FLOOD07477 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The State Engineer's Office began operating the SMS in 1985. The system has become one of the most important and integral tools for the administration and management of Colorado's water resources for the entire water user community. Initially the state operated 150 remote gaging stations linked to the SMS. Through additional funding in 1991, 251 stations are now linked to the system. Federal agencies, water conservancy districts, municipalities and private entities own other stations in Colorado and neighboring states. The Division of Water Resources collects and uses the data from 179 of these stations operated by others. Data collected from the remote stations converts raw water level values into several products of various use to "clients". The products range from raw data passed on to other computer systems to the official Hydrographic Records of mean daily stream flows. It was the real time mean daily stream flow values wlllch were used by the Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Flood Task Force to monitor snowmelt runoff conditions. The stream flow values were also used in conjunction with snowpack and temperature information to develop the Colorado Flood Forecast Model to monitor potential for snowmelt flooding. The stream flow data is made available to Colorado water users through the Division of Water Resource's Water Talk user's network system for its seven water management divisions, statewide. Stations Monitored During 1995 Flood Threat Season . Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs . Rio Grande at Del Norte . Arkansas River at Wellsville (Salida) . Animas River at Durango . North Fork of the Gunnison River at Somerset . Colorado River at Utah Stateline . Yampa River at Steamboat Springs . Dolores River at Dolores . Gunnison River at Delta . Gunnison River at Gunnison VII. GOVERNMENTAL ACTIONS AND RESPONSE During the months of May, June and July in 1995 CWCB staff, the Colorado Flood Task Force and the Colorado Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies, spent a great deal of time monitoring snowpack levels, temperatures and streamflows. This was done to facilitate preparedness and response efforts related to the runoff season. Due to very heavy snows in April and May and June, the threat of snowmelt flooding was Illgh. There was concern about the threat of flooding in many of Colorado's watersheds. That concern led to a substantial effort by CWCB staff during the 10 weeks from early May to mid-July. The CWCB response, in cooperation with the Task Force, OEM and the State Engineer's Office included the following actions/activities: Statewide notice regarding the purchase of Flood Insurance Flood Forecast Measures including the weekly puiblication of "Flood Outlook"