BoulderFloodInfo.net
Flood Safety
The City of Boulder is the #1 flash flood risk in the state of Colorado - be prepared.
Floods can happen with little or no warning!
Be Prepared
The City of Boulder has the greatest potential for flash flooding of any community in Colorado. This is due to the city's location at the mouth of Boulder Canyon and the number of people who live and work in the Boulder Creek floodplain. Flood season lasts from April 1 to Sept. 30, but floods can happen at any time.
Understanding the dangers of flash flooding, and knowing what to do in an emergency, can save lives. Find out what to do before, during and after a flood.
Important items to know:
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A Flash Flood Watch means it is possible that weather conditions will cause flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepared for a flood emergency.
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A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in the specified area. Move to higher ground immediately.
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A floodplain is any land in danger of flooding from a 100-year flood.
What's the risk?
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If you are in a 100-year floodplain, there is a 1 percent chance the area will be flooded in any given year.
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It only takes three inches of rain over a few hours to trigger a 100-year flood.
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You may live or work in a floodplain. Check Boulder's
floodplain map to find out.
Historical flooding along the Front Range
Boulder has not had a major flood recently, but it is a question of when, not if.
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In 1997, the Fort Collins flood caused $200 million in damage and claimed five lives. The flood was caused by a storm that dumped 14.5 inches of rain. Storms of this magnitude are not uncommon along the Front Range, yet flooding in Boulder can occur with only three inches of rainfall.
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In 1976, the Big Thompson flood claimed more than 300 houses and 130 lives when about 13 inches of rain fell in the canyon along Highway 34. The canyon is very similar to the canyons just west of Boulder.
Last Updated on Monday, 15 April 2013 12:17
