Aug 6, 1997
Heavy rains on the Bookcliff Mountains raised the water level by 6 feet in Government Creek and sent 1 to 2 feet of water roaring into the western side of Rifle. Some businesses and about a dozen homes received flood damage. In the aftermath, rocks, mud, and other debris had to be removed from roads and lawns.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5618585). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Garfield County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.