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The US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento Di~;trict, prepared a Hydrology Report on the Colorado River on the Colorado River from Glenwood Springs to DeBeque Canyon in 1985 (8). The downstream limit of the Corps' report is approximately 8 river miles upstream of the Town of Palisade. 'rhis report analyzed post- reservoir conditions on the Colorado River, resulting in new flood estimates. The results listed in the Hydrology Report are summarized below. Colorado R. below Plateau Cr. 10-n:___ 50-yr 32,900 44.400 100-yr 49,300 500-vr 61,000 B. Tributaries in Project Area The Flood Hazard Information Report for Fruita. prepared by the Corps in 1976 (3), includes hydrologic investigations of Big Salt Wash and Little Salt Wash. The hydrology for Horizon Drive Channe,l was studied initially by the Corps in 1976 (2). In May of 1988, the City of Grand Junction conducted a new study to reflect added detention in the basin (9). This study resulted in lower estimated flood peaks. III. General Hydrologic Information The snowmE!lt floods of 1957, 1962, 1983, and 1984 were four of the highest experi,~nced in the past 50 years. In 1983 and 1984 floods caused considerable damage in the City of Grand Junction where emergency dikes were constructed to protect homes and businesses when the Colorado River OVIHflowed its banks. The flood of 1984 resulted in a major Presidential Disaster Declaration. The flood that occurred in June-July 1884 is considered the most severe on the ColoJrado River. It was caused by heavy rains on a deep snowpack resulting in rapid me,lting (3). Highest peak flows recorded on the Colorado River have been as a result of spring snowmelt, sometimE,s accompanied by rain showers. Summer thunderstorms sometimes occur over tributary basins resulting in high runoff, but these storms are usually isolated and do not occur over the entire upper Colorado River watershed. -3-'