Historic flooding occurred in September 2013 along the Big Thompson River Canyon in northern Colorado, washing out sections of US Highway 34. Satellite imagery from September 14th shows damage to bridges, roads, and other infrastructure from Loveland to Drake along the highway, with entire stretches of roadbed washed away in some areas and debris piled on bridges in others.

1. Analysis Center
Historic Flooding in Colorado
September 2013
FirstLook Report
Big Thompson Canyon

2. Overview of the affected area.
N
Historic Flooding in Colorado - September 2013
Front Range, Colorado
Big Thompson River Canyon – US Highway 34
Boulder
Denver

3. US Highway 34Riverview RV Park
and Campground
DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Flooding near mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon
Loveland, Colorado
Loveland 3 miles

4. DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Bridge on US Highway 34 near mouth of Big Thompson Canyon
Loveland, Colorado
Debris on bridge

5. DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Loveland Water Treatment Plant
Loveland, Colorado
Water spills over
control infrastructure

6. DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Damage to US Highway 34 near mile marker 83
Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado
Road damage near Silvan
Dale Ranch at the mouth of
Big Thompson Canyon

7. DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Damage to US Highway 34 near mile marker 82
Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado
Damage to concrete roadbed

8. DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Damage to US Highway 34 near mile marker 78
Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado
Entire roadbed
washed away
Bridge appears
to be standing

9. DigitalGlobe Natural Color Imagery, September 14, 2013
Damage to US Highway 34 near Mile Marker 76
Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado
Town of
Drake
Significant damage along
this stretch of road
Riverbend
Campground