Laserfiche WebLink
<br />000421 <br /> <br />INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />II <br /> <br />The need for a region-wide flash flood warning system as <br />an important addition to flood plain management options in <br />the pikes Peak Region has been noted by many knowledgeable <br />individuals and jurisdictions. The combined effects of <br />meteorology and topography in western El Paso County create <br />the potential for large-scale flooding on Fountain and <br />Monument Creeks and their tributaries. Indeed, significant <br />floods have occurred on these creeks, and these events have <br />been documented in other reports. This publication has <br />been designed to present the results of survey work that <br />has documented the numbers of people who could die and the <br />numbers of structures that could be severely damaged in the <br />event of unpredicted flooding in the study area. <br /> <br />In March of 1986, the Center for Community Development <br />and Design (CCDD) at the University of Colorado--Colorado <br />Springs held a symposium to discuss the threats and <br />implications of flash flooding and possible mitigation <br />measures. In discussions there, representatives from <br />jurisdictions and community groups in the area formed the <br />Pikes Peak Flood Hazard Task Force. The Task Force met two <br />days later at UCCS with representation from El Paso County, <br />Colorado springs, Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls, <br />Fountain, Monument, Palmer Lake, the Organization of <br />Westside Neighbors, and Teller County. Advisers to the <br />Task Force included representatives from CCDD, UCCS, the <br />State Division of Disaster Emergency Services, the Colorado <br />Water Conservation Board, the Federal Emergency Management <br />Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National <br />Weather Service, and Simons, Li and Associates. The Task <br />Force noted the need for improvement in many aspects of <br />flood plain management. It also saw the development and <br />operation of a flash flood warning system as a major and <br />immediate need that is inexpensive relative to other <br />measures or the value of lives at risk. <br /> <br />Following many months of discussion, deliberation, and <br />investigation, the Task Force agreed that an initial-stage <br />warning system using rain gauges, stream gauges, and a <br />central computer could serve the needs of all Task Force <br />participants in making an early flash flood warning <br />possible. Cooperative efforts by the jurisdictions <br />involved were necessary to agree on the approach adopted, <br />and greater cooperative efforts will be needed to fund, <br />develop, and operate the warning system and to respond to <br />the warning that it could one day give. <br />