2018-12-26_REVISION - M2008078 (28)

Home Browse Search

Clay Creek, and Willow Creek, the latter flows through Lamar. Ditches and canals in the vicinity include: Fort Bent Canal, Lamar Canal, Hyde Canal, Vista Del Rio Ditch, and Amity Canal. Reservoirs in the area include the Great Plains Reservoir System, John Martin Reservoir, and Two Buttes Reservoir. The Town of Wiley is located near the northwestern corner of Prowers County, and has a population of approximately 405 according to the 2010 census (Reference 11). 2.3 Principal Flood Problems Headwaters of the Arkansas River originate in the San Isabel Mountains near Leadville, Colorado. Effects of heavy snow melt or heavy rains occurring in the upper portion of the drainage basin are reduced by the John Martin Reservoir. Flooding in Lamar is dependent on localized heavy rainfall below the John Martin Dam. The most severe flood in recent history occurred in June 1965. Torrential rains in eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and New Mexico, caused wide spread flooding in the Arkansas River basin. In Colorado alone, damage estimates by a special congressional committee totaled $43 million. Damage in Lamar was estimated at $1.2 million. The Tri-State Daily News (Reference 12) reported on June 22, 1965, "The John Martin Reservoir stored some 273,138 acre feet of water which otherwise would have poured down on the staggering towns."A U.S.G.S. report on the 1965 flood added," the uncontrolled tributary inflow below the John Martin Reservoir was so outstanding that towns from Lamar, Colorado to Dodge City, Kansas were extensively damaged." The 1965 U.S.G.S. report stated the peak flow for Willow Creek was 24,300 cfs. Flow in the Arkansas River at Lamar was recorded at 72,800 cfs with a maximum gage height of 18.9 feet. A previous flood in 1921 carried 130,000 cfs but the maximum gage height was only 17 feet. Other large floods (greater than 30,000 cfs) on the Arkansas River occurred in 1923, 1929, 1934, 1936, and 1942. The John Martin Dam began flow regulation in 1943. Flood history of the Willow Creek drainage area is limited. 2.4 Flood Protection Measures The Town of Granada has suffered numerous floods from Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek historically drained through the center of the town. Following the June 1949 flood, Wolf Creek was moved to the west of the town and a levee system was constructed. The initial levee system had a capacity of approximately 12,500-cfs. In June 1965, Granada experienced a flood of record of 5