2007 Flood Season is Approaching

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STATE OF COLORADO Colorado Water Conservation Soard Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman Street, Room 721 Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone: (303) 866-3441 FAX: (303) 866-4474 w~aw. cw•cb. state. c o . us News Release Biliizitcer, Jr. Governar Harris D. Sherman March 23, 2007 News contact: Kevin Houck Executive Director For Immediate Release Phone: (303) 866-4805 xod Kuharich CWCB Director 2007 FLOOD SEASON IS APPROACHING Dan 1vlcAulill'e Deputy Director The State of Colorado experiences 100-year floods each and every year. Spring flood season will soon revisit the citizens of Colorado, prompting the Colorado Water Conser~~ation Board to issue its annual reminder that individuals and business owners should consider, be aware of, prepare for, and insure against flood threats. The March 22, 2007 SNOTEL data provided by the Natural Resources Conserti~ation Service, which estimates snowpacks for the major watersheds of Colorado, indicates that basin-wide snowpack for all major river basins is below average. However, individual smaller watersheds within these larger river basins are still reporting readings as high as 130% of average, indicating that localized snowmelt flooding is still a distinct possibility. In addition, if unforeseen climactic conditions, such as a very wet spring (as was experienced in 1995, for example), or a sudden sustained warning trend occurs (as was experienced on the Western Slope in 1984, for example), even below- average snowpack can create damaging flooding conditions. It is also important to note that Colorado's worst flood events have historically occurred from spring rainfall and summer thunderstorms, which are completely unrelated to snowmelt flooding resulting from mountain snowpack For this reason, even residents in areas with low snowpack should exercise caution in evaluating flood risk. These rain-induced flood events are of concern every year to floodplain managers as they are difficult to predict and often create flooding conditions with very little warning. This year's flood season also poses increased risk to those properties located within and downstream of areas impacted by major wildfires that have occurred within the past several years, (e.g. Hayman Burn in Douglas County and surrounding areas). While the runoff characteristics of fire-ravaged watersheds will improve with each passing year, studies have indicated that it may take ten or more years for these watersheds to recover, especially from high intensity burns, which Colorado has experienced. Property owners in high risk areas should be aware that for locations near watercourses, even minor rainstorms could bring streams out of their banks and cause flood-related damages. The most reliable protection against flood losses for property owners is flood insurance coverage. Most homeowner and casualty polices do not cover the peril of flood. Flooding may also occur during very high rain events outside of the identified 100-year floodplain. Based on historical information extending over 100 years, Colorado averages $55 million (in 2007 dollars) annually in flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period after you've applied and paid the premium before the policy is effective with very few exceptions. Because of this enforced waiting period, it is impossible to purchase flood insurance when the threat is imminent. Therefore, now is the time to look into flood insurance so that the 30-day waiting period will be over and coverage will be in force during the peak flood season. Colorado currently has 17,581 flood insurance policies in force with coverage of $3.52 billion (as of March 22, 2007). It is also important to be aware that mapped floodplains only represent areas subject to damage from the Flood Protection • Water Supply Planning and Finance • Stream and Lake Protection Water Supply Protection • Conservation and Draught Planning