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<br /> <br /> <br />-". <br /> <br /> <br />These apartment houses are within the flood plain of Bear <br />Creek in the Denver metropol itan area. A flood control dam <br />has been placed upstream of this development. <br /> <br />Flooding <br /> <br />FLOOO I NG I s the over f low i ng of water onto I and that Is <br />normally dry. It Is a natural event that has occurred <br />periodically throughout geologic time. Flood plains are the <br />land areas adjacent to streams that flood waters cover. <br /> <br />Characteristics <br /> <br />Flooding is a common, often seasonal occurrence. When sol Is <br />become saturated from prolonged rains or snowmelt, the water <br />accumulates faster than It can be absorbed or carried away In <br />stream channals. Stream levels gradually rise over several <br />hours or days so that some notice can be given of Impending <br />high waters--a distinct contrast to a mountain torrent or <br />fiash flood which happens so fast that little warning can be <br />given. Accidental or forced rel~ases from reservoirs also <br />can cause floods. The mainstream of a flood (floodwayl is <br />swift and forcefully destructive. The overflow onto the <br />flood plain (flood fringe) Is less forceful but stili <br />destructive. Flood waters are loaded with sediment and <br />debris which in themselves become agents of destruction In <br />addition to the water Itsel f. A stream may change Its course <br />during a fiood, cutting a new channel within the flood plain. <br /> <br />Consequences <br /> <br />Flood damage is caused by the force of the water Itself. the <br />saturation of land and property, the erosive nature of the <br />water and deposition of mud and debris. Homes, trailers, <br />trees, signs, and other iTems swept away by the flood waters <br />are jammed against bridges, fences, buildings, uti llty poles, <br />and other structures, resulting In nbackwaterll damage that <br />the flood waters alone would not cause. Crops and livestock <br />often are drowned and swept away. The swirling waters, their <br />erosive capabll ity increased by sediments and debris, <br />undermine bridges, bui ldings, and other improvements. As the <br />flood waters recede, the sed I ments and debr I 5 cover the <br />Inundated areas. Sewer and water lines may be ruptured and <br />utility lines downed. There Is a wide range of havoc <br />generated directly and Indirectly. The loss of human I ife is <br />a rea I poss I b i I I ty I n any flood. <br /> <br />" <br />