FLOOD11630 ‎(2)‎

• County: Statewide
• Basin: Arkansas
• Title: Post Flood Assessment Report - Arkansas River
• Date: 9/15/1999
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Flood Documentation Report

Sunday May 2, 1999 and at Las Animas just before midnight on Sunday May 2, 1999. Water
levels along the Arkansas dropped below flood stage at all points in Pueblo Coutity by May 3,
1999. In Otero and Crowley Counties, water levels remained above flood stage l.urtil late on May
4, 1999 or eazly on May 5, 1999.
The Purgatoire River came above flood stage on May 2, 1999. The floodwaters irom the
Purgatoire damaged agricultural land and roads; however, major flooding problerns associated
with the Purgatoire were not noted. Nevertheless, the floodwaters from the Purgatoire did
contribute to the problems downstream on the Arkansas. A flood crest moved down the
Purgatoire River reaching its confluence with the Arkansas and then Tohn Martin Reservoir on
Monday morning May 3, 1999. Near the confluence of the Arkansas and the Pur~;atoire River,
agricultural flooding was extensive. The Purgatoire dropped below flood stage at: all points by
May 5, 1999. New record reservoir elevations were set at both Trinidad Reservoir on the
Purgatoire and John Martin Reservoir on the Arkansas.
FLOOD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Flood Warning Systeffis
Reports and advisories issued by the National Weather Service were very effectiv~ in warning
the public about the flood. Significant Weather Outlooks addressing the potential for heavy rain
in the Pikes Peak region and the Upper Arkansas River Basin were issued 12 hours in advance of
the heavy rain that began on the evening of Apri128, 1999. Timely Urban and Small Stream
Flood Advisories were issued eazly on Apri129, 1999 to address minor urban and small stream
flooding that was begin.n.ing #o occur in El Paso and Pueblo Counties. A Flash Flc~od Watch was
issued for El Paso County on the afternoon of Apri129, 1999 as it bec~ne clear th~t flash
flooding would be a strong possibility on the night of April 29, 199g. An additional Urban and
Small Stream Flood Advisory was issued early in the evea~ing of Apri129, 1999. Later in the
evening, around 9 PM, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for El Paso ~ounty as flooding
escalated to flash fload levels.
From that point on, either a Flash Flood Warning or a Flood Waming was in effect for the
remainder of the event. These wamings were updated on a regular basis with Flood Statements
that provided useful river stage and flood damage information. In addition, Flash ]~lood Watches
remained in effect for much of the event. This added heightened awareness to the ~situation even
though flash flooding was not necessarily occurring. According to the El Paso Coiznty
Emergency Manager, the event did not escalate to an eme~gency until azound noon on Apri130,
1999. At this point they opened the Emergency Operations Center. Based upon review of the
actions taken, and the fact that no known deaths or injuriea occurred di~ectly as a re;sult of the
flood, we can safely conclude that the lead time, warnings, watches, a~visories and statements
that were provided by the National Weather Service successfully prepared the publ:ic for the
flooding that occurred along Fountain Creek.
Chapter 3- Flood of Apri12!~, 1999
Post Flood Assessment Report ~ 15 Draft Revised 09/09/99