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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II-2 VAN BIBBER CREEK The upper Van Bibber Creek basin exhibits many of the mountainous charac- teristics of the upper reaches of the Ralston Creek basin. Elevations range from 9,700 to 5,300 feet and ground slopes from 35 to 40 percent. There is extensive forest canopy with a cover density of approximately 60 percent. Interspersed with the forest are large tracts of gently rolling hills similar to those in the Ralston Creek basin at the upper end. For purposes of easy reference, Figure 11-1 and Table 11-1 presents a con- cise summary of drainage basins and their characteristics, The upstream portion of the Van Bibber Creek basin exhibits much evidence of past erosion, and unstable slopes and exposed tree roots are evident in many pl aces. The downstream portion of Van Bibber Creek basin has an average ground slope of approximately 5 percent. This area is highly developed at the lower end with the channel generally following a historic path upstream of the commercial areas near the confluence with Ralston Creek. The downstream portion of the Van Bibber Creek basin is characterized by intense commerci al development. The channel has been fi 11 ed and replaced wi th a small inadequate cul vert. Downstream, the confl uence with Ral ston Creek has been relocated to the west to accommodate the construction of the North Jeffco Ice Arena. Upstream of the commercial area the channel flows through County yards and through areas of minor development. At Oak Street a channel has been constructed north of 5Bth Street to accommodate approxi- mately 1,000 cfs. This channel was constructed with the assumption that the Ward Road Reservoir proposed in the previous Gingery and Associates 1977 master pl an would be constructed upstream. The Phase A 1983-1984 study indicated that construction of the Ward Road Reservoir was not eco- nomically justifiable. Upstream of Ward Road the channel flows through a relatively undeveloped reach.