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Flood impacts <br />At flows above 1800 cfs the structures will continue to create a hydraulic and contain the <br />flow, but the play feature will become less significant until the structure will be overtopped. <br />When the structure is overtopped the feature will not affect the floodway and will not affect the <br />100-yeaz floodplain. These structures were designed at, or below, grade and mimic the natural <br />shape of the streambed. They do not significantly decrease the cross-sectional azea of the <br />sveambed at their location. Numerous HEC-RAS models of similar structures in similar rivers <br />have shown that these structures do not create a flood hazard. <br />Similar Projects <br />Many of the conclusions reached in this report are based on past experiences at similaz <br />projects. Similaz modifications have been made at a number of boating parks including Vail, <br />Golden, Boulder, Gunnison and Salida. These existing designs verify several key claims made <br />by this report. <br />Primarily these courses verify the fact that these courses see increased use at increased <br />flow rates. Vail, Golden and Salida host major freestyle events during peak run-off season. <br />These events often attract thousands of spectators and have a significant effect on the local <br />community's economy. The courses also see vastly increased traffic at higher levels outside of <br />competition dates. This traffic is attributed to boaters and onlookers that are interested in the <br />more dynamic moves that are possible at higher flow rates. Furthermore the courses aze used at <br />low flow for lower, mid-level and local boating. These boaters often sharpen their skills at these <br />lower flows. <br />Secondly, the existing courses verify the design functionality. In all of these courses the <br />flow is diverted and controlled to create desirable recreational in-stream features. The size, <br />power and definition of the features is also observed to increase at increased flow rates. <br />Lastly, these courses verify the viability of a whitewater/boating park. Whitewater sport <br />is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and events held at similaz pazks have <br />significant effects on the local economy. The benefits of a whitewater/boating pazk include not <br />only the increased flow of boaters to the area but an increased flow of tourists and spectators. <br />These pazks provide a natural outdoor experience for the townspeople to enjoy in a picturesque <br />riverside environment. <br />Conclusions <br />_12_ <br />