Laserfiche WebLink
<br />The hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for this study were performed <br />by the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers (COE), Albuquerque District, <br />as reported in Flood Plain Information, Cucharas River and Tribu- <br />taries, La Veta, Colorado (Reference 1). <br /> <br />1.3 COordination <br /> <br />On May 29, 1985, Dames & Moore was instructed by FEMA to prepare a <br />study for La Veta using data from the previously cited Flood Plain <br />Information report. <br /> <br />The final community coordination meeting was held on October 29, <br />1985, and was attended by representatives of FEMA and the community. <br />All significant problems raised at the meeting have been addressed <br />in this study. <br /> <br />2.0 AREA STUDIED <br /> <br />2.1 Scope of Study <br /> <br />This Flood Insurance Study covers the incorporated areas of the <br />Town of La Veta, Huerfano County, Colorado. The area of study is <br />shown on the Vicinity Map (Figure 1). <br /> <br />The Cucharas River and Middle Creek were studied by detailed methods. <br /> <br />The areas studied by detailed methods were selected based on the <br />extent and validity of available hydrologic and hydraulic data. <br /> <br />2.2 Community Description <br /> <br />The Town of La Veta is located in south-central Huerfano County, <br />in south-central Colorado. La Veta is located approximately 16 <br />miles southwest of Walsenburg. The area is nestled in the foothills <br />of the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountain range at an elevation of <br />6,182 feet and has as its backdrop the legendary and majestic Spanish <br />Peaks. Originally named nHuajatolla" by the Indian settlers, these <br />twin mountains are steeped in romantic lore and have served as a <br />guiding landmark from the days of the early settlers and explorers. <br /> <br />The surrounding area was first settled by Spanish Americans who <br />migrated from what is now New Mexico. At that time, important <br />agricultural products were wheat and cattle. Coal was discovered <br />in 1846, and the first mine was opened in 1867. In the 1870s, the <br />Santa Fe and the Rio Grande Railroads extended lines into the region. <br />The arrival of the railroads started intense coal-field development1 <br />by opening up new markets, they stimulated the cattle industry. <br />There was a gradual expansion of coke manufacturing in the region, <br />because much of the coal is excellent for making coke. During <br /> <br />2 <br />