46 years since Big Thompson flood that killed 144 people

DENVER — Sunday marks the 46th anniversary of the Big Thompson Canyon flood, which claimed the lives of 143 people and earned the unfortunate title of the deadliest flash flood in Colorado history. On July 31, 1976, an estimated 2,500 – 3,500 people were inside homes, cars or enjoying the outdoors in Big Thompson Canyon in Larimer County when the skies opened up that evening, dropping large volumes of water down the slopes and the canyon floor.