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_.__.'___..n.._._._._______...~_._____.__A~mn*.~R~~~R_.__~__H._.~_.g~~_~~n~~~~ TABLE ~. DRAINAGE AREAS IN FOUNT~IN CREEK WATERSHED ABOVE MANITOU SPR.INGS Location ~nage__~:.!.:.,,~ ~~).U Crystola 13.7 Green Mountain Falls 19.0 Chipi ta Park lIe 6 Cascade 5 ~':" 4 Above Ruxton Creek 're ,,5 Below Mouth of Ruxton Creek 80 Below Mouth of Williams Canon 91 Below Mouth of Sutherland Creek 'If> Below Mouth of Black Canyon 10\ H____. Source: U.S. Corps of Engineers: Floodplain :nj"ormation" Fountain Creek: 1974. ____~._._nn___..._._._..__~____R.____.___R._.unrn~~._____m__~.__._.*.__~n.~=~m 3. Econany Throughout its history, the economy of Mani tOll Springs has been based almO!;t exclusively on tourism. Manitou Springs" dependence on a summer touri.st economy relates to the issue of floodplaIn manag.~ment in three important ways. First, the flood hazard and tourism t>otheeak at the same time of year. "Flash floods are most likely to occur in the late afternoon or early even~ng fran late spring to early fall; at those times more tourists and visitors are in the floodplain" (Downing, 1977a). Provisions must be made in contingency plans. which allow for this increa2,e in populati.on. Second, although residents may be aware of ':;he flood threat, It should be assumed that visitors to the area are unawar'" of the potential hazard. And" third, when a flood does occur, the ov~'r'all economy of the city will be affected. Manitou's almost exclusive ,cd.iance on the tourist trade suggests that the large scale disruption result.Lng from .a maj ell' flood woul d be espe()i.ally evident, as "dependence on one lIlaJOI" sourc', of revenue leaves the town 'vulnerable to fluctuations in the in,j\wtl"y" (Collnnunity R.enewal Associates, 1977). The very attractions that lead tourists to Mani.tou Springs are predominantly In t.he most hazardous floodplain areas. -9-