FLOOD05349

• County: Delta
• Community: Delta
• Basin: Gunnison
• Title: Local Pre-Disaster Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Date: 10/1/2000
• Prepared For: Delta County
• Prepared By: CWCB
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Flood Mitigation/Flood Warning/Watershed Restoration

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At about 12,000 cfs the river leaves the banks of the
Gunnison in Delta. Flood flows over 20,000 cfs occurred in
1884, 1917, 19201 1921, 1928, 1929, 1933, 1941, 1942, 19441
1952, 1957 and 1984. 1993 and 1995 had flows around the
15/000 cfs. Blue Mesa Dam alone has gates large enough for
operational releases of 30,000 cfs.

Properties at risk from flooding are both residential and
commercial. Near the river and Highway 50 are mostly
commercial while the other portions of the river run through
City park, agricultural or residential lands. At direct
risk also is our road transportation system. Highway 50 is
the only North/South highway in the Grand Valley which can
get us to the interstate system. Loss of only a few bridges
could cut Delta off from ground supply routes to the North
and East
and West.

The Uncompahgre River runs through the West side of Delta.
At times of flood this river threatens both residential, as
well as many of Delta's industrial businesses.

The total drainage area above Delta is approximately 5,100
square miles or 3,264,000 acres.

5.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

Provide a description of the flood problems in the community
and damages incurred during flooding events. You should
take into account damage to public and private property,
both residential and commercial, threats to public health
and safety, to infrastructures, and government response
costs (fire, police, public works 1 social services).

A major flood in Delta would have a widespreadl detrimental
affect on our community. Flooding of homes and businesses
with the risk to life and property would be the primary
concern. Potential loss of transportation infrastructure
and ground supply routes could make short term recovery more
challenging. Delta, a community of about 6,000 people, is
the largest city in the County. Even with Delta's great
citizens, who are typically willing to help out during times
of need, human resources would be quickly stretched thin.
While most of our governmental buildings are not in harm's
waYI the City could be split in half if the bridges are
destroyed and personnel may be stuck on one side of the
river or the other. Access to emergency medical care or
fire protection on the North side of town may be difficult,
if not impossible.