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<br />The 1999 peak represents about a 100-year event using the "with 1999 peak" flood frequency <br />analysis, and about a ISO-year event using the "without 1999 peak" analysis. Peak flows on the <br />tributary streams, especially on the smaller ones like Ward Gulch, are very likely to be in the <br />500-year+ frequency range. <br /> <br />Flood Damages and Flood Response <br />The flash flood event damaged roads, culverts, fences, agricultural lands, and at least one private <br />residential structure. State highway 114 was overtopped by about 1.5 feet of water where <br />Middle Creek flows just upstream of its confluence with Saguaehe Creek, and the highway was <br />shut down temporarily due to the floodwaters and associated debris. Jacks Creek road and <br />Middle Creek road (County Roads) were ravaged in numerous locations. Hundreds, if not <br />thousands, of feet of roadway were destroyed or damaged during the flood. At least 20 culvert <br />crossings were washed out or destroyed due to inadequate capacity. Stream erosion was quite <br />evident along several reaches of the affected streams. Gravel bars and point bars formed at <br />stream bends and at locations where stream slopes changed. Fortunately, there were no human <br />casualties or injuries reported as a result of the flood. The town of Saguache did not receive any <br />notable damage because flood flows attenuated along the 8 mile reach of Saguache Creek <br />between the storm location and the town. <br /> <br />Saguache County responded to the event by closing roads and checking for victims during the <br />high water. Post-flood recovery mainly consisted of fepairing roads and culverts, cleaning <br />debris, mending fences, and repairing irrigation facilities. There was not a"local, state, or federal <br />disaster declaration for this event, however the County was investigating possible funding <br />sources to assist with their cleanup and repair efforts. Road and bridge crews were still working <br />during the time of the CWCB's site visit, with much work still remaining. <br /> <br />Flood Mitigation Measures <br />At this time, the CWCB is not recommending any major action for future flood hazard <br />mitigation. Rebuilding of existing infrastructure and other facilities should be sufficient for the <br />time being. The affected areas of Saguache County for this event are sparsely populated, with no <br />expectation of significant development in the near future. Reasonable floodplain mapping is not <br />available for this area to use as a tool for floodplain management and other activities. <br />Development of new floodplain mapping should be made a priority before any future building <br />projects take place. <br /> <br />3 <br />