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Introduction Purpose of Study Jamestown, Colorado is a small Front Range community that is highly vulnerable to flood- ing. The purpose of this Flood Hazard Mitiga- tion Plan is to provide an open forum for the identification and discussion of critical flood hazard issues faced by the community and to present opportunites for concerted action. It is a plan that seeks to accomplish two specific goals: First, it brings together the many di- verse elements of flood hazard research and floodplain analysis that have been completed over the years for Jamestown and its major tributaries - the James Creek and the Little James Creek; Second, it provides specific flood mitigation opportunities (structural and non- structural) intended to reduce the severity of a future flood event in Jamestown. The Jamestown Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan has been prepared with the generous help of many people including local commu- nity members, town leaders, and State and County officials. It will require the continued cooperation of these individuals to see that the hazard mitigation proposals presented in this plan are carried through. It is also a plan intended to serve as an example, a blueprint for action for the numerous other small com- munities located in hazardous, flood-prone ar- eas within the State of Colorado. Scope of Study The Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan is focused primarily upon High Flood Hazard areas within the incorporated limits of the Town of Jamestown. The hazard analysis is not, how- ever, limited to the 100-yearfloodplain, as any comprehensive mitigation study must take into account both the regional and the geo- graphical setting of the community under in- vestigation. Both short-term and long-term opportunities for Flood Hazard Mitigation are considered. The plan does not attempt to con- sider mitigation opportunities for any other natural hazards affecting Jamestown such as wildfire, and landslides. Jamestown Flood Vulnerability Jamestown is highly vulnerable to flooding, as it has been demonstrated in the past - 1894, 1913, 1955, 1965, and 1969. During these historic flood events, weather conditions, to- pography, hydrology, and geography have combined to create hazardous situations that have effectively cut off the small mountain community from outside help for days, even weeks. Availability of mutual aid or services from outside agencies may be non-existent or minimal at best during a flood event. It is crucial, therefore, that Jamestown take steps, today, to lessen the effects of future floods, tomorrow. This can best be accom- plished through a combination of increased community awareness, flood preparedness, and mitigation planning. Effective Flood Mitigation Planning relies upon a realistic assessment of the natural characteristics of the surrounding physical environment and the historical relationship of the community to the region as a whole. As a result, this Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan will address key elements of the historical, geo- graphical and regional factors that will influ- ence the impacts of, and recovery from, a 1