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n" ~,t- ~~ ~ J ! , '. ~ ' I ~'" '-- - . . (3) Downstream areas. The solutions considered for reducing the flood problems in the areas along the Cherry Creek channel downstream from the Cherry Creek Dam i",luded zoning, evacuation, flood proofing, channel improvements, levees, and reservoir storage. (a) Zoning, evacuation, and flood proofing. Down- stream from the Cherry Creek Dam, flood plain development ranges from undeveloped to fully developed. The undeveloped areas are located near the dam. The flood plain between the dam and the South Platte River contains extensive residential, commercial, and industrial improvements. In addition, flood plain lands con- tain numerous streets and highways essential to the economic environment of the Metropolitan Denver area. Since a major portion of the flood plain is fully developed, zoning would not be an effective solution to the flood problem and the cost of evacuation would be prohibitive. Due to the extensive develop- ment downstream from the Cherry Creek Dam, a large number of structures would have to be modified and flood proofed to reduce flood damages. Flood proofing of existing structures would cost in excess of $50 million. Because the areas subject to future development are relatively small, improvements may be an effective method of reducing future flood damages. (b) Channel improvement. Studies were made to determine the feasibility of channel improvements between the Cherry Creek Dam and the South Platte River. These studies con- sidered the use of existing channel structures and rights of way in developing potential channel improvement projects. It was found that construction of channel improvements providing protec- tion against a standard project flood would be economically feasible. (c) Levees. Construction of levees along Cherry Creek downstream from the dam would require the modification and raising of bridges along Cherry Creek. Bridge approaches and adjoining streets would have to be raised. Near the channel, streets would be higher than entrances to buildings, and serious drainage problems would result. Because of these disadvantages, levees would not be an acceptable solution to the flood problem. (d) Reservoir storage. Goldsmith Gulch is the largest contributor of runoff downstream from the Cherry Creek Dam. Flood plains along Goldsmith.Gulch are extensively developed, and all potential reservoir sites have been preempted. Construc- tion of flood control reservoirs along Goldsmith Gulch would be impractical. 29