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<br />PURPOSE <br /> <br />The purpose of this study is to: <br /> <br />(1) Better define the nonstructural aspects of the dam failure hazard <br />in Colorado <br /> <br />(2) Analyze and promote public awareness of this hazard, and <br /> <br />(3) Promote the development of effective warning and evacuation plans <br />for threatened elements of Colorado's population. <br /> <br />To achieve these goals it is necessary to review several aspects of the <br /> <br />current dam safety situation in the State. The following situational aspects <br /> <br />of the dam failure problem will be discussed: <br /> <br />History <br /> <br />Status of dams, numbers and condition <br /> <br />Responsibilities for dam safety <br /> <br />Why dam failure? <br /> <br />Population growth and dam failure costs, mitigation potential <br />(zoning, open space acquisition of potential inundation zones) <br /> <br />Public awareness levels and important local needs <br /> <br />SITUATION: <br /> <br />The following constitute most of the key variables which better <br /> <br />explain possible means of enhancing public awareness and planning to respond <br /> <br />to the State's future dam failure problems. <br /> <br />History of Dam Failure <br />Since 1890 there have been at least 130 dam incidents and failures in <br /> <br />Colorado. Little is known about the damages incurred over almost a century, <br /> <br />but it is prudent to say that the costs have been great.2 <br /> <br />-4- <br />