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== Background ==
== Background ==
The Big Thompson River is a [[tributary]] of the [[South Platte River]], approximately {{convert|78|mi|km}} long, in the U.S. state of Colorado.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jack |date=May 30, 2018 |title=Remembering The Big Thompson Canyon Flood |url=https://kekbfm.com/remembering-the-big-thompson-canyon-flood/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KEKB (FM)]] |language=en}}</ref> Originating in Forest Canyon in [[Rocky Mountain National Park]], the river flows into [[Lake Estes]] in the town of [[Estes Park, Colorado|Estes Park]] and then through Big Thompson Canyon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocky Mountain National Park: Geologic Resource Evaluation Report |url=https://home.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/upload/romo_geo_overview.pdf |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[National Park Service]] |pages=5-6}}</ref>
The Big Thompson River is a [[tributary]] of the [[South Platte River]], approximately {{convert|78|mi|km}} long, in the U.S. state of Colorado.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jack |date=May 30, 2018 |title=Remembering The Big Thompson Canyon Flood |url=https://kekbfm.com/remembering-the-big-thompson-canyon-flood/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KEKB (FM)]] |language=en}}</ref> Originating in Forest Canyon in [[Rocky Mountain National Park]], the river flows into [[Lake Estes]] in the town of [[Estes Park, Colorado|Estes Park]] and then through Big Thompson Canyon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocky Mountain National Park: Geologic Resource Evaluation Report |url=https://home.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/upload/romo_geo_overview.pdf |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[National Park Service]] |pages=5–6}}</ref>


Before the floods, 600 people lived at the [[Big Thompson Canyon]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gruntfest |first=Eve C. |date=August 1977 |title=What people did during the Big Thompson flood |url=https://hazards.colorado.edu/uploads/workingpaper/wp32.pdf |journal=Institute of Behavioral Science University of Colorado |via=hazards.colorado.edu}}</ref> and between 2,500 and 3,500 people were also at the [[Big Thompson Canyon]] to celebrate 100 years after Colorado's statehood that would take place several hours later on August 1.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitley |first=Morgan |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Photos: 47 years ago, 144 died in one of Colorado’s deadliest natural disasters |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/big-thompson-flood-1976-colorado/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KDVR]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Floods in Colorado |url=https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-states-co |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[National Weather Service]] |language=EN-US}}</ref>
Before the floods, 600 people lived at the [[Big Thompson Canyon]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gruntfest |first=Eve C. |date=August 1977 |title=What people did during the Big Thompson flood |url=https://hazards.colorado.edu/uploads/workingpaper/wp32.pdf |journal=Institute of Behavioral Science University of Colorado |via=hazards.colorado.edu}}</ref> and between 2,500 and 3,500 people were also at the [[Big Thompson Canyon]] to celebrate 100 years after Colorado's statehood that would take place several hours later on August 1.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitley |first=Morgan |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Photos: 47 years ago, 144 died in one of Colorado's deadliest natural disasters |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/big-thompson-flood-1976-colorado/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KDVR]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Floods in Colorado |url=https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-states-co |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[National Weather Service]] |language=EN-US}}</ref>


== Meteorological synopsis ==
== Meteorological synopsis ==
On July 31, a thunderstorm complex developed alongside the [[Front Range]] of the southern [[Rocky Mountains]], near [[Estes Park, Colorado]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Caracena |first=Fernando |last2=Chappell |first2=Charles F. |last3=Hoxit |first3=L. Ray |last4=Maddox |first4=Robert A. |date=January 1979 |title=Mesoanalysis of the Big Thompson Storm |url=https://www.atmos.albany.edu/student/abentley/mapdisco/20130920/images/map/Caracena%20et%20al.%20(1979).pdf |journal=[[NOAA]] |access-date=January 17, 2024 |via=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2015 |title=Colorado Remembers Victims 39 Years After Big Thompson Flood |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-remembers-victims-39-years-after-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The development was caused by a number of meteorological factors, including a shortwave [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]], a [[polar front]] that moved across southeastern Colorado with the main [[Polar Air Mass|polar airmass]] northeast of the Front Range, and moisture and unstable air behind a [[cold front]] extending across the [[Big Thompson Valley]].<ref name=":1" /> Upper-atmospheric light winds caused the thunderstorm complex to stay stationary, which produced heavy rainfall across portions of the Big Thompson Canyon, including up to {{Convert|7.5|in|mm}} of rain falling in one hour.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Jarrett |first=R. D. |last2=Vandas |first2=S. J. |date=July 2006 |title=1976 Big Thompson Flood, Colorado |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2006/35/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}</ref> Over four hours near Estes Park, {{Convert|12-14|in|mm}} of rain fell, causing the Big Thompson River to overflow its banks and triggering a flood crest that moved through the river and the Big Thompson Canyon.{{sfn|Crow|Albright|2021|p=35}}<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=McLain |first=Jerald F. |last2=Shroba |first2=R. R. |date=1979 |title=Storm and flood of July 31-August 1, 1976, in the Big Thompson River and Cache la Poudre River basins, Larimer and Weld Counties, Colorado |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/pp1115AB |journal=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Persons |first=David |date=July 29, 2016 |title=Special report: Memories of ’76 flood haven’t dimmed for many |url=https://www.eptrail.com/ci_30180713/memories-76-flood-havent-dimmed-many-featured-todays/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Estes Park Trail-Gazette]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The flood crest moved at an average speed of {{Convert|15|mph|km/h}}, and crested at {{Convert|30|ft|m}}.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Meissner |first=John |date=February 24, 2021 |title=100 YEARS MAGAZINE: 1976, 1982 floods wreaked havoc on Estes Park |url=https://www.eptrail.com/2021/02/24/100-years-magazine-1976-1982-floods-wreaked-havoc-on-estes-park/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Estes Park Trail-Gazette]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A [[flash flood warning]] was issued at 23:00 [[Central Time Zone|Central Time]] (5:00 [[UTC]]), but was criticized after the warning was issued several hours following the flood.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Garrison |first=Robert |date=July 31, 2022 |title=Remembering the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood |url=https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/remembering-the-1976-big-thompson-flood |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[KMGH]] |language=en}}</ref>
On July 31, a thunderstorm complex developed alongside the [[Front Range]] of the southern [[Rocky Mountains]], near [[Estes Park, Colorado]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Caracena |first1=Fernando |last2=Chappell |first2=Charles F. |last3=Hoxit |first3=L. Ray |last4=Maddox |first4=Robert A. |date=January 1979 |title=Mesoanalysis of the Big Thompson Storm |url=https://www.atmos.albany.edu/student/abentley/mapdisco/20130920/images/map/Caracena%20et%20al.%20(1979).pdf |journal=[[NOAA]] |volume=107 |issue=1 |page=1 |doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1979)107<0001:MOTBTS>2.0.CO;2 |bibcode=1979MWRv..107....1C |access-date=January 17, 2024 |via=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2015 |title=Colorado Remembers Victims 39 Years After Big Thompson Flood |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-remembers-victims-39-years-after-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The development was caused by a number of meteorological factors, including a shortwave [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]], a [[polar front]] that moved across southeastern Colorado with the main [[Polar Air Mass|polar airmass]] northeast of the Front Range, and moisture and unstable air behind a [[cold front]] extending across the [[Big Thompson Valley]].<ref name=":1" /> Upper-atmospheric light winds caused the thunderstorm complex to stay stationary, which produced heavy rainfall across portions of the Big Thompson Canyon, including up to {{Convert|7.5|in|mm}} of rain falling in one hour.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last1=Jarrett |first1=R. D. |last2=Vandas |first2=S. J. |date=July 2006 |title=1976 Big Thompson Flood, Colorado |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2006/35/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}</ref> Over four hours near Estes Park, {{Convert|12-14|in|mm}} of rain fell, causing the Big Thompson River to overflow its banks and triggering a flood crest that moved through the river and the Big Thompson Canyon.{{sfn|Crow|Albright|2021|p=35}}<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last1=McLain |first1=Jerald F. |last2=Shroba |first2=R. R. |date=1979 |title=Storm and flood of July 31-August 1, 1976, in the Big Thompson River and Cache la Poudre River basins, Larimer and Weld Counties, Colorado |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/pp1115AB |journal=[[United States Geological Survey]]|doi=10.3133/pp1115AB }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Persons |first=David |date=July 29, 2016 |title=Special report: Memories of '76 flood haven't dimmed for many |url=https://www.eptrail.com/ci_30180713/memories-76-flood-havent-dimmed-many-featured-todays/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Estes Park Trail-Gazette]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The flood crest moved at an average speed of {{Convert|15|mph|km/h}}, and crested at {{Convert|30|ft|m}}.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Meissner |first=John |date=February 24, 2021 |title=100 YEARS MAGAZINE: 1976, 1982 floods wreaked havoc on Estes Park |url=https://www.eptrail.com/2021/02/24/100-years-magazine-1976-1982-floods-wreaked-havoc-on-estes-park/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Estes Park Trail-Gazette]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A [[flash flood warning]] was issued at 23:00 [[Central Time Zone|Central Time]] (5:00 [[UTC]]), but was criticized after the warning was issued several hours following the flood.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Garrison |first=Robert |date=July 31, 2022 |title=Remembering the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood |url=https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/remembering-the-1976-big-thompson-flood |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[KMGH]] |language=en}}</ref>


== Impact and aftermath ==
== Impact and aftermath ==
A portion of [[U.S. Route 34 in Colorado|U.S. Route 34]] was washed out by floodwaters,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anastasio |first=Jeff |date=October 9, 2023 |title=How the historic Big Thompson Canyon flood of 1976 unfolded on Denver7 News |url=https://www.denver7.com/about/70-years-of-denver7/how-the-historic-big-thompson-canyon-flood-of-1976-unfolded-on-denver7-news |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KMGH]] |language=en}}</ref> sustaining significant damage as visibility on the highway dropped to zero miles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Highway 34 To Reopen As Scheduled |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/highway-34-to-reopen-as-scheduled/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vendegna |first=Michelle |date=August 1, 2016 |title=40 years after Big Thompson Flood: Memories remain decades after tragedy |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/01/40-years-after-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[The Denver Post]] |place=[[Loveland Reporter-Herald]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The flood crest impacted most of [[Cedar Cove, Colorado|Cedar Cove]], [[Drake, Colorado|Drake]], and [[Midway, Larimer County, Colorado|Midway]], and causing extensive damage to buildings in [[Glen Haven, Colorado|Glen Haven]].<ref name=":5" /> The floods caused more than $40 million in damage in 1976 [[USD]], equivalent to nearly $150 million in 2016 USD,<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pohl |first=Jason |date=August 6, 2016 |title=40 years later: Scores killed in Big Thompson Flood |url=https://apnews.com/6d939fceba704b12ba5b5baad19d6b56 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> including 418 homes, more than 400 vehicles, and 152 businesses being destroyed, along with a further 138 buildings damaged.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Spears |first=Chris |date=July 29, 2016 |title=Sunday Marks 40th Anniversary Of Big Thompson Flood |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/sunday-marks-40th-anniversary-of-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> The flood swept people as far east as [[Interstate 25 in Colorado|Interstate 25]] and areas {{Convert|25|mi|km}} away.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whaley |first=Monte |date=July 29, 2006 |title=Big Thompson Flood {{!}} 30 years later |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2006/07/29/big-thompson-flood-30-years-later/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=[[The Denver Post]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Mudslides caused by heavy rainfall also closed [[Poudre Canyon]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seelmeyer |first=John |date=August 2, 1976 |title=Mudslides close Poudre Canyon |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greeley-daily-tribune-1976-flash-flood-b/109001/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Greeley Daily Tribune]] |pages=1}}</ref> The flood is considered one of the deadliest floods in the history of Colorado, causing at least 144 deaths and 250 injuries, along with at least 5 missing.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2015 |title=Remembering Big Thompson flood, 39 years later |url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/weather/remembering-big-thompson-flood-39-years-later/73-130237511 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KFMB-TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sallinger |first=Marc |date=August 10, 2023 |title=One of Colorado’s deadliest disasters was 47 years ago |url=https://www.9news.com/article/weather/weather-colorado/big-thompson-flood/73-fa640fd5-0bab-43c7-8252-7f4f3f386f9f |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=[[KUSA]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McKee |first=Spencer |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon flood, Colorado’s deadliest natural disaster |url=https://denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/features/remembering-the-big-thompson-canyon-flood-colorado-s-deadliest-natural-disaster/article_ca21de01-c4d4-5588-bd55-d0bcd041fe94.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Out There Colorado |language=en}}</ref>
A portion of [[U.S. Route 34 in Colorado|U.S. Route 34]] was washed out by floodwaters,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anastasio |first=Jeff |date=October 9, 2023 |title=How the historic Big Thompson Canyon flood of 1976 unfolded on Denver7 News |url=https://www.denver7.com/about/70-years-of-denver7/how-the-historic-big-thompson-canyon-flood-of-1976-unfolded-on-denver7-news |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KMGH]] |language=en}}</ref> sustaining significant damage as visibility on the highway dropped to zero miles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Highway 34 To Reopen As Scheduled |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/highway-34-to-reopen-as-scheduled/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vendegna |first=Michelle |date=August 1, 2016 |title=40 years after Big Thompson Flood: Memories remain decades after tragedy |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/01/40-years-after-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[The Denver Post]] |place=[[Loveland Reporter-Herald]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The flood crest impacted most of [[Cedar Cove, Colorado|Cedar Cove]], [[Drake, Colorado|Drake]], and [[Midway, Larimer County, Colorado|Midway]], and causing extensive damage to buildings in [[Glen Haven, Colorado|Glen Haven]].<ref name=":5" /> The floods caused more than $40 million in damage in 1976 [[USD]], equivalent to nearly $150 million in 2016 USD,<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pohl |first=Jason |date=August 6, 2016 |title=40 years later: Scores killed in Big Thompson Flood |url=https://apnews.com/6d939fceba704b12ba5b5baad19d6b56 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> including 418 homes, more than 400 vehicles, and 152 businesses being destroyed, along with a further 138 buildings damaged.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Spears |first=Chris |date=July 29, 2016 |title=Sunday Marks 40th Anniversary Of Big Thompson Flood |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/sunday-marks-40th-anniversary-of-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> The flood swept people as far east as [[Interstate 25 in Colorado|Interstate 25]] and areas {{Convert|25|mi|km}} away.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whaley |first=Monte |date=July 29, 2006 |title=Big Thompson Flood {{!}} 30 years later |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2006/07/29/big-thompson-flood-30-years-later/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=[[The Denver Post]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Mudslides caused by heavy rainfall also closed [[Poudre Canyon]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seelmeyer |first=John |date=August 2, 1976 |title=Mudslides close Poudre Canyon |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greeley-daily-tribune-1976-flash-flood-b/109001/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Greeley Daily Tribune]] |pages=1}}</ref> The flood is considered one of the deadliest floods in the history of Colorado, causing at least 144 deaths and 250 injuries, along with at least 5 missing.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2015 |title=Remembering Big Thompson flood, 39 years later |url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/weather/remembering-big-thompson-flood-39-years-later/73-130237511 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[KFMB-TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sallinger |first=Marc |date=August 10, 2023 |title=One of Colorado's deadliest disasters was 47 years ago |url=https://www.9news.com/article/weather/weather-colorado/big-thompson-flood/73-fa640fd5-0bab-43c7-8252-7f4f3f386f9f |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=[[KUSA]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McKee |first=Spencer |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon flood, Colorado's deadliest natural disaster |url=https://denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/features/remembering-the-big-thompson-canyon-flood-colorado-s-deadliest-natural-disaster/article_ca21de01-c4d4-5588-bd55-d0bcd041fe94.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Out There Colorado |language=en}}</ref>


On August 1, over 800 people were evacuated from flood-impacted areas via [[helicopter]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarrett |first=Robert D. |last2=Costa |first2=John E. |date=2006 |title=1976 Big Thompson Flood, Colorado—Thirty Years Later |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3095/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}</ref> and were taken to a high school in [[Loveland, Colorado]] that was established as a rescue center by the [[American Red Cross]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lichtenstein |first=Grace |date=August 2, 1976 |title=65 Killed as Rains Flood Colorado Recreation Area |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/02/archives/65-killed-as-rains-flood-colorado-recreation-area-survivors-sought.html |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> U.S. Route 34 was reopened 86 days after it was closed after portions of the highway were washed out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=Zane |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Remembering Colorado's Devastating Big Thompson Flood 1976 |url=https://kool1079.com/big-thompson-flood-1976/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[KBKL]] |language=en}}</ref> [[United States President]] [[Gerald Ford]] designated [[Larimer County, Colorado]] a disaster area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2014 |title=Big Thompson Flood Remembered 38 Years Later |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/big-thompson-flood-remembered-38-years-later/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2001, 25 years after the flood, a ceremony was held every year to remember the flood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vendegna |first=Michelle |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Community gathers to remember 1976 Big Thompson flood |url=https://www.reporterherald.com/ci_31184398/community-gathers-remember-1976-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Loveland Reporter-Herald]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McKee |first=Spencer |date=July 3, 2021 |title=Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon flood |url=https://gazette.com/denver-gazette/remembering-the-big-thompson-canyon-flood/article_6081df3a-dc26-11eb-a4b8-c37a6ce23a59.html |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Colorado Springs Gazette]] |language=en}}</ref> A memorial was constructed off U.S. Route 34, several miles from [[Drake, Colorado]], containing a list of people killed during the flood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Luis |date=July 31, 2021 |title=Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon Flood, 45 years later |url=https://www.9news.com/article/news/history/remembering-big-thompson-canyon-flood-45-years-later/73-7bf9f144-aabd-41c6-a75c-a307eb33ea46 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[KUSA]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 2, 2016, an episode of [[Colorado Experience]] premiered on [[PBS]] regarding the disaster.<ref>{{Citation |title=Colorado Experience {{!}} Big Thompson Flood {{!}} Season 4 {{!}} Episode 1 {{!}} PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/video/colorado-experience-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2016 |title=CSU Graduate Will Wright appears on "Colorado Experience: Big Thompson Flood" |url=https://history.colostate.edu/2016/10/csu-graduate-will-wright-appears-colorado-experience-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=[[Colorado State University]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
On August 1, over 800 people were evacuated from flood-impacted areas via [[helicopter]],<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jarrett |first1=Robert D. |last2=Costa |first2=John E. |date=2006 |title=1976 Big Thompson Flood, Colorado—Thirty Years Later |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3095/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[United States Geological Survey]]}}</ref> and were taken to a high school in [[Loveland, Colorado]] that was established as a rescue center by the [[American Red Cross]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lichtenstein |first=Grace |date=August 2, 1976 |title=65 Killed as Rains Flood Colorado Recreation Area |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/02/archives/65-killed-as-rains-flood-colorado-recreation-area-survivors-sought.html |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> U.S. Route 34 was reopened 86 days after it was closed after portions of the highway were washed out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=Zane |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Remembering Colorado's Devastating Big Thompson Flood 1976 |url=https://kool1079.com/big-thompson-flood-1976/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[KBKL]] |language=en}}</ref> [[United States President]] [[Gerald Ford]] designated [[Larimer County, Colorado]] a disaster area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2014 |title=Big Thompson Flood Remembered 38 Years Later |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/big-thompson-flood-remembered-38-years-later/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[CBS Colorado]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2001, 25 years after the flood, a ceremony was held every year to remember the flood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vendegna |first=Michelle |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Community gathers to remember 1976 Big Thompson flood |url=https://www.reporterherald.com/ci_31184398/community-gathers-remember-1976-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Loveland Reporter-Herald]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McKee |first=Spencer |date=July 3, 2021 |title=Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon flood |url=https://gazette.com/denver-gazette/remembering-the-big-thompson-canyon-flood/article_6081df3a-dc26-11eb-a4b8-c37a6ce23a59.html |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Colorado Springs Gazette]] |language=en}}</ref> A memorial was constructed off U.S. Route 34, several miles from [[Drake, Colorado]], containing a list of people killed during the flood.<ref>{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Luis |date=July 31, 2021 |title=Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon Flood, 45 years later |url=https://www.9news.com/article/news/history/remembering-big-thompson-canyon-flood-45-years-later/73-7bf9f144-aabd-41c6-a75c-a307eb33ea46 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[KUSA]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 2, 2016, an episode of [[Colorado Experience]] premiered on [[PBS]] regarding the disaster.<ref>{{Citation |title=Colorado Experience {{!}} Big Thompson Flood {{!}} Season 4 {{!}} Episode 1 {{!}} PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/video/colorado-experience-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2016 |title=CSU Graduate Will Wright appears on "Colorado Experience: Big Thompson Flood" |url=https://history.colostate.edu/2016/10/csu-graduate-will-wright-appears-colorado-experience-big-thompson-flood/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=[[Colorado State University]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The Colorado country music singer [[Chuck Pyle]] wrote a song titled "Here Comes the Water" celebrating the actions of Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Willis Hugh Purdy who raced the flood down the canyon warning residents.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dukakis |first1=Andrea |title=How A Chuck Pyle Song Captured The Terror Of Big Thompson’s Floodwaters |url=https://www.cpr.org/show-segment/how-a-chuck-pyle-song-captured-the-terror-of-big-thompsons-floodwaters/ |website=Colorado Public Radio |access-date=28 January 2024 |language=en |date=29 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pohl |first1=Jason |title=40 years later: Scores killed in Big Thompson Flood |url=https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2016/07/29/big-thompson-flood-killed-scores/87524858/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=Fort Collins Coloradoan |date=29 July 2016 |language=en}}</ref>
The Colorado country music singer [[Chuck Pyle]] wrote a song titled "Here Comes the Water" celebrating the actions of Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Willis Hugh Purdy who raced the flood down the canyon warning residents.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dukakis |first1=Andrea |title=How A Chuck Pyle Song Captured The Terror Of Big Thompson's Floodwaters |url=https://www.cpr.org/show-segment/how-a-chuck-pyle-song-captured-the-terror-of-big-thompsons-floodwaters/ |website=Colorado Public Radio |access-date=28 January 2024 |language=en |date=29 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pohl |first1=Jason |title=40 years later: Scores killed in Big Thompson Flood |url=https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2016/07/29/big-thompson-flood-killed-scores/87524858/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=Fort Collins Coloradoan |date=29 July 2016 |language=en}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 42: Line 42:


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* {{cite book|last=Crow|first=Deserai A.|last2=Albright|first2=Elizabeth A.|title=Community Disaster Recovery: Moving from Vulnerability to Resilience|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2021|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Community_Disaster_Recovery/JGlHEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0|access-date=January 19, 2024}}
* {{cite book|last1=Crow|first1=Deserai A.|last2=Albright|first2=Elizabeth A.|title=Community Disaster Recovery: Moving from Vulnerability to Resilience|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2021|isbn=978-1-316-51164-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JGlHEAAAQBAJ|access-date=January 19, 2024}}


[[Category:1976 in Colorado]]
[[Category:1976 in Colorado]]

Revision as of 07:17, 28 January 2024

1976 Big Thompson River flood
A memorial containing a list of people killed in the flood
CauseHeavy rains
Meteorological history
DurationJuly 31, 1976
Flood
Overall effects
Fatalities144
Injuries>250
Missing5
Damage<$150 million (2016 USD)
Areas affectedBig Thompson River, southeastern Colorado
Houses destroyed418

On July 31, 1976, heavy rainfall caused the Big Thompson River in Colorado to crest, causing at least 144 deaths, more than 250 injuries, and left at least 5 others missing. The crest was caused by a stalled thunderstorm complex that produced rainfall totals of 12–14 inches (30–36 cm) near Estes Park, Colorado, including 7.5 inches (19 cm) of rain falling in one hour. After cresting at 30 feet (9.1 m), widespread damage and flooding occurred along the river, with the damage totaling less than $150 million (2016 USD). The flood is considered one of the deadliest floods in the state's history.

Background

The Big Thompson River is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 78 miles (126 km) long, in the U.S. state of Colorado.[1] Originating in Forest Canyon in Rocky Mountain National Park, the river flows into Lake Estes in the town of Estes Park and then through Big Thompson Canyon.[2]

Before the floods, 600 people lived at the Big Thompson Canyon,[3] and between 2,500 and 3,500 people were also at the Big Thompson Canyon to celebrate 100 years after Colorado's statehood that would take place several hours later on August 1.[4][5]

Meteorological synopsis

On July 31, a thunderstorm complex developed alongside the Front Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, near Estes Park, Colorado.[5][6][7] The development was caused by a number of meteorological factors, including a shortwave trough, a polar front that moved across southeastern Colorado with the main polar airmass northeast of the Front Range, and moisture and unstable air behind a cold front extending across the Big Thompson Valley.[6] Upper-atmospheric light winds caused the thunderstorm complex to stay stationary, which produced heavy rainfall across portions of the Big Thompson Canyon, including up to 7.5 inches (190 mm) of rain falling in one hour.[5][8] Over four hours near Estes Park, 12–14 inches (300–360 mm) of rain fell, causing the Big Thompson River to overflow its banks and triggering a flood crest that moved through the river and the Big Thompson Canyon.[9][10][11] The flood crest moved at an average speed of 15 miles per hour (24 km/h), and crested at 30 feet (9.1 m).[10][12] A flash flood warning was issued at 23:00 Central Time (5:00 UTC), but was criticized after the warning was issued several hours following the flood.[13]

Impact and aftermath

A portion of U.S. Route 34 was washed out by floodwaters,[14] sustaining significant damage as visibility on the highway dropped to zero miles.[15][16] The flood crest impacted most of Cedar Cove, Drake, and Midway, and causing extensive damage to buildings in Glen Haven.[12] The floods caused more than $40 million in damage in 1976 USD, equivalent to nearly $150 million in 2016 USD,[11][17] including 418 homes, more than 400 vehicles, and 152 businesses being destroyed, along with a further 138 buildings damaged.[18][13] The flood swept people as far east as Interstate 25 and areas 25 miles (40 km) away.[19] Mudslides caused by heavy rainfall also closed Poudre Canyon.[20] The flood is considered one of the deadliest floods in the history of Colorado, causing at least 144 deaths and 250 injuries, along with at least 5 missing.[21][22][23]

On August 1, over 800 people were evacuated from flood-impacted areas via helicopter,[24] and were taken to a high school in Loveland, Colorado that was established as a rescue center by the American Red Cross.[25] U.S. Route 34 was reopened 86 days after it was closed after portions of the highway were washed out.[26] United States President Gerald Ford designated Larimer County, Colorado a disaster area.[27] In 2001, 25 years after the flood, a ceremony was held every year to remember the flood.[28][29] A memorial was constructed off U.S. Route 34, several miles from Drake, Colorado, containing a list of people killed during the flood.[30] On October 2, 2016, an episode of Colorado Experience premiered on PBS regarding the disaster.[31][32]

The Colorado country music singer Chuck Pyle wrote a song titled "Here Comes the Water" celebrating the actions of Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Willis Hugh Purdy who raced the flood down the canyon warning residents.[33][34]

References

  1. ^ Taylor, Jack (May 30, 2018). "Remembering The Big Thompson Canyon Flood". KEKB (FM). Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  2. ^ "Rocky Mountain National Park: Geologic Resource Evaluation Report" (PDF). National Park Service. pp. 5–6. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  3. ^ Gruntfest, Eve C. (August 1977). "What people did during the Big Thompson flood" (PDF). Institute of Behavioral Science University of Colorado – via hazards.colorado.edu.
  4. ^ Whitley, Morgan (August 1, 2023). "Photos: 47 years ago, 144 died in one of Colorado's deadliest natural disasters". KDVR. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "Floods in Colorado". National Weather Service. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Caracena, Fernando; Chappell, Charles F.; Hoxit, L. Ray; Maddox, Robert A. (January 1979). "Mesoanalysis of the Big Thompson Storm" (PDF). NOAA. 107 (1): 1. Bibcode:1979MWRv..107....1C. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1979)107<0001:MOTBTS>2.0.CO;2. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  7. ^ "Colorado Remembers Victims 39 Years After Big Thompson Flood". CBS Colorado. July 31, 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  8. ^ Jarrett, R. D.; Vandas, S. J. (July 2006). "1976 Big Thompson Flood, Colorado". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  9. ^ Crow & Albright 2021, p. 35.
  10. ^ a b McLain, Jerald F.; Shroba, R. R. (1979). "Storm and flood of July 31-August 1, 1976, in the Big Thompson River and Cache la Poudre River basins, Larimer and Weld Counties, Colorado". United States Geological Survey. doi:10.3133/pp1115AB.
  11. ^ a b Persons, David (July 29, 2016). "Special report: Memories of '76 flood haven't dimmed for many". Estes Park Trail-Gazette. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Meissner, John (February 24, 2021). "100 YEARS MAGAZINE: 1976, 1982 floods wreaked havoc on Estes Park". Estes Park Trail-Gazette. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Garrison, Robert (July 31, 2022). "Remembering the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood". KMGH. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  14. ^ Anastasio, Jeff (October 9, 2023). "How the historic Big Thompson Canyon flood of 1976 unfolded on Denver7 News". KMGH. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  15. ^ "Highway 34 To Reopen As Scheduled". CBS Colorado. March 21, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  16. ^ Vendegna, Michelle (August 1, 2016). "40 years after Big Thompson Flood: Memories remain decades after tragedy". The Denver Post. Loveland Reporter-Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  17. ^ Pohl, Jason (August 6, 2016). "40 years later: Scores killed in Big Thompson Flood". Associated Press. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  18. ^ Spears, Chris (July 29, 2016). "Sunday Marks 40th Anniversary Of Big Thompson Flood". CBS Colorado. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  19. ^ Whaley, Monte (July 29, 2006). "Big Thompson Flood | 30 years later". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  20. ^ Seelmeyer, John (August 2, 1976). "Mudslides close Poudre Canyon". Greeley Daily Tribune. p. 1. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  21. ^ "Remembering Big Thompson flood, 39 years later". KFMB-TV. July 29, 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  22. ^ Sallinger, Marc (August 10, 2023). "One of Colorado's deadliest disasters was 47 years ago". KUSA. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  23. ^ McKee, Spencer (July 2, 2021). "Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon flood, Colorado's deadliest natural disaster". Out There Colorado. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  24. ^ Jarrett, Robert D.; Costa, John E. (2006). "1976 Big Thompson Flood, Colorado—Thirty Years Later". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  25. ^ Lichtenstein, Grace (August 2, 1976). "65 Killed as Rains Flood Colorado Recreation Area". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  26. ^ Mathews, Zane (March 21, 2023). "Remembering Colorado's Devastating Big Thompson Flood 1976". KBKL. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  27. ^ "Big Thompson Flood Remembered 38 Years Later". CBS Colorado. July 31, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  28. ^ Vendegna, Michelle (August 1, 2017). "Community gathers to remember 1976 Big Thompson flood". Loveland Reporter-Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  29. ^ McKee, Spencer (July 3, 2021). "Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon flood". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  30. ^ De Leon, Luis (July 31, 2021). "Remembering the Big Thompson Canyon Flood, 45 years later". KUSA. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  31. ^ Colorado Experience | Big Thompson Flood | Season 4 | Episode 1 | PBS, retrieved 2024-01-18
  32. ^ "CSU Graduate Will Wright appears on "Colorado Experience: Big Thompson Flood"". Colorado State University. October 11, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  33. ^ Dukakis, Andrea (29 July 2016). "How A Chuck Pyle Song Captured The Terror Of Big Thompson's Floodwaters". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  34. ^ Pohl, Jason (29 July 2016). "40 years later: Scores killed in Big Thompson Flood". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Retrieved 28 January 2024.

Sources

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