Boulder Scientists Test Front Range Flash Flood Prediction System

BOULDER, Colo. -- Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder are testing a new flash flood warning system that could soon give people advance notice of potentially dangerous flooding events.

Because of the steep terrain and atmospheric conditions, Colorado is particularly vulnerable to flash floods.

"The work we're doing has built on work over the last decade," said David Gochis, a lead research scientist on the project. "We're just now getting to where we can put atmospheric and hydrological modeling tools together."

The advanced technology could allow forecasters to give officials flash flood warnings 30 minutes to an hour in advance at specific watersheds, such as Clear Creek, Cherry Creek and Boulder Creek.