City of Boulder Completes Alpine-Balsam Flood Mitigation Channel

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Official response and confirmed impact

City of Boulder completes Alpine-Balsam flood mitigation channel, improving neighborhood safety and connection

Project delivers flood protection, walkability, public space and environmental resilience for North Boulder

The City of Boulder and the Mile High Flood District have completed the Alpine-Balsam flood mitigation channel, marking a major milestone in the Alpine-Balsam Area Plan.

The channel was designed as more than flood infrastructure.

In addition to standard drainage features, the completed channel transforms a functional floodway into a neighborhood amenity incorporating landscaping, ecological function, mobility improvements and high-quality public spaces alongside its core flood protection role.

“Community members in this neighborhood have lived with flood risk for decades — this channel is one of a number of important projects to change that,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde.

Incident background

The project removes the Alpine-Balsam site from the flood zone, reducing risk for community members and businesses while strengthening the area’s long-term resilience to climate impacts.