Flooding & spring runoff
Anywhere it can rain, it can flood, including in the desert and on a sunny spring day.
Utah floods two ways: slow-building snowmelt in spring, and sudden flash floods from summer thunderstorms, often in the desert and below burn scars. Know your risk, check your insurance before you need it, and never drive into moving water.
Why it matters in Utah
- In 2023, Utah's statewide snowpack peaked on April 8 at 30.0 inches of snow water equivalent, 216% of normal and an all-time record. Utah Water Resources (opens source in a new tab)
- State water officials warned that the record snowpack increased the potential for flooding, landslides, and debris flows. Utah Water Resources (opens source in a new tab) Utah DEM (opens source in a new tab)
- Most homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Federal flood insurance is available in participating communities whether or not you're in a mapped flood zone. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab)
- A new NFIP flood policy generally takes effect 30 days after purchase, with some exceptions. Buy before the season. FloodSmart (opens source in a new tab)
Who's most affected
- Homes along streams, in canyon bottoms, on alluvial fans, and in low spots and basements.
- Areas below recent burn scars. UGS (opens source in a new tab)
- Hikers and drivers in slot canyons and desert washes during summer storms. NWS (opens source in a new tab)
What to do
1 Before
- Look up your address on the Utah Flood Hazard Map and FEMA flood maps. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab) FEMA (opens source in a new tab)
- Ask your insurer about flood coverage now; remember the usual 30-day wait. FloodSmart (opens source in a new tab)
- Keep gutters, window wells, and storm drains near your home clear; move valuables and documents up from the basement.
- In big snow years, follow city sandbag announcements and river forecasts. NOAA CBRFC (opens source in a new tab)
2 During
- Turn Around, Don't Drown. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
- Move to higher ground and evacuate if told to. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
- Check the forecast before entering slot canyons or washes; storms miles away can send water downstream. NWS (opens source in a new tab)
3 After
- Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Wear heavy gloves and boots during cleanup; people with asthma or lung conditions shouldn't enter buildings with visible mold. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
- Photograph damage for insurance before you clean up.
- If your well flooded, disinfect and test it before drinking. CDC (opens source in a new tab)