Colorado Flood Threat Bulletin

Preparing Communities for Flash Floods

Colorado

Over a 153-day period from May through September 2012, we prepared flash flood threat forecasts that were 86 percent accurate—an improvement from the industry average of less than 70 percent.

We provided to community users a significant upgrade in both prediction accuracy and forecast presentation by developing a web-based portal that maps fire-scarred areas with low rainfall.

In addition to the daily flash flood threat forecasts, we prepared 15-day precipitation outlooks, which are used by water supply agencies during droughts as planning aids in agricultural communities.

86%

forecast accuracy during the 2012 flooding season

3x

total visits to FTB during 2013 Colorado Floods

To enhance public safety, the state of Colorado selected us to provide daily assessments of flash flood threats from thunderstorms, general rain events, and snowmelt from 2012 through 2016. We integrated our collected data sets seamlessly into a functional GIS-based platform that assists users with obtaining county-specific weather and flood forecasts. Our forecast predictions allowed state government officials and communities to prepare in advance of flash floods.

Owner

Colorado Water Conservation Board

Services

Planning, Consulting and Advisory
Technology

Markets

Risk, Response and Recovery

Regions

West