Project Background

Van Bibber Creek starts west of Highway 93 and flows generally east through Jefferson County and the City of Arvada, where it flows into Ralston Creek. The creek drains a 17.5-square mile watershed. This project includes a Major Drainageway Plan (MDP) and a Flood Hazard Area Delineation (FHAD).

The main objective of this study is to update the hydrology and old studies to more accurately identify flood risk and drainage problems. An MDP was previously completed in 1977 and a FHAD was previously completed in 1974. The information from this study will provide a guide for project sponsors to use for floodplain management, future planning, and future construction projects within the watershed.

Key project tasks include the following:

• Develop hydrology that reflects both the existing and the future land uses
• Identify existing flooding, conveyance problems, and bridge and culvert overtopping issues
• Develop drainage improvement alternatives
• Hold a public open house to obtain input from the public on the project and findings
• Develop a preliminary design of the alternative selected by the project sponsors
• Delineate the floodplains along Van Bibber Creek

The project sponsors are the Mile High Flood District (MHFD), City of Arvada, and Jefferson County.

Project Sponsors