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<br />large distance between the two locations. Flood damages are <br />reduced to various extents, depending upon the degree of protec- <br />tion provided, by levees constr~cted by private interests along <br />the Big Thompson River in the study reach. Unfortunately, the <br />presence of levees such as these provide a false sense of security <br />since they do not provide adequate protection against floods such <br />as the IOO-year flood. <br /> <br />Flood plain zoning can be an effective method for pre- <br />venting future damages. To date, flood plain zoning in Larimer <br />and Boulder Counties has been instituted where flood plain informa- <br />tion is available. Any Federal related financial loans for build- <br />ing purposes in this special flood hazard area require flood insur- <br />ance on the property. <br /> <br />Other factors and their impacts - Flood damages are also <br />possible in the event of large amounts of runoff from the numerous <br />tributaries and small dralnageways flowing into the Big Thompson <br />and Little Thompson Rivers. Crops, roads, and farm buildings could <br />receive some damage from these small streams. Although the study <br />area is relatively clear of urban development, Larimer County has <br />been experiencing residential growth in the vicinity of both the <br />Little Thompson River valley and the Big Thompson River valley. <br />The flood damage potential in the Big Thompson River basin can be <br />reduced by implementing flood emergency plans and sound flood plain <br />management concepts. <br /> <br />Flood warninq and forecastinq - The National Oceanic and <br />.Atmospheric Administration (NOAA>, National Weather Service, sup- <br />plies weather forecasts at least twice daily for the area. Special <br />forecasts of severe storms, flood warnings, and snowmelt advisarles <br />of a general nature are also issued as required. Radar observation <br /> <br />14 <br />