The City of Boulder has the highest risk of flash flooding in the state of Colorado.
Boulder Creek and its 14 tributaries along with Boulder Slough run through the city's limits. Mitigation of flood risk and reduction of flood hazards from these drainageways is an ongoing effort.
With recent flooding events as a stark reminder, Boulder is ramping up resilience with strategic investments and community-first planning:
Gregory Canyon Creek Flood Mitigation is in design, with construction set for fall 2026 — this project enhances creek conveyance, green infrastructure, and flood safety.
Upper Goose & Two-Mile Canyon Creek projects enter design by late 2025, targeting aging stormwater systems and reducing recurring flood threats.
South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation is nearing final design, safeguarding thousands of residents and critical infrastructure.
Ongoing greenway and creek restoration projects enhance natural flood channels and habitat throughout the city.
We’re committed to protecting people, property, and the environment — through green solutions, equity-focused planning, and regional partnerships. Curious how you can prepare at home?
Start with:
Together, we’re building a safer and more resilient Boulder.
The Comprehensive Flood & Stormwater Plan and the Stormwater Master Plan govern policies and guide stormwater and flood management in the city. There are individual Flood Management Plans for the different creeks throughout Boulder.
The city has a program in place to purchase properties located in flood prone areas, particularly in the High Hazard flood zone when there is a willing seller. Opportunity-based property acquisition is a key element of the floodplain management program given the city's interest in working with a willing seller. The property acquisition program, in conjunction with flood mitigation improvements has been very successful over the years and has resulted in over one hundred residences no longer in the high hazard floodplain. Purchasing properties through this program and deconstructing or relocating them, not only removes the life-safety risk, but also opens up additional opportunities to improve flood conveyance, provide better channel maintenance, add additional flood mitigation measures and increases the potential of establishing neighborhood pocket parks.
Properties which have been purchased through the program were prioritized due to the following factors:
For additional information on property acquisition or if you would like to discuss selling your property to the city, please get in touch using the contact details at the top of this page.
