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. .- -- .--- . To stress Coloradan's vulnerability to this very high risk hazard, here are some examples of the number of high hazard dams in some Front Range and Western Slope counties: Larimer - 59, Jefferson - 21, Montezuma - 7, Eagle - 5, Mesa - 4, Delta - 12, Gunnison - 8, Summit - 6, Weld - 15, In Summit and Garfield counties the Dillon and Rifle Gap Reservoir Dams threaten almost the entire cities of Silver- thorne and Rifle respectively, In all, 42 counties contain 1 or more high hazard dams. Large numbers of Coloradans and tourists mainly in the Front Range counties and in developing areas of the Western Slope are exposed to this hazard. The vulnerabil i ty of these people is very high and will remain so until every community plan for response to dam failure flooding is developed, tested and kept current. TORNADOS AND POPULATION VULNERABILITY Tornados occur in the eastern plains every year. The relatively high frequency of occurrence in the plains counties is shown on Map 1, discussed earlier. This re- flects a 5 year observation of occurrence and depicts the broad areal spread east of the Continental Divide and the incidence of tornadic events in Front Range, foothills counties, While loss of life and property has been rare, vulnerability is growing. As population spreads towards the East much greater vulnerability will develop, since this has been a low density, relatively high frequency region. To better understand community vulnerability to tornados, it is useful to compare community population densities with the incidence of tornadic activity. Where population densities and incidence of tornadic activity are highest, the greatest aggregate vulnerability exists. Note that in table 4, growth in many of Colorado's Eastern Slope cities has been significant I densiti~s are also growing. The danger to the Front Range urban strip is great indeed. But lower density areas are faced with enough tornadic activity every year so that they can not relax, The example of the Thorn- ton tornado will be repeatedl a tornado path will intersect the settlement pattern and loss of life and significant damage will periodically occur, Any Eastern Slope community must realistically expect and prepare for tornado impact, particularly during May, June and July. Schools are among the most vulnerable elements of our society since adequate basement shelters almost universally do not exist in Colorado. But some shelter, such as a strong interior room is better than none, and as warning systems improve, some reduction in vulner- ability is possible. Map 3 shows NOAA weather warning coverage of the State. If citizens, nursing homes, schools, 6 25