FLOOD01616

• County: Statewide
• Community: State of Colorado
• Title: Floodplain Management Workshop
• Date: 9/21/1983
• Prepared By: CWCB
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Project

"-:O::-.C'.:.::.'::::. ",.:

THREATENING CONDITIONS Significant threats to the State exist in Western Slope com-
munities that have been impacted by snowmelt runoff from relatively low level portions
of the pack. Major river systems now close to bank full are the Uncompahgre, the Colo-
rado and the Yampa. Cool temperatures will permit response authorities an opportunity
to dike sufficiently to minimize near term damage. Major impacts sustained thus far
include one death (MESA - bridge repair crewman), little or no injuries, roads and
bridges, and water and sewer facilities in Mesa, Moffat, Delta, Montrose, Garfield,
and Routt Counties, and mud slides resulting in damage to private residences in Vail
and Redcliff (also Eagle County). Of concern is the threat from very heavy high
altitude pack (8500' - 14000'). Peak runoff periods are expected in one to three
weeks when river flows are estimated to be higher than is now occurring. The Arkansas
and the South Platte are also expected to be very high. Significant rainfall on any of
tbe.J!1ajQr.xiYe.rs .\iiJ..I ~r.e.s_ult..in. floodinq damaoes. The Eastern Slope will be particularly
vulnerable between one and three weeks from now..

II. SIGNIFICANT ONGOING ACTIVITIES Local governments and the State are in the process of
assessing flood impacts, identifying potential flood problems, and taking those
emergency measures i.e., dike reinforcement, sandbagging, bank stabilization, that
can be taken prior to.peak runoff time period. u.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts
are assisting. State sandbag .stocks are being replenished. EMA, Region VIII, is
being advised to provide the basis for possible Presidential Declaration.

.

;.:::~

III.

..
.

C:'J'''C;;::lor L:~::'..~

.sitl1;;:".::...:; ;~:)~_~____

Fro=:1: [lirE:=ctor, DODES

3:00 p.m.

Subject; Daily Summary of Current Flood Conditions

21 ~:ay 84
Date/time

I.

,

, 5f6J/It=u,.1WT'

PR03LDl PCTENTIAL The floods resultin and spring rain are not
normally life threatening, but -~. damages to property can be expected
this year. Roads, bridges, agricultural land, water and sewer systems are the most
vulnerable facilities. Earthern dams which may not be able to hold very heavy runoff
and rainfall are also a potent risk; in these instances lives will be at stake.
Communities along the river systems mentioned in paragraph I are the most threatened
and serious problems can be expected. County declarations thus far are:
Mesa for Colbran
Routt for Oak Creek
Garfield for silt
Delta for Delta County
Montrose for Montrose County
San Miquel- for San Miquel County
Moffat for Moffat County

.

IV. ANTICIPATED ACTIONS DODES will continue to monitor the.potential flood problems in
coordination, with local,' state and federal agencies. It is anticipated that
several Western Slope counties will require a State Disaster Emergency Declaration
so that state and federal emergency assistance can be provided. Use of either
highway users tax fund, or emergency contingen9lfunds are anticipated to provide
impacted loc~l government with heavy equipment resources. DODES, in coordination
with local governments and state agencies will continue to refine damage assess-
ment information and financial impact on local goyernments to provide a basis
for State financial assistance. DODES is attempting to keep flood fighting
activitiy limited to specifically defined problem areas to reduce negative
tourism publicity.'::-

.

....

~ Approved by: _

(InfO~

)

",'

cc: Ken Torp
Sue O'Brien