2018-12-26_REVISION - M2008078 (28)

Home Browse Search

trade center for much of the eastern Prowers County and western Kansas area and is an agriculturally based community. On March 28, 2007, the town was struck by a large tornado. Many homes in Holly and in the vicinity were destroyed. Several residents also died from injuries related to the tornado. The City of Lamar is located in southeastern Colorado in the north-western portion of Prowers County. Total land area within the corporate boundaries is approximately 3.3 square miles. The City of Lamar has a population of approximately 7804 according to the 2010 census (Reference 10). Adjacent communities to Lamar include Holly, Colorado, approximately 20 miles to the east and La Junta which is approximately 50 miles to the west. The Arkansas River, which flows eastward on the south end of the city is one of the principal rivers in Colorado. The length of study for the Arkansas River at the City of Lamar is 1.7 miles with a drainage area above Lamar of 19,780 square miles. Willow Creek is a tributary of the Arkansas River with a drainage area of 40 square miles and a study reach of 2.6 miles Economic activities of the area primarily include ranching and farming. Principal crops of the area are wheat, alfalfa corn, and other row crops. Tourist and recreation sites in the area include: the old Santa Fe Trail north of Lamar; John Martin Reservoir, 18 miles to the west; the Great Plains Reservoir System, 12 miles to the north and the Two Buttes area, 30 miles to the south. The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad runs through the area and carries freight and Amtrak passenger trains. Main highways in the area include U.S. Highways 50 and 287. The industrial areas are located in the northern and southern sections of Lamar. Commercial areas are located along a single main street and in shopping areas east and south of town. The residential areas of Lamar extend outward from Main Street and south of town along Willow Creek. The flood plains of all the flooding sources considered in the study are essentially fully developed. Climate of the area is generally warm and dry, with 13 inches of precipitation per year and summer temperatures in the 90's. Winters in the Lamar area are usual ly mild with an average temperature of 27°F. Principal geographical characteristics include a wide river valley with rolling grasslands. Vegetation includes cottonwoods along the Arkansas River with crops and grassland outside the valley. There is a fairly extensive water system in the Lamar area including Dry Creek, 4