The Takeaways
- Development near rivers makes Colorado vulnerable to floods.
- In September 2013, a 1,000-year rainstorm caused catastrophic flooding across the northern Front Range.
- The total damages from the 2013 flood were approximately $4 billion.
- A warmer climate will increase the frequency of severe rainstorms capable of causing floods.
- Communities can take action to improve their resilience to flooding.
The Case Study
Much of Colorado's infrastructure is built beside rivers. Colorado's communities are often situated next to rivers to take advantage of transportation routes and access to water for irrigation. The proximity of Colorado's communities to rivers makes them vulnerable to flooding.
Want more information?
- Check out the Future Avoided Cost Explorer planning resource.