Big Dry Creek runs just north of my apartment complex. The complex is perhaps 100 feet above the creek, which runs all year out of Standley Lake, just east of Boulder, Colorado. Today, Tuesday August 16, 2022, it flooded.
The creek flooded in a matter of minutes this morning. After the rain, at around 11:30, I decided to take my morning walk (bi-weekly to the liquor store) when the rain abated. Because I was out of whiskey. It turned into a somewhat serious strenuous stroll.
Flood Management
here in North Westminster, where I live, appears to be a priority. And, I consider where I live the apex of civilization. Because the powers-that-be seem to place such a high value on “quality-of-life” living. I share those values. (Which is why I don’t mind the high taxes and rent.)
Quality Of Life
values vary, of course, depending on individual preferences. For me (and it appears the powers-that-be) that means: beautiful vistas, open spaces, and easy access to shopping. Part of that is the trail system, for walking and bike riding. The trail system is extraordinary. The amount of resources (money and labor) spent on making that an accessible, easy part of the experience of living here is also extraordinary.
And Yet
my walk to the liquor store was perilous. Because of a little rain? Notwithstanding all the time, money, and labor invested in flood control? What’s going on?
The walk, or stroll, took me almost twice as much time, and double the distance! In addition, I had to zig and zag across busy roadways and wade through dangerous, rushing, waters!
All for a bottle of whiskey (That soothes my soul and makes living easier in these troubling times.) Because of a failure of the powers-that-be, the “experts”, to understand nature. Or, how rain and water and creeks (and people) flow. What!
Our Tax Dollars At Work
or something else? I love where I live, don’t get me wrong. However, when Mother Nature (or human nature) just does what it does – people seem stupid. Flood control? Open space? Safety? Accessibility?
Makes ya think – what the hell is going on?
The larger flood from May 12, 2023. And still more rain forecast. So far, over 4 inches in two days.