region beginning Sunday, lasting through at least Tuesday, Jan. 31. Wind chill values may drop below -20 F in the plains on the coldest nights, according to the National Weather Service. Light snow may create periods of slick conditions in the plains Saturday evening through late Monday.

Use caution while traveling outside and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Wear appropriate clothing and dress in multiple layers, including a hat, and gloves. If you have plumbing susceptible to freezing, open cabinets or allow a slow drip. Keep pets indoors, check on/protect livestock, and ensure an open water source.

University closed due to weather conditions Jan 18

Colorado State University is closing and canceling all operations Wednesday, Jan. 18. All in-person, hybrid and remote classes and operations (meetings, work functions) are closed or canceled for all Larimer County campuses.

For more information about weather related decisions and how they are communicated, see https://source.colostate.edu/university-guidelines-weather-closure/.

CSU employees with essential or emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. These employees may include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing & Dining, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories, and student-facing services.

The university closure generally extends to employees who are assigned to a Larimer County campus and who are working on site or remotely today; however employees who work remotely should refer to the teleworking policy at http://policylibrary.colostate.edu/policy.aspx?id=776 and their memorandums of understanding with their units for more information about their work obligations during a university closure. Remote employees with essential duties, for example, may be required to continue to work from their remote location.

Check www.safety.colostate.edu for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks.

Please watch local news outlets and local agency websites for information about travel and continue to avoid all travel while driving conditions are becoming dangerous. Unless you are required to be on a campus, please do not report to university grounds. Parked cars (other than those in designated residence hall lots) on campuses during and immediately after storms make it extremely difficult for Facilities Management crews to clear snow from parking lots and streets.

Thank you,

The Public Safety Team

Water main break impacting Shields Street traffic

Fort Collins Utility crews are currently repairing a water main break today, Jan. 17,  near Shields Street and Springfield Drive.

Due to pipe locations underground, crews need access into Shields Street, and traffic will be impacted from Lake Street to Pitkin Street into the evening. The road is still open both ways with limited lanes.

Report a Concern

  • Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Non-emergencies: Contact CSUPD (970) 491-6425.
  • Tell Someone if you are concerned about a student or an employee’s mental health and safety.

University communications during an emergency

The university uses various communications vehicles during an emergency, and to communicate about general safety advice. More information.

How do I get text alerts?

Colorado State University students and employees can opt-in for text alerts and advisories to their phones (all .colostate.edu email will receive these alerts as well). More information on opt-in steps is on the Emergency Alerts page.