Experts are calling this the 1,000 year flood. Why?
Because this just doesn't happen in Colorado. In their words "It is unprecedented."
Average yearly precipitation in Colorado is around 15 inches. That's including all our crazy snow storms. So to get a better perceptive on just why Colorado is under water right now...
Boulder (in one week) received between 15 and 20 inches of rain. Estes Park measured nearly 20 inches. And other areas across the front range measured anywhere from 5 to 15 inches. It's crazy to think that most areas in Colorado's front range received a years worth of rain in under a week.
All that water rushed down the river canyons, taking everything in it's path before pouring onto the plains and flooding towns along the South Platte and Big Thomson as it went. Water rose in areas far from river basins- in areas no one ever thought would flood.
And sadly, most people here in Colorado do not have flood insurance. And why should we. Floods like this just don't happen...or it's only a 0.1% that it might happen.
Colorado is a dry state. Humidity levels rarely hit 50%. And we have over 300 days of sunshine every year. Mountains receive more snow, and because it is cold, the snow sticks around, but in Denver, the snow may be gone in a day or two. Our ground is red clay, our mountains are not lush and green. We are at a higher chance for fires...not floods. At least not floods like this one. (Flash floods are very common in river canyons and urban streets when thunderstorms rush through the state in short periods of time. It is not common for entire front range towns to be under water because it has rained for nearly a week straight. Weather in Colorado changes quickly and is very unpredictable...it just doesn't rain and rain and rain for days on end.)
The flooding has been devastating. It has affected everyone who lives in and around our front range- from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins and reaching far east through Morgan and Sterling. We have lakes in areas that were just fields yesterday, streets that became rivers, and homes that are now underwater.
I am grateful that I am dry- that my home is dry. I can not say the same for others. Thousands of people are displaced. 8 are confirmed dead at the time of this writing. Hundreds are unaccounted for. And nearly 1,500 homes are destroyed or damaged.
It is going to take some time to clean up the state. Homes, roads, lives, will all have to be rebuilt.
A field used to play soccer- now a pond...
The field w/o flooding
My prayers and thoughts to all of those in this devastating time.
Today, the sun is shining!
Best to all,
Becca
8 comments:
Thank God for a sunny day! It's needed. Prayers for all affected by the flooding.
It's so unreal to see the pictures of the devastation there. I can't imagine what people are going through. I'm glad your home is dry and you are safe. Take care!
My heart breaks each time I read another story about the floods... it just destroys everything. Between the fires and the water, Colorado needs a respite and a chance to pick up the pieces.
I've lived in Colorado all my life and don't remember flooding like this ever. Me and hubby were up in Estes Park for our anniversary the weekend before last, and then not even a week later, the entire town is shut down. I'm praying along with you for all those families displaced from their homes. Yay for the sunshine this week!
So saddened to hear about the floods up north. Word in SW CO is that the Animas River is really flowing now. But the rains in the SW are not doing the damage they are up there.
So terrible...hope the sun keeps shining.
Water can be so devastating. I lived in flood areas for many years and I know what kind of damage flooding can do.
Here in Chicago last night we had an amazing storm rush through. Torrential rains, and golf ball sized hail. In had NEVER scene this in the city before. Trees down, one huge branch dropped inches from my care. Scary.
Mother nature is in full force these days. She is just not happy...
It's so crazy. Life can change in a blink, eh? Thank goodness for all the good people who step up and offer assistance in the aftermath, and my heart goes out to those who've lost.
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