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I -11- . I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I HISTORY OF FLOODING Major floods of record on the Colorado River in the study area have all occurred in late ~ay or June and have been snowmelt derived. Little damage has been recorded as a result of these floods, as few buildings have been construc- ted in flood plain areas. Major recorded floods on the Roaring Fork River are also snowmelt derived, with the ex- ception of the peak recorded discharge of July 1, 1957, which appears to have been caused by rainfall coinciding with a high sno~~elt runoff period. Although not recorded by river gage, the flood of 1884 is generally considered to be the most severe flood known to have occurred on either rivac. The lSB~ flood was reported to have been snowmelt derived. Newspaper files and library files were researched and conver- sations were held with several long-time residents of Glenwood Springs. Through the various conversations, several yearly dates were obtained, but no specific references could be found in newspapers of library files. The only reference to flooding within the City limits of Glenwood Springs are as follows: 1. On June 23, 1917, a landslide of immense pro- portions on the south side of the Colorado River opposite the railroad station waShed out 700 feet of railroad track. The river current flowed against the north bank and 1 or 2 build- ings were carci..'<.1 down the river. 2. At Glenwood Sprin'Js, the water ran around the north pier of the state bridqe (no longer there) although no d~maqc was done, beyond putting the vapor caves in north Glewnood ~rring~ o~t of co~~i:;sion for several days. This took place on June 22, 191B. 3. On July 4, 1957, the lo~lands between Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork River were under varying depths of water. S~.all lakes formed o~ the county roads and there was 3 to 5 inches of water in Riverside Park within the City limits.