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The study area represents a high-mountain stream regime. The highest elevation in the basin is 13,391 feet. The lowest elevation in the study area, at the lower end of Fraper, is 8,620. The main classes of native vegetation are: lodgepole pine, Englemann spruce, and subalpine fir. LOdgepole pine is the predominant tree species in the lower elevations. Scattered patches of quaking aspen are found throughout the region. The forest floor is covered with a relatively thick layer of litter. Mountain meadows contain grasses, sedges, weeds, and willows. Willows are also found along the streams. All of these forms of vegetation are typical of the Continental Divide zone of the southern Bocky Mountains. The major soil types are Cumulic Cryaquolls, Frisco-Peeler Gravely Sandy LOam, and Scout Cobbly Sandy LOam. The Cryaquolls is found at elevations of 7,500 to 8,500 feet, generally on flood plains. It is poorly drained, dark colored, and may have a high groundwater table. It supports vegetation of the rangeland variety. The Frisco- Peeler LOam is the predominant soil and occurs from 8,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation. This is a deep, well-drained soil which varies from 5 to 14 inches in depth and has a moderate surface permeability. The Scout cobbly LOam is found at 10,000 to 11,400 feet in elevation. It is a grayish-brown cobby sandy loam covered with a two-inch duff layer. It has a moderately rapid surface permeability. Upland areas of the Fraser River basin are undeveloped, forested lands. A ski area covers a large section of the western side of the valley. The land directly adjacent to the streams is in high demand for development since the economic base for the community is the Winter Park Ski Area, one of the largest ski areas in COlorado, and since the narrow valley constricts the area available for development. The high altitudes and location in the mid-latitudes of the interior of the continent produce a large temperature range from near -400F in the winter to 900F in the summer. Daily temperature ranges of fifty degrees are not uncommon in the winter or the summer. Average annual precipitation is 23 inches. Approximately two-thirds of this amount occurs as snowfall during the winter (Reference 1). 2.3 principal Flood Problems High peak flows on the Fraser River and vasquez Creek result, without exception, from snowmelt occurring from May to July. Discussions with long-term residents indicate that no floods resulting in wide- scale property damage have occurred in the winter park area. However, the June 27, 1983, peak flow, the second highest flow of record, resulted in damage to bridge abutments on the Fraser River bridges at winter park Drive and High Country Drive, to the road embankment at Ski Idlewild, and to the culvert at the Arapahoe Road crossing of the vasquez Creek. High water caused residents to sandbag the 5