FLOOD04688

• County: Otero
• Community: La Junta
• Basin: Arkansas
• Title: Flood Preparedness Plan Arkansas River
• Date: 9/1/1993
• Prepared For: Otero County
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Floodplain Report/Masterplan

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normally be based on the anticipation of future rainfall in
the area, and may not include forecasts of actual river
levels, especially on tributary streams, since in most cases
such streams are not gaged.

In addition to watches and warnings, river or flood
statements may be issued by Denver or Pueblo to keep agencies
and the public apprised of river conditions.

3.2 Role of Otero County Sheriff's DeDartment

After notification from the National Weather Service or
if someone from the public, etc. has called, it is the
Sheriff's Dispatcher's responsibility to notify the Otero
County Emergency Coordinator or designated alternate. The
Sheriff and Deputies should be placed on alert and await
further instructions from the Coordinator.

3.3 Role of La Junta Police and Fire Deoartments

Like the Sheriff's Department, the La Junta Police and
Fire Departments should also notify the County Emergency
Coordinator if the NWS or someone from the public has called
in to report high precipitation readings or have observed high
flows from tributaries in the area. All staff should be placed
on alert and await further instructions from the Mayor/City
Council.

3.4 Role of Otero County Emeroencv Coordinator

After notification from either the Otero County
Sheriff's Department or the La Junta Police or Fire
Departments, the Emergency Coordinator of otero County
initiallY will:

1. verify with the National Weather Service Forecast
Office in pueblo concerning the likelihood, timing, and
severity of the flood threat.

2. With an impending flood, notify the Mayor/city
Council of La Junta and the Otero County Commissioners
concerning observed river levels, rates of rise, and that the
possibility of flooding exists.

3.5 Role of La Junta Mavor/City Council/ County Commissioners

Upon receipt of a flood forecast, the La Junta
Mayor/City Council will consult with appropriate City and
County officials. As soon as conditions warrant, the Mayor
should:

1. direct a spotter from the La Junta Police or Fire
Department to the State Highway 109 Bridge location to monitor
the existing water level height.

2. consider sending spotters/stream watchers out to the
King and Anderson Arroyos, depending on the storm location.

3. have someone call the Colorado Division of Water
Resources "Watertalk" Hotline at 303-831-7135 to also monitor
the flow (in cfs) at the gage. The gage transmits every 4
hours but during emergencies can be progranuned to transmit

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River Summary and
Forecasts