South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Planning Study

FEMA Adopts New Floodplain Mapping
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officially adopted new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) for Boulder County, including the City of Boulder, on Dec. 18, 2012. Although the new DFIRMs are generally consistent with the existing DFIRMs, the new mapping incorporates the South Boulder Creek Floodplain Mapping Study and also de-certifies three levees within the city. View frequently asked questions about flood insurance.

Introduction

The South Boulder Creek Floodplain Mapping Study identified approximately 240 structures (with approximately 700 total dwelling units) that are at risk for a 100-year flood but were not previously included in the floodplain. The vast majority of these structures are located in the West Valley area, as shown in the mitigation area map. Much of this area was developed with few flood protection measures because it was not previously thought to be at risk of major flooding.

To address this, the city is conducting a Flood Mitigation Planning Study to evaluate alternatives that may reduce flooding hazards in the West Valley area.

This project will:

• identify, develop, and evaluate flood mitigation alternatives,
• gather public feedback, and
• present options to the public, Water Resources Advisory Board, and City Council for review.

Approximately $4.25 million has been included in the city's 2012 budget to help fund the construction of flood mitigation improvements.

Documents

• South Boulder Creek Major Drainageway Plan Alternatives Analysis Report - (Final Draft - June 2012)
• Risk Assessment Report (June 2009)
• View an animated slide depicting what would happen to the area during a flood event.

 Meetings

The next public meeting will be announced and posted on this website soon.
Sign up for the email list (below) to receive alerts on this project.

Dec. 14, 2010 - Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB) meeting

The WRAB motioned to move forward with four of the five staff recommended options. Option 7 will not be further analyzed. WRAB  Memo: South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Alternatives.

Oct. 14, 2010 - Memo to City Council: Update on the Flood Mitigation Planning Study.

Sept. 2, 2010 - Public Meeting 
 Meeting Agenda  

Utilities personnel provided a summary of work to-date, including concepts for flood mitigation. Staff answered questions and gathered feedback about how to reduce flood risks associated with South Boulder Creek.

March 3, 2010 - Open House

This initial public meeting presented a summary of flood risks, the planning process and initial concepts for flood mitigation.

Meeting Materials:

• Meeting summary  
• PowerPoint presentation
•  Alternatives - South of US 36
•  Alternatives - US 36 to Baseline Road
•  Alternatives - Baseline Road to Arapahoe Road
•  Alternatives - North of Arapahoe Road
•  Potential Solutions Matrix - South of US 36  

Email Updates

Sign up for our email list to stay up-to-date on current South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation events and information. Visit the email list webpage and choose "South Boulder Creek Mapping" from the drop-down menu.

Contact

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 303-441-3266. 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 10:26