This book describes the water resources of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as the historical ditches, dams and floods in the Park and adjacent areas. The devastating Colorado Big-Thompson Flood of 1976 is summarized. The Lawn Lake Flood of 1982 and its aftermath is discussed in detail. The 2013 Front Range Floods in Colorado are detailed with an emphasis on the area adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The removal or repair of deteriorating historical dams in the Park following the Lawn Lake Flood, and the restoration of the natural lake ecosystems at these sites is discussed. The author describes his hikes to four of the restored lakes, and the interpretive efforts to educate the visitor about the Lawn Lake Flood at the site of the alluvial fan in Horseshoe Park. Finally, the author summarizes the visitor impacts on the Park with overcrowding, and the demands of a growing Front Range population on the water resources of the area.
6x9 inch Paperback, 200 pages; 8x10 inch Hardcover, 172 pages. Available from Amazon.com. Autographed copies available here directly from the author. May also contact the author: Raraavis.Consultants@gmail.com, or call 970.371.7339. Standard shipping includes sales tax and delivery fee in Continental U.S.
Book Review-Amazon:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great history of the Park, water issues, and Floods from an Author that loves the park.
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2022
It starts out a bit like a college lecture but it gets better and better as you go, very insightful background and details on the National Park and the history of the water issues and problems. Mr. Gossett worked in the park and devoted much of his life to wildlife. Many of the photographs are from his personal collection and the book is worthwhile just for those.
Book Review: John Fielder
“I think it is great. The book provides such wonderful detail with which to share with folks the intimacy and sublimeness of water in the Park! A very personal nature account for sure that deserves to be seen by many”… John
