 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 crest, causing at least 144 deaths, more than 250 injuries, and at least 5 others to be missing. The crest 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 which fell in one hour. After cresting at 30 feet (9.1 m), widespread damage and flooding occurred along the river, with the damage totaling almost $150 million (2016 USD). The flood is considered one of the deadliest floods in the state's history.