With the snowmelt season beginning, the Town of Vail is issuing its annual reminder to property owners to review their current insurance policies and consider adding flood insurance to the coverage. As of April 10, Vail snowpack levels are at 103 percent of normal, while Copper Mountain, which is indicative of the Vail Pass area, is at 95 percent of normal. Gore Creek stream flows are around normal for this time of year and will increase as warmer temperatures cause the snowpack to melt.
Spring runoff typically peaks between late-May and mid-June in Vail. However, flood conditions can occur at any time, especially when there are sustained cool temperatures, which hold the snowpack, followed by sudden sustained warm temperatures. A minimum 30-day waiting period may be required before a new flood policy comes into effect.
An interactive map identifying the locations of sand distribution points, high-water checkpoints, historic flood areas, FEMA NFHL data, and more can be accessed from the Town of Vail Flood Preparedness site at http://www.vail.gov/flooding. The maps indicate the approximate floodplain locations in Vail and can be used as a reference for homeowners to determine whether their property is located near a floodplain area.
Insurance rates are based on official Flood Insurance Rate Maps created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Copies of these maps are available for review at the Town of Vail Public Works Department, 1309 Elkhorn Drive or may be ordered by calling 1-877-FEMA-MAP (336-2627) or available at http://msc.fema.gov. The Town of Vail is a member of the National Flood Insurance Plan, which allows every property owner in Vail the option to purchase flood insurance, regardless of the property’s location.
Area streams most prone to flooding include: Black Gore Creek near The Heather and Gore Creek at the intersection of Bridge Road and Lupine Drive in East Vail; Mill Creek near Mill Creek Drive in Vail Village; Red Sandstone Creek near the Brooktree Condominiums; and Buffehr Creek from Circle Drive to the North Frontage Road in West Vail. As the weather warms, police and public works crews will begin daily water level checks at approximately 90 locations throughout the town, including culverts, catch basins and bridges. Nightly checks are added to the rounds once the peak runoff season hits. Town staff members also coordinate with Eagle River Water & Sanitation District personnel who check manholes and vaults that are located near waterways, as well as mains that cross above creeks.
Also, the town will provide free sand material and empty bags upon request for residents and businesses who wish to safeguard their property from the possibility of high water. Call the Public Works Department at 970-479-2158 to make arrangements.
Homeowners interested in adding flood coverage to their insurance policies are encouraged to call their insurance agents to check availability. In addition, NFIP offers information on floods and flood insurance, including local agents who provide the coverage, online at www.floodsmart.gov. Residents are also reminded of the importance of being prepared for any emergency by assembling a kit containing a three-day food and water supply, as well as medications, toiletries, pet supplies, flashlight, radio and extra batteries. Visit www.ready.gov for more recommendations on personal emergency preparedness. To receive real-time public alerts for emergencies in Vail and throughout Eagle County, sign up at www.ecalert.org.
For more information on Vail’s flood maps, contact Tom Kassmel, Town of Vail floodplain administrator, at 970-479-2235. For countywide information, contact Eagle County Emergency Management at 970-328-3545.
