With epic spring skiing conditions comes real danger as the season changes into summer and runoff starts occurring. The Roaring Fork River begins to take on its name, and flooding becomes a serious issue for the many homes and businesses adjacent to the beautiful river. With as little as one inch of flooding causing costly damage, everyone must be prepared, especially those who live in a flood risk area.
The City of Aspen participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and encourages all owners with land in the 100 year floodplain to visit floodsmart.gov, the official site of the NFIP, or contact a local insurance agent to receive more information on flood insurance.
Properties within the 100-year floodplain were sent Flood Information Letters to assist with flood preparedness. If you are unsure if your property resides in the 100 year floodplain, the digital images of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs linked below should provide some indication or you can call the Engineering Department for assistance at 970-920-5080. Interactive digitized floodplain maps or DFIRMs will be available in 2012.
Please contact our emergency flood preparedness hotline at 970-429-1800 for information on preparing for the upcoming runoff and high-water season.
The following businesses in Aspen can provide sand and/or sandbags: ACE Hardware, PROBuild, and Valley Lumber. For a list of locations throughout the Valley, contact the Engineering Department.
You can monitor flows in real-time by checking local USGS gages at Roaring Fork at Stillwater Bridge and Hunter Creek at Rio Grande pedestrian bridge.
Viewable FIRM images
FIRM-West.pdf , FIRM-East.pdf ,FIRM-SardyField.pdf
Feel free to call the City of Aspen Engineering Department with any questions regarding your property and flooding advice at 970-920-5080.