One reason the flooding was so severe is because a large percentage of the riparian wetlands there have been destroyed for the sake of agricultural or suburbia. Wetlands act as sponges, soaking up spring snowmelt and rains, and slowly release the water as time passes. Without the sponge effect, the water suddenly rushes together to create floods. At the some time, of course, we have to use the river. People need water.
Agriculture needs water.
For information on original prints, contact Bill Wylie via the Colorado State University Art Department. What you see on the screen is great, but don't do the photographs justice.