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c. The estimates of flood damages which occurred in the South Platte River basin were collected from a number of sources. It was characteristic of most sources of information that initial estimates were revised upward'after the scope of damages became more evident. The estimates summarized in this report used data obtained from the Soil Conservation Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the ,Colorado Highway Department, railroads and, utilities, and the affected cities and towns. Flood damage estimates also were compi:l.ed and correlated by field surveys, by analysis of aerial photographs, and by office studies 'ofdischarge damage relatio~ships derived from previous flood control studies in the basin. Thelos'ses resulting from traffic del~s and detours were ~stimated from previously collected traffic density data. Associated economic losses were estimated by'applying loss factors, to. estimates of direct physical damages. These loss factors had been previously developed from analyses of flood damage histories throughout the Missouri River basin. 26. EVALUATION OF URBAN DAMAGES a. Denver metropolitan area. Estimates of flood damages in the Denver metropolitan area were compiled from post-flood surveys. These surveys 'included field observations, interviews with affected property owners, surveys of'damage to public facilities, comp'iled for the Office of Emergency Planning, ,and information acquired from local public officials and other sources. , The information acquired from these sources was ,correlated and amplified by means of data assembled duringprevio~s flood control studies in the basin. Finally, because of'the extensive damages inherent in a flood of disaster magnitude; , the damage 'experience of other major floods .in metropolitan areas of the Missouri River basin was used to further correlate damage estimates. Previous damage experience also was used .to augment incomplete estimates of associated economic losses and categories of primary damages not readily susceptible to direct estimates, such as cargo.in transit losses, freight del~s, and re-routing. To the extent that flood damage data was subsequently available, initial estimates of 'damages were repeatedly revised on the basis of new, data 'and additional information. Nevertheless, it is recognized that the magnitude of physical damages inflicted and the varied economic losses associated with major urban floods precludes adequate documentation of estimates in all categories:or flood damage. However, the methods used to compile and correlate damage estimates are considered to have achieved a reasonable estimate of total damages. b. Other urban areas . The damage estimates of urban areas outside the ,Denver metropolitan area were compiled from a combination of field surveys, information, from other public and private sources, and from pre~flood control investigation data. 19