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<br />Results of the hydrologic analyses were coordinated with the CWCB, <br />local consultants, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). <br /> <br />The results of the study were reviewed at the final meeting attended <br />by representatives of the study contractor, FEMA, and TOwn of Estes <br />Park. <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 Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. The area of study <br />is shown on the Vicinity Map (Figure 1). <br /> <br />Floods caused by overflow of the Big Thompson River, Big Thompson <br />River OVerflow, Fall River, Fall River OVerflow, Fish Creek, Black <br />Canyon Creek, and Dry Gulch were studied in detail. <br /> <br />The areas studied by detailed methods were selected with priority <br />given to all known flood hazard areas and areas of proje~ted develop- <br />ment or proposed construction through 1990. <br /> <br />2.2 COmmunity Description <br /> <br />The Town of Estes Park is located in the southwest corner of Larimer <br />COunty, in north-central COlorado. The Rocky Mountains enhance <br />the setting of this mountain town, which is situated in an upland <br />valley at an elevation of 7,500 feet. The peaks of Rocky Mountain <br />National Park tower to the west. Roosevelt National Forest sur- <br />roundp the rest of Estes Park. The town's 1980 population was <br />2,703 (Reference 1). <br /> <br />The average temperature during the summer is approximately 60oF, <br />dropping to an average of approximately 300F during the winter. <br />Average annual precipitation is 16 inches, the majority falling as <br />snow (Reference 2). The streams in the Estes Park area have been <br />formed by snowmelt runoff from the high peaks. Stream channels <br />are well defined and generally narrow, with cobble streambeds and <br />heavy vegetation encroaching upon channel banks. Vegetation con- <br />sists of willow bushes, buffalo grasses, mountain flowers, and a <br />large variety of trees, including pine, spruce, fir, and juniper. <br />Soils are well drained and steep, with rock outcrops on mountain <br />slopes (Reference 3). <br /> <br />The economy of the area is largely dependent on the summer tourist <br />industry attracted to Rocky Mountain National Park, located immedi- <br />ately to the west of the community. The town has developed along <br />the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers, two Rocky Mountain streams whose <br />waters rise each year in May, June, and July, carrying the snowmelt <br /> <br />2 <br />