Research Article
Nov 1978
Disaster Responses to Flash Flood
Publication: Journal of the Water Resources Planning and Management Division
Volume 104, Issue 1
Abstract
On the night of July 31, 1976, extremely heavy rainfall came to the Big Thompson River Canyon of Colorado. The severe flash flood, which developed in a few hours, claimed 145 lives and caused nearly –40,000,000 in property damage. Several features of the Colorado-Big Thompson water diversion Project, located on the river system, played an important role in preventing even greater damage and loss of life. The project operational alert to the disaster came from the personal observation of heavy rainfall and measurement of flood flow in the Estes Park area. Based upon the observed conditions and best judgment, immediate action was taken to place the Project system into an emergency mode of operation. A broad-scale program of restoration of water and power facilities was initiated on August 1. A critique of the operation provides first hand experience that may be of value to other water resource managers.
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Information
Published In
Journal of the Water Resources Planning and Management Division
Volume 104 • Issue 1 • November 1978
Pages: 35 - 44
Copyright
© 1978 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Nov 1978
Published online: Feb 12, 2021
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Authors
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Robert L. Berling, M.ASCE
Project Mgr., South Platte River Projects, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Loveland, Colo
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.