Flood Insurance

In Littleton, the flood season runs from about mid-April to mid-September. The usual cause of flooding is intense spring or summer thunderstorms causing rapid runoff of storm water. The areas of greatest flood threat are on the numerous tributary streams in Littleton, such as Little's Creek, Slaughterhouse Gulch, and Lee Gulch.

Flood insurance is available to all owners of private property in the city through Littleton's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your property insurance carrier to obtain flood insurance. Mortgage-holders may have a mandatory requirement for flood insurance for certain properties. Flood insurance premiums vary, depending upon the flood zone where a property may be located or the elevation of the building. New maps of flood zones were adopted by the city in December 2010 and are available from the city. Call 303-795-3865 for more information about flood zone maps.

The City of Littleton, with the assistance of the Urban Drainage & Flood Control District, has taken numerous actions to mitigate flood hazards. Regular, routine maintenance is performed on streams and storm drainage facilities. An automated warning system is in place for the Slaughterhouse Gulch watershed. Capital improvement projects have been constructed to remove numerous properties from the floodplain. Reference books, manuals, elevation information and other resources are available to property owners seeking to protect their property.

The long-range forecast for Spring 2011 calls for slightly less than normal precipitation. The current above-normal snowpack in the mountains does not generally directly contribute to flood conditions in Littleton, as mountain snow melt is controlled by Chatfield Dam.

For more information, contact the city's Engineering Division at 303-795-3865.