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damage at Pueblo was apparently minor. In September of the same year, Trinidad experienced the most disastrous flood of record on the Purgatoire River. Development of water resources on the Arkansas River and tributaries began in the late 1850's when gold was discovered and production of gazden vegetables and other crops by means of irrigation evolved in support of the mining camps which located alo:ng the banks of the mountain tributaries. During the latter part of the century, rapid and extensive expansion af irrigation enterprises accompanied the establishment of permanent settlements. Many small reservoirs were constructed, primarily for storage of water for late season irrigation, but also to provide local flood control as well as domestic and industrial water supply. RECORDED FLOOD HISTORY Greatest Flood of Record The flood of June 1921, the greatest of authentic record on the Arkarisas River at Pueblo, was caused by a storm which extended over most of the drainage area bu° was particu.lazly intense in the upper reaches west, northwest, and north of Pueblo. According t~ U.S. Weather Bureau records, the 48-hour rainfall measured 3 to 5 inches at the precipitation stations, but reports from persons residing in the azea indicated as much as 9 to 11 inches in 6 hours at some locations. The flood peak on the Arkansas River and many of the tributary streams such as Dry and Fountain Creeks converged on Pueblo at the same time, resulting in property damage of $10 million and the loss of 78 lives. The peak flow at Pueblo was 103,OC0 c.f.s. As the flood progressed downstream, agricultural lands were inundated, irrigation and transportation facilities were damaged or washed out, and urban areas were inundated to various depths. The flood peak had increased to 200,000 c.f.s. at La Junta where six lives were lost. The peak began to decrease downstream to 187,000 c.f.s. at Las Animas and 165,000 c.f.s. at Lanlar; yet, according to local residents, almost the entire city of Las Animas was flooded. Water was 4 to 5 feet in some places. It was estimated in 3une 1967 that such a flood would produce $57,000,000 in damages. Substantial development has occurred in the Pueblo area over the last. thirry years so a current assessment would result in a much higher figure. Other Major Flooc~ Events Major floods were experienced at various localities in the subbasin in May 30, 1935, April 16, 1942, and May 20, 1955. The most recent and destructive flood since; the flood o:f record occurred between June 14`~ and 18`~ of 1965. Flood of Mav 30, 1935: The May 30, 1935 flood developed on Momunent Creek which is the principal tributary to Fountain Creek. It produced the maximum known flow on this creek and caused severe property damage and the loss of four lives in and near Colorado Springs. The flood peak had diminished by the time it reached Pueblo and caused little damage there. The flood peak at the mouth of Fountain Creek was estimated by indirect measurement to be Chapter 2- History of Flooding and Floo~l Protection Post Flood Assessment Report 6 Draft Revisea' 09/16/99