Emergency Flood Info
Flood Reference Guide
for Community Officials
Flooding is the number one disaster risk in Utah. Ten of Utah’s fifteen presidential declarations are due to flooding, and the state experiences multiple localized flood events each year. This year Utah has an above average snow pack, increasing the risk of spring flooding statewide.
The Utah Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management coordinates with partners statewide on the preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation of disasters affecting Utah. This page provides useful information and resources links for our statewide partners, including – emergency managers, floodplain managers, local administrators, state agencies, special service districts, public works and roads departments, etc
2024 Flooding Potential
- This year Utah has an above average snow pack, increasing the risk of spring flooding statewide. The Governor’s Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management are leaning forward to provide flood preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation support to local communities statewide.
- All disasters begin and end at the local level. It is encouraged that local elected officials meet with emergency management officials at the city and/or county level and discuss preparedness messaging and mitigation activities that can be implemented immediately to enhance our ability to save lives and property.
- Local jurisdictions have emergency managers and floodplain managers that DEM works closely with to support disaster related efforts. Community and agency leaders should coordinate with local and state subject matter experts on any technical, program, or disaster funding opportunities. DEM can help connect you to the right contacts.
- Any work that will alter the bed or banks of a natural stream in Utah must obtain written authorization from the State Engineer. Know stream alteration permit requirements UT Code 73-3-29 & local DNR Officer for notification of emergency work occurring in streams. Work with Local Floodplain Administrators to ensure permitting requirements for the NFIP are being met.
Flood Specific Resources Links
Link to DEM Flood Reference Guide.
Identify where high flood risk areas are located FEMA Flood Map
DEM public website to learn more about flood risks in Utah https://floodhazards.utah.gov/
Flood Campaign Message Map – key messages for media
National Weather Service – Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Stream Gauge and Status
Natural Resource Conservation Service NRCS/USDA Snowpack Water Equivalency Map
NRCS/USDA Snowpack Water Equivalency Map
Reservoir Capacity and Storage
Central Utah Water Conservancy District Reservoir statistics
Dams and Reservoirs in Utah
USGS Water Dashboard for real time stream gage information https://dashboard.waterdata.usgs.gov/app/nwd/en/?aoi=default
Be Ready Utah’s flood preparedness guide. Be Ready Utah is is the public outreach program of the Utah Division of Emergency Management.
Disaster Declarations & Damage Assessments
DEM helps to support local communities in the disaster declaration process, including providing technical assistance for local damage assessments and declarations, coordinating and verifying statewide preliminary damage assessment (PDA) processes, and drafting state and federal disaster declaration requests. For more information on the declaration and damage assessment processes please reach out to your local DEM Community Support Liaison (LNO) or visit DEM’s Recovery Hubsite https://recovery-utah-em.hub.arcgis.com/
Coordinating with the State Emergency Operations Center
The state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is responsible for coordination of information and resources at the state level. The EOC activates to various levels depending on the nature of an incident.
Statewide Situational Awareness
Link to Essential Elements of Information (EEI)
Requesting Resources from the State
If a local jurisdiction’s resources are exhausted, they may make requests to other jurisdictions under the Statewide Mutual Aid Act through county emergency managers. If your jurisdiction has exhausted or committed local resources and requires state assistance, contact your DEM Community Support Liaison (LNO) for support. For a flowchart showing how the local requests work with the LNO and the State EOC please view the Resource Request Flowchart.
Disaster Recovery
DEM’s Recovery Section assists state agencies and local communities with immediate recovery needs such as declarations, preliminary damage assessments (PDAs), and proper costs documentation, as well as navigating long term disaster recovery processes and recovery grant programs. For more information on recovery resources and guidance, please visit the DEM Recovery hubsite at https://recovery-utah-em.hub.arcgis.com/ .
Many different federal agencies sponsor flood-related assistance programs. Click here for a list of links to these programs.
Hazard Mitigation
Mitigation Planning
Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with state, tribal, and local governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
Visit https://hazards.utah.gov/ for access and information to the Utah State Hazard Mitigation Plan and local mitigation plans statewide. These plans cover all natural hazards that could impact communities in Utah.
Visit the DEM Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grants page for information on mitigation planning requirements and processes for planning grants.
Hazard Specific Resources
Flood
Floodplain Management & National Flood Insurance Programs. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Utah, yet most homeowners and renters aren’t properly covered by insurance. Get to know the facts about flood insurance by visiting www.FloodFacts.utah.gov
Utah’s Risk MAP Program is actively collecting data and working with highly qualified engineers, counties and communities to create, update and digitize flood risk information all over the state. To learn more about flood risks and the Risk MAP program in Utah visit https://floodhazards.utah.gov/. For current FEMA flood maps visit msc.fema.gov
Wildfire
Utah’s Post‐Wildfire Team is a collaboration of State and Federal agency representatives working together to support communities impacted by wildfire. When a large wildfire affects an entire community, Utah’s Post‐Wildfire Team will mobilize to meet with and advise community leaders and emergency managers and host public meetings to educate the community about post‐wildfire hazards and recovery strategies. Additional assistance from community volunteers and local organizations like churches, non‐profits, and business may also be available. Visit https://extension.usu.edu/post-wildfire/team for more information on the team and to request assistance.
Drought
Utah has been in drought eight of the last ten years. Extreme drought calls for extreme water-saving measures by us all. Visit https://drought.utah.gov/ for centralized information on a variety of drought resources representing multiple agencies.
Earthquake
Utah has experienced 17 earthquakes greater than magnitude (M) 5.5 since pioneer settlement in 1847, and geologic investigations of our region’s faults indicate a long history of repeated large earthquakes of M6.5 and greater prior to settlement. Visit earthquakes.utah.gov to find data and maps of Utah’s recent earthquakes, learn about the geology of Utah earthquakes, make preparations for the next earthquake, and have your questions answered.
Mitigation Grants and Projects
DEM’s Mitigation Section provides mitigation planning and project grant management assistance and support to local communities and state agency partners throughout Utah. For more information please visit the Hazard Mitigation Assistance hubsite: https://hma-utah-em.hub.arcgis.com/