Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. In Eagle County and the western United States generally, the soil is typically dry, sandy and unable to absorb large amounts of water. Some floods develop slowly, but flash floods can happen in just minutes. Flood prone areas have been identified throughout Eagle County, and it's important to know your neighborhood flood history.
Due to the mountainous terrain, almost all areas of the county are susceptible to flash flooding. A flash flood is typically caused by sudden, excessive rainfall that send a river, stream or other body of water rapidly out of its banks. Often this occurs in a short amount of time, a few hours or less. They can also be caused by ice jams on rivers in conjunction with a winter or spring thaw, or occasionally even a dam break. The constant influx of water causes a treacherous overflow which can be powerful enough to sweep vehicles away, roll boulders into roadways, uproot trees, level buildings, and drag bridges off their piers.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce flood impacts by providing federally backed flood insurance within communities that enact and enforce floodplain management regulations. The Eagle County Engineering Department acts as the NFIP floodplain administrator for unincorporated Eagle County (Community # 080051).
What do I need to know?
Know your flood hazard :
Due to the mountainous terrain, almost all areas of the county are susceptible to flash flooding. A flash flood is typically caused by sudden, excessive rainfall that send a river, stream or other body of water rapidly out of its banks. Often this occurs in a short amount of time, a few hours or less. They can also be caused by ice jams on rivers in conjunction with a winter or spring thaw, or occasionally even a dam break. The constant influx of water causes a treacherous overflow which can be powerful enough to sweep vehicles away, roll boulders into roadways, uproot trees, level buildings, and drag bridges off their piers.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce flood impacts by providing federally backed flood insurance within communities that enact and enforce floodplain management regulations. The Eagle County Engineering Department acts as the NFIP floodplain administrator for unincorporated Eagle County (Community # 080051).
What do I need to know?
Know your flood hazard :
- Interactive FEMA Floodplain Map to access digital floodplain mapping combined with the assessor's parcel data.
- FEMA Products: referenced on the floodplain mapping (i.e. FIRM panels, LOMR, LOMA).
- Contact the Engineering Department at 970-328-3560 for assistance or to discuss your hazard. We would be pleased to speak with you about it!
- Visit FloodSmart.gov
- Assess your flood hazard and contact your insurance provider to see if you are covered.
- Any development activity in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is regulated by Chapter II, Article 3 - Section 350 of the Eagle County Land Use Regulations and requires a Floodplain Permit Application. Please note that new floodplain regulations have been updated as of 7/23/2019 under Eagle County Resolution 2019-049.
- An Eagle County Strategic Goal is to 'Protect our Mountain Ecosystem.' Consequently, our Stream Setbacks and Water Resource Protection regulation Section 3-340.C.6 requires that the 75' stream setback and 100-year floodplain be protected in their natural state. Please do not grade or remove vegetation in this area without an approved permit.
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