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Approximate methods were used to evaluate flooding from the follow- ing sources: Brush Creek, Capitol Creek, Castle Creek, East Sopris Creek, Maroon Creek, West Sopris Creek, and Woody Creek. Approxi- mate analyses were used to study those areas having a low develop- ment potential or minimal flood hazards. 2.2 Community Description Pitkin County is located in west-central Colorado. It is bordered by Garfield and Eagle Counties to the north, Mesa County to the west, Gunnison County to the south, and Chaffee and Lake Counties to the east. The City of Aspen is a mountain resort community situated in east-central Pitkin County, and is the county seat. Historically, mining provided employment in Pitkin County. Since the late 1940s, however, tourism provided an increasing amount of income to Pitkin County. The areas near the City of Aspen and Snowmass village have benefited considerably from the ski and summer resort-related industry. Basalt is located in southwestern Eagle County and north-central Pitkin County approximately 20 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs. The economy of Basalt primarily depends on farming, Government, or local business, with recreation accounting for only 30 percent of the economy (Reference 1). Population and development have increased steadily since World War II, particularly in those areas affected by the ski industry. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Aspen grew from 1,101 in 1960 to 4,788 in 1980, for Basalt, the population increased from 213 in 1960 to 529 in 1980, and for Pitkin County, the population increased from 2,381 in 1960 to 10,338 in 1980 (Reference 2). The newly incorporated Town of Snowmass Village had a 1980 population of 1,397 (Reference 2). Basalt is located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying- pan Rivers. The Roaring Fork River originates in the Sawatch Mountain Range at an elevation above 14,000 feet, then flows approxi- mately 37 miles to the Town of Basalt. At the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers, 53 percent of the total drainage of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork River basins has been collected (Reference 3). The Roaring Fork River is the major drainageway through Aspen and collects flow from tributary streams on both sides of the valley. The Fryingpan River originates in the Sawatch Mountain Range above the timberline and flows southwesterly to Basalt, where it empties into the Roaring Fork River on the western side of town. The Fry- ingpan River comprises approximately 19 percent of the total flow of the Roaring Fork River (Reference 3). Development in the flood plains of the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers is minimal. 5