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• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: WPFM Section - Flood Outlook Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

STATE OF COLORADO
Colorado Water ~
Department of Nataral
1313 Sherman Street, Room 721
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.cwcb.state.co.us
N•
March 4, 2008
For Immediate Release
Board
s Release BtllRttter,Jr.
Governor
Harris D. Sherman
News contact: Lisa Barr Executive Director
Phone: [phone] Jennifer .L. Gimbel
CWCB Duector
2008 FLOOD SEASON IS APPROACHING Dan McAulilTe
The State of Colorado experiences 100-year floods each and every year. Spring flood Deputy Director
season will soon revisit the citizens of Colorado, prompting the Colorado Water Conservation Ftoazd to issue its
annual reminder that individuals and~business owners should consider, be awaze of, prepare for, and insure against
flood threats. The snowpack is very ~ligh in certain azeas of the state, which may increase flood risks related to
snowmelt. The March 3, 2008 SNO'~'EL data provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which
estimates snowpacks for the major watersheds of Colorado, indicates that basinwide snowpack for all major river
basins is above average, some significantly. The SNOTEL data lists snowpacks of 152% of avF:rage in the San
MigueUSan Juan/Dolores/Animas River Basin, 164% of average in the Upper Rio Grande Rivel• Basin, 132% in the
Gunnison River Basin, 129% of aver~ge in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 112% of average in the Yampa/White
River Basins, 111 % in the North Platte River Basin, and 109% in the South Platte River Basin. In addition,
individual smaller watersheds withinjthese larger river basins are still reporting readings as high. as 225% of
average, indicating that localized snoiuvmelt flooding is still a distinct possibility throughout the state. Also, if
unforeseen climactic conditions, sucl} as a very wet spring (as was experienced in 1995, for example), or a sudden
sustained warming trend occur (as w~s experienced on the Western Slope in 1984, for example), the potential for
damaging flooding conditions could ii crease even fiuther.
It is also important to note that Colorado's worst flood events have historically occurred from spring
general rainfall and summer thunderstorms, which are unrelated to snowmelt flooding resulting from mountain
snowpack. For this reason, even reside eats in areas with low snowpack should exercise caution in evaluating flood
risk. These rain-induced flood events aze of concern every year as they are difficult to predict alid often create
flooding conditions with very little w~rning.
I
Flood insurance workshops a being scheduled to provide further outreach regarding the availability of
flood insurance. Additional worksho~i, s may be scheduled if needed. Currently scheduled work:~hops include
Pagosa Springs on March 11°i, Del Norte on March 12°', and Gunnison on March 13~'. For further information on
these workshops, please contact the CWCB at 303-866-3441.
Property owners in high risk
rainstorms could bring streams out of
protection against flood losses is floc
peril of flood. Flooding may also oci
Based on historical information exter
in flood damages. You can purchase
you've applied and paid the premium
enforced waiting period, it is impossi
is the time to look into flood insura.
force during the peak flood season.
~eas should be aware that for locations near watercourses, even minor
heir banks and cause flood-related damages. Property owners' most reliable
insurance coverage. Most homeowner and casualty policies do not cover the
r during very high rain events outside of the identified 100-year floodplain.
ing over 100 years, Colorado averages $57 million (in 2008 dollars) annually
ood insurance at any time. However, there is a 30 day waiting period after
More the policy is effective with very few exceptions. Be~;ause of this
e to purchase flood insurance when the threat is imminent. Therefore, now
:e so that the 30-day waiting period will be over and coverage will be in
Flood Protection ' Water Supply Planning and Finance • Stream and Lake Protection
Water~Supply Protection .Conservation and Drought Planning