1976 Big Thompson River flood
A memorial containing a list of people killed in the flood | |
| Cause | Heavy rains |
|---|---|
| Meteorological history | |
| Duration | July 31, 1976 |
| Flood | |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 144 |
| Injuries | >250 |
| Missing | 5 |
| Damage | <$150 million (2016 USD) |
| Areas affected | Big Thompson River, north central Colorado |
| Houses destroyed | 418 |
On July 31, 1976, heavy rainfall caused the Big Thompson River in Colorado to flood, causing at least 144 deaths, more than 250 injuries, and at least 5 others to be missing. The flood was caused by a stalled thunderstorm complex that produced rainfall totals of 12–14 inches (300–360 mm) near Estes Park, Colorado, including 7.5 inches (190 mm) of rain that fell in one hour. Cresting at 30 feet (9.1 m), the flood caused widespread damage along the river totaling almost $40 million ($150 million in 2016 USD). It is considered one of the deadliest floods in the state's history.