South Boulder Creek Floodplain Mapping Study

The city has completed the South Boulder Creek Floodplain Mapping Study and is now conducting a study to develop and evaluate measures to reduce the flood risk along South Boulder Creek. 
Learn more about the South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Planning Study.

News and Updates

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.

Summer/Fall 2012 - The FEMA informed the city that it will not officially adopt the floodplain maps provided by the city until late 2012. This gives property owners more time to apply for floodplain insurance if their property is located within the revised 100-year floodplain boundary.

Under National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations, if your property is located in the 100-year floodplain and is financed by a federally-backed mortgage, you must purchase flood insurance. Most home mortgages fall under this category, since most lenders are federally regulated.

The requirement to purchase flood insurance will not be mandatory until FEMA adopts the proposed revision of the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM). It is best to obtain flood insurance prior to the adoption of the floodplain maps, because insurance may be less expensive if purchased prior to adoption.

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

July 30, 2009 - The City of Boulder and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District  solicited proposals from qualified consultants for the South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Planning Study.

June 2009 -  The Updated Risk Assessment Report was completed to support subsequent flood mitigation planning. 

Jan. 29, 2009 - Memo to City Council: Mapping study update and plan for new floodplain regulations.

Study Impacts

In March 2009, FEMA notified the city that it intended to officially adopt the revised floodplain maps that resulted from the South Boulder Creek Floodplain Mapping Study. The new maps will serve as the basis for the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which establish minimum regulatory floodplain boundaries for the National Flood Insurance Program, as well as for flood insurance purchase requirements. 

The city began regulating the designated floodplain areas on Jan. 1, 2008, based on the previous study results. A few properties were added to the 100-year floodplain based on the information submitted to FEMA at the end of 2008. Staff began regulating these properties on April 1, 2009 and sent the property owners a Notification Letter.

Study Results

•  Climatology and Hydrology Report - 2007-05 FEMA Submittal

•  Hydraulic Modeling Report - 2008 FEMA Re-submittal
  • Proposed 100-year floodplain delineation
  • Proposed High Hazard Zone
  • Proposed Conveyance/Floodway Zone
    

•  The Updated Risk Assessment Report, June 30, 2009
  • Public Information for Floodplain to Structure Address Table
  • Physical Structures located within the Floodway Conveyance Zone
  • Physical Structures located within the High-Hazard Zone
  • Physical Structures located within the 100-Year Floodplain
  • Physical Structures located within the 500-Year Floodplain

Project Document Archives
Hard copies of historical material pertaining to this study are available for review and copy at the Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Boulevard.

Contact

For more information or access to project document archives, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 303-441-4232.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 11:30