Old Town#
The Old Town Drainage Basin is located in north-central Fort Collins. The basin has a drainage area of approximately 2,120 acres, including approximately 400 acres of the Colorado State University campus. The entire basin is urbanized, with some development dating back to the late 1800s. Generally, the basin drains from west to east. The Old Town Basin receives some runoff water from the Canal Importation Basin directly west of Old Town. Most of the water from Old Town drains to the Poudre River, just to the east.
The master plan completed in 2002 identified an estimated 620 structures damaged in a 100-year event with an estimated cost of $35 million in damages. Much of the problems in this basin result from encroachment and urbanization of natural drainageways. Flooding in Old Town occurs regularly. The recommended improvements include construction of storm sewers along the major streets. Once these are in place 350 structures will be removed from the 100-year flood risk, and damage will be reduced for an estimated 270 remaining structures.
The master plan update is currently underway. The goal is to address stormwater quality from rainfall runoff and to identify stream restoration projects that protect the city's watersheds.
Flooding History#
Street flooding is a common occurrence in Old Town
In the heart of Fort Collins, the Old Town basin encompasses the Old Town business district and surrounding neighborhoods. Some areas of Old Town were established in the 1800s when little thought was given to storm drainage.
As a result, the basin has experienced many floods throughout its history. In recent years, several capital projects, such as the Howes Street, Locust Street and Oak Street Outfall projects, have vastly improved storm drainage in Old Town. However, many areas remain upstream of those projects where storm sewer pipes can handle only a minor storm. When a larger storm occurs, the streets become stream channels and homes and businesses are flooded.
Local newspapers have documented numerous floods in Old Town. In 1904, plugged storm sewer inlets caused a lake to form on Walnut Street. Again in 1951, storm sewers were overwhelmed when six inches of rain fell in 27 hours. A small river formed that flowed east along Locust and Plum Streets and flooded basements and first floors of many homes. In 1961, the local paper noted that a lake formed at College Avenue and Mulberry Street during a typical rainstorm. This continues to be a problem today.
Additional noteworthy storms occurred in 1983, 1988, 1992 and 1997. The 1992 flood was centered in Old Town and, according to the CSU rain gauge, two and a half inches fell in only 30 minutes. Damage to homes and businesses totaled $438,000 in 1992 and nearly 50 property owners reported flooded basements.
The 1997 flood in Old Town occurred the same day as the notable Spring Creek flood. Most attention was focused on Spring Creek, but there also was severe flooding and extensive damage in many parts of Old Town.
Significant progress has been made in recent years to help minimize damages. Still, it does not take much rain to cause significant flooding in the Old Town basin, especially in basements.
Maps#
- Problem Identification Map (PDF 43KB)
- Flooding Solution Map (PDF 34KB)
- Water Quality Solution Map (PDF 3.3MB)
Did You Know?
Replacing old windows with double-pane, low-e windows, can bring down your Utilities bill.
In warm seasons at night (when temperatures are cooler), open windows when you feel comfortable doing so (i.e. in calm weather condition, with a window stopper in place, during clean air days, etc).
Watering only when grass turns a dull, grey-green color and footprints remain helps save water and money.