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9 I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Chapter 2 - Identification of Problems/Opportunities and Needs experience and public enjoyment of the upgraded facilities. Flood Control The Rifle Creek basin has a long history of floods, but there are limited data on specific floods. A Flood Insurance Study conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was completed in January 1986 and is the source of much of the available information regarding flood threats in this area. Another report entitled "City of Rifle Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan" was prepared by the City and the Colorado Office of Emergency Management in July 1993. Some highlights of the reports are listed below, and additional information can be found in the reports. . The "flood of record" occurred on May 15, 1993. It was a late evening flash flood (described as a 125-year event) which originated on Government Creek and caused significant damages. Eight homes had to be evacuated and 2 homes were destroyed. Approximately 12 homes and 2 businesses were damaged. Several vehicles, a motorcycle, 2 trailers and some farm equipment were destroyed. In many places, city streets were covered with mud and debris. . The flood of August 1930 is reported to have been the worst in the history of Rifle prior to 1993. It was the result of a 2-hour cloudburst that produced high peak flows in Rifle and Government Creeks. One life was claimed, two bridges were washed out, railroad tracks were undermined, the train station was flooded, and the sewage treatment plant and oil storage facilities were inundated. . From available information, it was concluded that the most damaging floods along Rifle Creek, Government Creek, and Hubbard Gulch have been the result of high-intensity, short-duration rainfall. Such cloudbursts generally occur only during summer, but can occur at other times, like the May 1993 event. . Major constrictions to the conveyance of flood flows include the Third Street bridge on Rifle Creek and the 14th Street culvert crossing along Hubbard Gulch. The city of Rifle has continued to experience flooding and threats of flooding on Rifle Creek in recent years and is faced with what has been described as a serious flood risk by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management. City of Rifle representatives are primarily concerned about heavy spring and summer rainfall in the Government Creek watershed. Although Rifle Gap Reservoir cannot control flooding originating from Government Creek, officials are 9