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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />FLOOD MAGNITUDE <br /> <br />The r:1agnitude of a flood is measured as the peak discharge, which is' a <br />hydrologic terr:1 for the maximum rate of flow of water from a specific <br />drainage basin. The rate of flow in the western United States is <br />measured in cubic feet per second (cfs). Usually the amount of the <br />peak discharge is directly related to the severity of a flood--a higher <br />discharge means deeper and more extensive floodwaters. Naturally, if <br />the floodplains have been unwisely developed the flood damages will be <br />greater in larger magnitude floods. <br /> <br />FLOOD DAMAGES <br /> <br />Although this study has not unearthed all the historic data that may be <br />available in the region, its information and findings help illustrate the <br />need for concern about the potential flood hazard in Boulder County. <br /> <br />Boulder County has been fortunate during past floods. Although <br />property damage has been substantial during those events. remarkably <br />few deaths of residents or tourists have occurred as a result of the <br />disasters. Yet with the high density of population in the 1980's, and <br />the increased population for the County's cOrlmunities projected in <br />scenarios for the 1990's, the factors rlay change. Increased <br />recreational use of the floodplains should also be considered significant <br />in assessing the County's flood hazards. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Citizens and local government should not assume that future floods will <br />be less disastrous. The increased use and development of the <br />floodplains belie that assumption. Appendix V lists an estimate of the <br />nUMber of people currently I'esiding in floodplains in Soulde,- County. <br /> <br />. <br />