Flood Meeting

Subject: Flood Preparation Meeting
Date: 5/27/2011

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with other agencies, will hold a public meeting for Laporte area residents to discuss preparations for flooding which forecasts indicate will likely occur as a result of record snowpack and anticipated high spring runoff. The meeting will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cache La Poudre Elementary School located at 3511 West County Road 54G in Laporte.

The meeting is planned to provide residents with information on potential flooding in their area and recommend precautions and preventative measures.

In addition to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, representatives from Larimer County Emergency Services, Poudre Fire Authority, West Fort Collins Water District, Poudre River Water Commissioner, Red Cross and United Way are expected to be available to answer questions.

Larimer County officials are expecting flooding in many spots along the Poudre River including the McConnell Drive area in Laporte as well as County Road 5 near Timnath. Area residents should plan for County Road 5 south of Timnath to be closed as conditions warrant. In 1983, there was standing water in business parking lots south of Mulberry, east of Lemay to Timberline. Emergency Management officials anticipate similar conditions may occur again this year.

Residents along the Poudre River and other river corridors and flood plains are advised to take reasonable precautions. Depending on conditions, Larimer County may station small supplies of sand near some flood-prone areas but residents are urged to make their own arrangements. Sand and sandbags are available for purchase from numerous retailers in the county.

Beginning June 1, the Larimer County Emergency Management website at www.larimer.org/emergency

will be updated regularly with current river conditions and forecasts as well as flood preparedness information.

The Sheriff's Office is discussing with other agencies and evaluating the need for a similar meeting for the Big Thompson River drainage area. Sheriff Justin Smith said, "We want to make sure all potentially impacted residents of Larimer County have an opportunity to obtain information and prepare for potential flooding".

Looking ahead in anticipation of high river flows, Sheriff Smith also advises recreationists to exercise precaution in and near river areas, to wear appropriate safety equipment and to stay out of the water if the conditions may be unsafe.

For additional information residents can contact Larimer County Emergency Management at 498-5310.