Does living far from Cherry Creek mean I don't need flood coverage?

Not necessarily. Side draws and overland runoff can reach homes well away from the main creek. Ask your agent to look at your property's flood zone and discuss whether coverage makes sense.

Franktown and the Cherry Creek Corridor: Flood Notes

A creek with a history

Cherry Creek flows north past Franktown on its way to the Denver metro area. Just south of Franktown is Castlewood Canyon, where the remains of the old Castlewood Dam stand inside the state park. That dam failed in 1933, sending a flood down Cherry Creek toward Denver; the event is widely remembered as a reminder that this quiet creek can carry a lot of water.

Today, most flood problems around Franktown come from thunderstorms over open terrain. Runoff collects in the many draws and side drainages that feed Cherry Creek, crosses gravel roads and driveways, and spreads over pastures. Homes on large lots may sit well away from the creek and still take water from a draw that crosses the property.

Because Franktown is unincorporated, permits and floodplain questions go to Douglas County rather than a town. Most homes rely on private wells and septic systems, and many properties include barns, shops and other outbuildings that also flood.

The first few days on a Franktown acreage after a storm

During the storm: Stay off flooded roads and away from drainages. Move vehicles and equipment to higher ground only if it is safe.
First hours after: Check the house for water, turn off power to flooded areas, and look at the wellhead and septic area from a distance.
Same day: Switch to bottled water if floodwater reached the well. Limit water use if the drain field is soaked.
Next day: Start extraction and removal of wet materials in the house. Photograph outbuildings, fences and the driveway.
Within the week: Have the well disinfected and tested. Inspect culverts and propane tanks. Remove wet hay or feed from outbuildings.

Acreage items that often get overlooked

Barn or shop floors with stored equipment, chemicals or fuel.
Wet hay or feed, which can heat and grow mold.
Fence lines across draws that trap debris and redirect water.
Propane tank anchors and lines after water moves through the yard.
Driveway culverts and the bar ditch along the road.
Pump houses, frost-free hydrants and buried lines exposed by erosion.

Questions for Franktown property owners

Is any part of my property in the mapped Cherry Creek floodplain or a tributary floodplain?
Which Douglas County office handles permits for culvert replacement or regrading near a drainage?
Does my flood policy, if I have one, cover outbuildings, and under what limits?
Should my well casing or cap be upgraded given flooding on the property?

Map of Franktown. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Does living far from Cherry Creek mean I don't need flood coverage?: Not necessarily. Side draws and overland runoff can reach homes well away from the main creek. Ask your agent to look at your property's flood zone and discuss whether coverage makes sense.

General information for Castle Rock, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.