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2.0 AREA STUDIED 2.1 Scope of Study Thi s Flood Insurance Study covers the incorporated areas of the Town of Palisade, Colorado. The area of study is shown on the Vicinity Map (Figure 1). Flooding caused by the Colorado River was studied in detail for the entire length affecting Palisade. The areas studied by detailed methods were selected given to all known flood ha~ard areas and areas development or proposed construction through 1995. with priority of projected 2.2 Community Description The Town of Palisade is located in north-central Mesa County, in mid-western Colorado. Palisade is approximately 10 miles east of Grand Junction, and at the eastern end of a portion of Colorado known as Grand Valley. Palisade lies at an elevation of approximatel y 4,700 feet near the base of the eastern toe of the Book Cliffs, which rise to the north. East Orchard Mesa borders Grand Valley on the south in the study area, which is largely devoted to agricultural pursuits. Some of the first orchards in the valley were planted in the Pali sade area because of easily accessible water, rich soil, and suitable climate. Around 1884, some of the earlier inhabitants of the region constructed the Price Ditch, which aided in perpetuating interest in and growth of the town and adjacent agricul tural areas. The town was incorporated in 1904 and the population was estimated at 500 in 1905. Early in the 1900s, Palisade gained prominence for its excellent fruit products, especially Elberta peaches, and has continued to the present as a major fruit growing center. Completion of the Highline Canal irrigation facility in 1915 assured an adequate water supply to the area and furthered economic stimulation in the region. The population of Palisade in 1980 was 1,551, and 1,867 in 1990 (Reference 3), an increase of 20 percent. The Colorado River rises high in the Rocky Mountains on the western slope of the Continental Divide. The river flows in a general southwesterly course from its headwater regions to the vicinity of Palisade and Grand Junction, where it turns to the northwest for most of its remaining course in Colorado. Elevations range from approximately 4,700 feet at Palisade to more than 12,000 feet in the headwater regions. The drainage area of the Colorado River above Palisade is approximately 8,800 square miles. The climate of Palisade is arid and yearly precipitation averages approximately 9 inches. Temperatures are often in the 90QF range in the summer and below freezing in the winter. Occasionally, summertime temperatures may exceed 1000F and winter temperatures may drop as low as -20oF. Natural vegetation in valley areas consists of cottonwood and willow, desert shrub, and an understory 2