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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />Chapter 3 <br />BASIN DESCRIPTION <br /> <br />Much of the following general description of the study area is <br />applicable to all four basins examined because of their proximity <br />to each other. However, as indicated in Chapter 1, more <br />detailed discussion is given for S.J.C.D. (North) and the <br />North Tributary to S.J.C.D. (South). The basin characteristics <br />significant to the drainage problems in the Kiewit Area Basin <br />and Direct Flow Basin 6100.5 are covered in Chapters 7 and 8. <br /> <br />LOCATION <br /> <br />The study area is located on the high plains of eastern Colorado <br />about 10 miles southwest of downtown Denver, as shown on <br />Figure 1-1. Generally, the study area is bounded by the South <br />Platte River to the east, West Coal Mine Avenue to the north, <br />the drainage boundary of Dutch Creek to the northwest, the <br />abandoned Columbine Airport to the west and West Ken Caryl <br />Avenue to the south. The basins are within unincorporated <br />sections of Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties. <br /> <br />TOPOGRAPHY <br /> <br />The topography of the study area is undulating and gently <br />sloping plains. Elevation ranges from roughly 5,650 feet in <br />the west portion of the study area to about 5,350 feet at the <br />South Platte River. Storm drainage flows to the east, ultimately <br />to the South Platte River. <br /> <br />CLIMATE <br /> <br />The study area experiences a semi-arid climate generally <br />characterized as a zone of transition between a plains and a <br />foothills climate. The climate is typified by low rates of <br />precipitation and humidity, pronounced variations in diurnal <br />and seasonal temperatures, and occasional periods of strong <br />winds. <br /> <br />Precipitation is relatively mild in the area, averaging about <br />14 inches per year. Seasonal distribution of precipitation <br />follows the Great Plains pattern: about 69 percent falls during <br />the 6-month growing season of April through September, while the <br />driest months are December through February. <br /> <br />Air masses from at least four sources influence weather in the <br />study area. Polar air from Canada and Alaska often bring <br />short periods of extreme cold, usually limited to December <br />through March. Moist air from the Gulf of Mexico brings <br />increased moisture during the spring and occasional heavy <br /> <br />3-1 <br />