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The areas studied by detailed methods were selected with priority given to all known flood hazard areas and areas of projected development or proposed construction through 1988. Warmbroth and East Elk Creeks, Glenwood Springs Wash Numbers 1,2, and 3, Monument Gulch, and many small tributary washes near Grand Valley and Pioneer Ditch were studied by approximate methods. Approximate analyses were used to study those areas having a low development potential or minimal flood hazards. The scope and methods of study were proposed to, and agreed upon, by FEMA and officials of Garfield County. 2.2 Community Description Garfield County is located in the southern sector of the northwest quadrant of Colorado and is approximately 3,000 square miles in area. It is approximately 100 miles from east to west and ranges from approximately 20 miles from north to south on the west and 50 miles from north to south on the east. The closest major urban centers are the City of Denver, which is approximately 150 air miles from the central portions of the county, and the City of Salt Lake City, Utah, which is 225 air miles from the center of the county. Garfield County is bounded by Rio Blanco County to the north, Eagle and Routt Counties to the east, Pitkin County to the southeast, Mesa County to the south, and Uintah and Grand Counties, Utah, to the west. Garfield County is served by 1-70, State Highways 133 and 82, and approximately 900 miles of county roads. All but one of the larger communities in the county (Carbondale) are located on 1-70. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad provides freight service and Amtrak provides passenger service. There are no scheduled airline connections in the county, but major airlines maintain scheduled flights to Grand Iunction and Aspen. General aviation fields are maintained at Rifle and Glenwood Springs. Bus service is provided by one local and two national bus lines. The county has a population of22,514, 10,754 of which live in the unincorporated areas (Reference 1). In general, the history and development of Garfield County can be separated into three time periods that reflect a major, but nonexclusive, economic era. From approximately 1880 to 1900, mining activity flourished and created an incentive for development of railroads and the service activities supported by the wealth from mining. By 1886, however, agricultural production resulted in the formation of communities at Silt, Rulison, Grand Valley, and Rifle. In the 1890s, Glenwood Springs emerged as a resort center, with the development of popular mineral hot spring spas. 5