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STATE OF COLORADO <br /> <br />Colorado Water Conservation Board <br /> <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1313 Sherman Street, Room 721 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: (303) 866 - 3441 <br />FAX: (303) 866 - 4474 <br />www.cwcb.state.co.us <br /> <br /> <br />News Release <br />Bill Ritter, Jr. <br />Governor <br /> <br /> <br />Harris D. Sherman <br />Execut ive Director <br />March 4 , 200 8 News contact: Lisa Barr <br /> <br />For Immediate Release Phone: (303) 866 - 2599 <br />Jennifer L. Gimbel <br />CWCB Director <br /> <br /> <br />200 8 FLOOD SEASON IS APPROACHING <br />Dan McAuliffe <br /> Deputy Director <br />The State of Colorado experiences 100 - year floods each and every year . Spring flood <br />season will soon revisit the citizens of Colorado, prompting the Colorado Water Conservation Board to issue its <br />annual reminder that individuals and business owners should consider, be aware of, prepare for, a nd insure against <br />flood threats. The snowpack is very high in certain areas of the state, which may increase flood risks related to <br /> <br />snowmelt. The March 3 , 200 8 SNOTEL data provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which <br />estimates snowpacks for the major watersheds of Colorado, indicates that basinwide snowpack for all major river <br />basins is above average , some significantly . The SNOTEL data lists snowpacks of 152 % of average in the San <br />Miguel/San Juan/Dolores/Animas River Basin, 164 % of aver age in the Upper Rio Grande River Basin, 132 % in the <br />Gunnison River Basin , 129% of average in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 112% of average in the Yampa/White <br /> <br />River Basins, 111% in the North Platte River Basin, and 109% in the South Platte River Basin . In addition , <br />individual smaller watersheds within these larger river basins are still reporting readings as high as 225 % of <br />average, indicating that localized snowmelt flooding is still a distinct possibility throughout the state . Also , if <br />unforeseen clim actic conditions, such as a very wet spring (as was experienced in 1995, for example), or a sudden <br />sustained warm ing trend occur (as was experienced on the Western Slope in 1984, for example), the potential for <br />damaging flooding conditions could increase e ven further . <br /> <br />It is also important to note that Colorado’s worst flood events have historically occurred from spring <br />general rainfall and summer thunderstorms, which are unrelated to snowmelt flooding resulting from mountain <br />snowpack. For this reason, e ven residents in areas with low snowpack should exercise caution in evaluating flood <br />risk. These rain - induced flood events are of concern every year as they are difficult to predict and often create <br />flooding conditions with very little warning. <br /> <br />Flood ins urance workshops are being scheduled to provide further outreach regarding the availability of <br />flood insurance. Additional workshops may be scheduled if needed. Currently scheduled workshops include <br />th th th <br />Pagosa Springs on March 11 , Del Norte on March 12 , and Gunnison on March 13 . For further information on <br />these workshops, please contact the CWCB at 303 - 866 - 3441. <br /> <br />Property owners in high risk areas should be aware that for locations near watercourses, even minor <br />rainstorms could bring streams out of the ir banks and cause flood - related damages. Property owners’ most reliable <br />protection against flood losses is flood insurance coverage. Most homeowner and casualty polices do not cover the <br />peril of flood. Flooding may also occur during very high rain even ts outside of the identified 100 - year floodplain. <br />Based on historical information extending over 100 years, Colorado averages $5 7 million (in 200 8 dollars) annually <br />in flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance at any time. However, there is a 30 d ay waiting period after <br />you've applied and paid the premium before the policy is effective with very few exceptions . Because of this <br />Therefore, now <br />enforced waiting period, it is impossible to purchase flood insurance when the threat is imminent. <br />is the t ime to look into flood insurance so that the 30 - day waiting period will be over and coverage will be in <br />force during the peak flood season. <br />? ? <br />Flood Protection Water Supply Planning and Finance Stream and Lake Protection <br />? <br />Water Supply Protection Conservation and Drought Planning <br />