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Flooding From Snowmelt Unlikely In Denver

DENVER (AP) -- State water managers say flooding in Denver from the state's record snowmelt is unlikely.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board says floods in the metro area historically are triggered by rainstorms and flash flood events, but not snowmelt. The conservation board is warning communities at risk to begin preparing for high water that's expected as the snowpack melts with warmer temperatures returning this weekend.

Flooding
Roan Marshall and a friend finish loading some of Andy George's possessions onto a flat bed truck Friday morning. George, who lives in a home at Saddle Mountain Ranch, woke up to water in the house. He and the family quickly evacuated the residence to avoid the rising waters of the Elk River. (credit: John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot)

The Elk River west of Steamboat Springs could see a 100-year peak over the next five days and possibly 500-year levels depending on weather conditions. Such events happen only once over those time periods.

Water managers say they're also monitoring stream flows along Clear Creek at Georgetown, the Big Thompson River at Estes Park and the Cache La Poudre River near Fort Collins and Greeley.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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