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(3) Downstream areas. The solutions considered for reducing the flood problems in the areas along the Cherry Creek channel downstre~ from the Cherry Creek Dam i",luded zoning, evacuation, flood proofinr" channel improvements, levees, and reservoir storage. (a) ZoninF;, evacuation, and flood proofing. Down- stream from the Cherry Creek Dam, flood plain development ranges from undeveloped to fully developed. The undeveloped areas are located near the earn. The flood plain between the dam and the ~;outh Platte 'River contains extensive residential, cor.unercial, and industrial improvements. In addition, flood plain lands con- tain numerous streets and hir,hways essential to the economic environment of the Hetropolitun l1envcr aren. Since A. major portion of the flood plain is fully developed, zoninG would not be an effective solution to the flood problem and the cost of evacuation would be prohihitive. Due to the extensive develop- ment downstream from the Cherry Creek Dom, a large number of structures woul,l have to be modified and flood proofed to reduce flood damages. ~lood proofing of existing structures would cost in exceSs of $50 million. Because the areas subject to future development are relatively small, improvements may be an effective method of reducing future flood damages. (b) CI,annel improvement. Studies were made to determine the feasibility of channel improvements between the Cherry Creek Dam and the South Platte River. Thene studies con- sidered the use of existinG chrulllel structures and rights of way in developing potential channel improvement projects. It was found that construction of channel improvements providing protec- tion against a standard project flood would be economically feasible. (c) Levees. ConstI'uction of levees along Cherry Creek downstream from the dam would require the modification and raising of bridges along Cherry Creek. Bridge approaches and adjoining streets would have to be raised. Near the channel, streets would be higher than entrances to buildings, and serious drainage problems would result. Because of these disadvantages, levees would not be an acceptable solution to the flood problem. (d) Reservoir storage. Goldsmith Gulch is the largest contributo~ of runoff downstream from the Cherry Creek Dam. Flood plains along Goldsmith Gulch are extensively developed, and all potential reservoir sites have been preempted. Construc- tion of flood control reservoirs along Goldsmith Gulch would be impractical. 29