Manitou Puts Flash Flood Warning System In Place
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4)- Manitou Springs has installed several devices to help warn residents about flash flooding after last year's devastating flooding rushed through the town west of Colorado Springs.
The Waldo Canyon Fire caused major damage to the surrounding areas of Manitou Springs in the summer of 2012. The charred earth and lack of foliage means there is no where for the water to go when it rains, even as little as a quarter of an inch.
"We are safer but are we safe? I wish I could say we are but we're always going to be under the threat of a large flood which could overwhelm all of the infrastructure in place," said Manitou Springs Mayor Marc Snyder.
Millions of dollars was spent to clean up after last year's mudslides and dig a massive trench that is designed to take the mudslide and move it around the town. Engineers admit it's still not enough to protect residents against a potential disaster.
Spotters at the canyon are watching for rising water every day and also watching for storms as they develop.
The town has also installed new sirens that will be used as needed.
"If you hear the siren that means there is a strong likelihood if not a certainty that flood waters are coming our way," said Snyder.
New rain gauges have also been installed to keep track of how much rain it takes to cause major damage and how saturated the ground has become.
