The state of Colorado is no stranger to extreme weather conditions. With an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year, the state is known for its wide range of temperatures and precipitation. In the past few years, the state has seen its fair share of extreme weather conditions, from flash floods to wildfires. The state’s climate is changing, and the effects are being felt across the state. Denver, in particular, has seen a decrease in precipitation over the past few years. According to climate scientists, this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. They predict that Denver will see less snowfall and more rain during the winter months.
According to “KUSA-TV, 9NEWS”:https://www.9news.com/article/news/state/colorado-climate/suburbs-stormwater/73-a4a9696c-eb0f-4a51-802c-2497a06c3a9b In the last 100 years, the Denver city has grown a-lot above ground level but drainage pipes still needs up-gradation to fulfill street requirements.
To summarize the above article: Denver and the surrounding cities have been built in areas where natural channels use to exist. Now there are smaller concrete pipes in those same area. These pipes combined with street curb and gutters have significantly less capacity than the original drainage channels. Therefore the urbanized areas drain water slower the predevelopment conditions. This is a big part of the reasons why flooding is occurring in Denver and not in the surrounding suburbs which still have the predevelopment drainage channels.
City is continuously working with local developers and environmental engineers for better shape of city and prevention of flood level for upcoming years.
Image source: KDVR.com