flooding - Pierce County

Puyallup River Flooding, 1921
Pierce County
FLOODING
Are You Prepared?
You are receiving this guide, because your property is in or near
an identified flood hazard area.
This guide includes information to help keep you, your loved
ones, and your property safe in the event of a flood.
See INSIDE for:
• History of flooding in Pierce County
• Flood warning system
• Flood insurance information
• Emergency contact information
And more...
www.piercecountywa.org/flood
Surface Water Management
Natural Benefits of Floodplains
Management
Plan
(Flood
revetmentsFlood
alongHazard
the Puyallup
and White
rivers.
Plan). The draft plan will be available to
the public
in December
2011ofand
1933 Floodwaters
overtopped
portions
thebrought
new
to the County
Council
for
consideration
levees
and
revetments
during
the
largest
flood
on in
oding
Flo
er
Riv
p
9 - Puyallu
192Elevated
Spring
2012.
house - Puyallup Valley record in Pierce
County.
Development
Requirements
To Army
receive
regular
information
about
1948 The US
Corps
of Engineers
built
Mudthe
Mountain Dam
control
flowabout
of thepublic
Whitemeetings:
River
planto
and
updates
into the Puyallup River.
• Call (253)798-2725
E-mail
[email protected]
revetments were constructed
Most development activities in 1960s More•levees
•
www.piercecountywa.org/floodplan
Pierce County require a permit.and portions of the Carbon and Puyallup rivers were
Before you start any project on straightened.
your property, check with Pierce
1962-present Major flooding has led to fifteen
County Planning and Land Services
(253) 798-3739.
Remember, before
presidentially declared disasters in Pierce County
1979 - Puyallup River Flooding
permits for repairs can be obtained,
We are River
raffling
off aComprehensive
free weather radio
the structure must be inspected.1991 First Puyallup
Basin
on December 2nd, 2011. To enter, visit
Flood Control Plan adopted
County code requires that if the
www.piercecountywa.org/flood and click
cost of reconstruction, addition, or
on the link “win a free weather radio.”
other improvements to an existing
Enter your name, contact information,
building after a flood equals or
and whether you have flood insurance.
exceeds 50% of the building’s
We will not use the information you
value, the activity is considered a
submit for any
“substantial improvement.” This
other purpose
may require that the building be
or share it
considered “new construction”
with other
1990brought
- Carbon up
RivertoBridg
and
current
2009 - White River Flooding
e County
parties.
floodplain development standards.
reatment Plant
Win A Weather Radio
2006 - Sumner T
The River System
For detailed floodplain information
in the cities, please call:
Winter storms between November and March are responsible for most1 flooding in
Gig Harbor
Pierce County. The areas most affected are near:
(253) 851-6170
•
•
The Puyallup, Carbon, White, and Nisqually rivers
1
Streams such as Muck, Clover, South Prairie, and Clear creeks
2
Tacoma
(253) 591-5495
Fircrest
21 our river system, and continue
Melting glaciers on Mount Rainier have shaped
(253) 564-8900
to contribute to their ever changing patterns. As glaciers melt, water and debris
(rocks, dirt, trees, etc)Puget
are sent into the rivers,2which drop more than 14,000 feet in
10
13
Pu rivers reach
elevation to sea level Sound
in a relatively short distance.
When
flat ground,
3
ya
11
llu
12
their speed decreases and the debris they were carrying begins
p R to settle out, filling
4
i
ve
in the river channels with sediment, gravel, and log jams.
14
r
3
er
Riv
Pierce
County is updating
1913 - 1940
s Construction
of leveesthe
andRivers
Pierce County
ite
Flood Plan Update
Know Your Risk
Wh
As the Puyallup and Green River valleys settled in
the 19th century, farmers battled river flooding and
attempted to stabilize the continually shifting rivers.
At that time, the White River flowed from Mount
Rainier
intoInthe
Green
Riverstate,
and north
to Elliott
Bay.
Floodplain areas provide many
benefits.
their
natural
floodplains
provide
The
small
“Stuck
River”
connected
the
White
River
fertile soil for farming, fish and wildlife habitat, and scenic areas for recreation.
to the Puyallup
nearduring
Sumner.
They also store water during flooding,
controlRiver
erosion
high flows, and
filter pollutants for better water quality. However, for people who live or own
On November
structures in floodplains, they1906
may pose
a risk. 14, a huge flood caused the
White River to alter its course into the Stuck River.
Pierce County owns many parcels in the floodplain, permanently preserving
191
7 - Whi
te Rive
Flooding flood hazards
these
areas
to rreduce
provide fish
and wildlife
habitat.
1913 Aand
settlement
between
King County
and
Pierce County made the shift of the White River
into the Puyallup River permanent and resulted in
the straightening of the lower Puyallup and White
rivers. Levees and revetments were built that still
exist today.
2010 - Dolos stabilize Puyallup
River Bank
The frequency of flooding in Pierce County has led to multiple approaches to flood
5
9
6
8 is currently
management. The Pierce County Rivers Flood Hazard Management Plan
being updated with strategies that use multiple approaches to reduce flood risks to
people and property.
Sou
History of Flooding
in Pierce County
ize Puyallup River Bank
1917 - Brushmat to stabil
7
P
th
Learning From the
Past to Improve the Future
Joint Base
15
Lewis/McChord
Neadham Road Setback Levee
-- Ongoing: Construction of 550 feet of new levee
setback from an existing damaged levee on the Puyallup River. Three engineered
log jams were installed along the levee to reduce damaging forces of the water and
Pu
provide fish habitat. Additional levee construction is planned in 2013.
y
all
LegendRiver Levee Repair – Completed 2011: Pierce County partnered with the
Nisqually
US Army Corps
of Engineers to repair 1,800 feet of levee damaged in 2008 and 2009
1% Annual
floods. The
levee protects
the historic
Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National
Chance
Floodplain
&
Park, SR 706,
and
nearby
property.
Coastal Hazard Area
MajorLevee
Rivers
Puyallup River
Repair – Completed 2010: Huge concrete structures shaped
Nis
quthe
like jacks, called dolos, and logs were installed on
ally north side of the20Puyallup
Mashel Ri
ve
Roadsrepair stabilized an eroding bank
Riv to protect the levee.
River. ThisMajor
fish-friendly
r
e
r
Soldiers Home
Levee
–
CitiesSetback
in Pierce
County
Completed 2006: 5,150 feet of new
levee was Federal
constructed
the
andnear
State
Lands in Pierce County
Old Soldiers Home on the Puyallup
USGSpotential
River Gauge
Locations
River, reducing
damages
by allowing the river to meander in
the expanded, open floodplain.
Flood Warning System
Acquisition Program – Pierce
County is able to purchase
flood-damaged properties from
Pierce
Flood Warning System provides early warning for
willing sellers when
fundsCounty’s
are
river
systems.
Go
available. By moving people out of to www.piercecountywa.org/flood and click on
“Flood Warning
harm’s way permanently,
we can System” or call the hotline (253)798-4274 which is
regularly during floods. For continuous weather and flood
significantly reduceupdated
future flood
2010radio
- Neadham
Road
information
use a weather
or visit
www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew.
Engineered Log Jam
losses in our community.
up
Ri
What to do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER a FLOOD
Take Steps to
Before a Flood
Protect your
Find out if you are in a flood-prone area -
E-mail [email protected] or call
(253) 798-2725 for a map showing flood
risk on your property. Please include
address and/or parcel number
• Keep roadside ditches and storm
in your request.
drains around your property clear of
Buy flood insurance - Remember it
leaves and other debris.
takes 30 days for your flood insurance
policy to take effect, and homeowners
• For a courtesy inspection of the storm
insurance generally does not cover
drainage system in your neighborhood,
flood damages.
call (253)798-2725.
Property
• Dumping debris into storm drainage
systems is illegal. To report violators,
call (253)798-4636.
• Permanently elevate or move electric
items such as furnaces, appliances,
and electric panels above flood level.
• Consider long-term flood protection
measures such as elevating buildings
above flood levels and avoiding
building new structures in floodprone areas.
• Keep materials like sand, plywood,
plastic sheeting, and a sump pump on
hand for use during flood events.
Make an emergency supply kit -
Go to www.piercecountywa.org/dem
for what to include in your kit.
Develop a safety plan - Make sure
each family member has emergency
contacts in their cell phones,
know alternative routes in case of
evacuation, and establish meeting
places for family members who
become separated by flood waters.
Did You Know?
66% of flood deaths
occur in vehicles
Flood Insurance
Facts of Coverage
• The “standard” homeowner or commercial insurance policy does NOT cover
damage caused by flooding. To protect your property, you must buy a flood
insurance policy.
• If you buy a house in a designated flood hazard zone and receive a mortgage loan
from a federally regulated or insured lender, you are required to purchase and
maintain flood insurance.
• You may receive up to a 35% discount on flood insurance premiums, because
Pierce County participates in the Community Rating System and has a highly rated
flood management program.
• There is a mandatory 30-day waiting period on all new flood insurance policies.
Don’t wait until it’s too late - buy flood insurance now!
During a Flood
Stay tuned - Keep a battery powered radio or weather band radio tuned
to a local weather station.
Get to higher ground - Move to higher ground if you can do so safely. Do not
attempt to walk, drive, or swim through moving water or flooded areas. You
and your vehicle can be quickly swept away. If you are caught at home, move
to the second floor or the roof. Keep your emergency supply kit with you.
Turn off utilities - If a flood is coming, and you can safely do so, turn off
electricity at the main power switch and close the gas valve.
After a Flood
Be informed - Listen to local news outlets and only go home when authorities
say it is safe. Drinking water may not be safe, so check with the Health
Department, call (253) 798-6470, or visit www.tpchd.org.
Get an inspection- Your property may have hidden damage, even if it looks
safe. Hire a professional to inspect your heating, electrical, appliances, and
structure to make sure it is safe to stay in your house.
Talk to an agent - Call your insurance
agent right away to report any losses.
Take pictures and keep receipts for your
repair expenses.
Visit
piercecart.org
to learn about
emergency pet
sheltering services.
Get a permit - Most repairs require a
permit. Call Pierce County Planning and
Land Services for more information,
call (253) 798-3739, or visit
www.piercecountywa.org/pals.
• For a list of FEMA-trained insurance agents in your area go to :
www.floodsmart.gov.
• Flood policies generally provide coverage for structures, and coverage for contents
is optional. Talk to your insurance agent about what policy is right for you.
• Document your property and belongings before flooding occurs.
• Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster.
Typically, assistance is a loan that must be repaid and is only available for shortterm housing, not repairs. Flood insurance is the only sure way to be reimbursed
for some of your flood losses.
For FEMA and flood insurance information go to www.floodsmart.gov
or call 1-888-379-9531.
Natural Benefits of Floodplains
Floodplain areas provide many benefits. In their natural state, floodplains provide
fertile soil for farming, fish and wildlife habitat, and scenic areas for recreation.
They also store water during flooding, control erosion during high flows, and
filter pollutants for better water quality. However, for people who live or own
structures in floodplains, they may pose a risk.
Pierce County owns many parcels in the floodplain, permanently preserving
these areas to reduce flood hazards and provide fish and wildlife habitat.
Flood Plan Update
Elevated house - Puyallup Valley
Development
Requirements
Most development activities in
Pierce County require a permit.
Before you start any project on
your property, check with Pierce
County Planning and Land Services
(253) 798-3739. Remember, before
permits for repairs can be obtained,
the structure must be inspected.
County code requires that if the
cost of reconstruction, addition, or
other improvements to an existing
building after a flood equals or
exceeds 50% of the building’s
value, the activity is considered a
“substantial improvement.” This
may require that the building be
considered “new construction”
and brought up to current County
floodplain development standards.
Pierce County is updating the Rivers
Flood Hazard Management Plan (Flood
Plan). The draft plan will be available to
the public in December 2011 and brought
to the County Council for consideration in
Spring 2012.
To receive regular information about the
plan and updates about public meetings:
•
•
•
Call (253)798-2725
E-mail [email protected]
www.piercecountywa.org/floodplan
Win A Weather Radio
We are raffling off a free weather radio
on December 2nd, 2011. To enter, visit
www.piercecountywa.org/flood and click
on the link “win a free weather radio.”
Enter your name, contact information,
and whether you have flood insurance.
We will not use the information you
submit for any
other purpose
or share it
with other
parties.
66
66
60
56
KINCAID AV
66
56
58
Fircrest
7
(253) 983-7795
(253) 591-5495
3
21
Puget
Sound
8
2
Riv
er
6
12
9
er
Riv
4
11
ite
up
13
14
56
12
58
60
(360) 897-8969
60
62
ADELE ST
600
62
62
2008
Aerial Photo From
Plotted 06/14/11
by R. Rutkosky
1,200
900
Feet
Buckley
Edgewood
18
Wilkeson
Auburn
19
Sumner
20
Orting
21
(360) 893-2219
60
56
56
58
60
17
(253) 299-5700
15
58
Fife
(360) 829-1631
(360) 829-0790
(253) 931-3048
14
60
58
60 58
300
0
(253) 952-3299
13
South Prairie
60
60
60
60
56
16
ALDER AV
60
Milton
58
60
62
410
(253) 922-9315
(253) 862-8602
Sou
Prairie Creek
th 16
Carbonado
(360) 829-0125
Eatonville
(360) 832-3361
Ruston
(253)759-3544
17
Greenwater R
18
Joint Base
Lewis/McChord
iv
er
15
W
19
R ver
hite i
Pu
ya
ll
up
Legend
1% Annual
Chance Floodplain &
Coastal Hazard Area
Major Roads
Bonney Lake
@
u
?
60
60
58 60
58
9
8
7
Major Rivers
Puyallup
(253) 841-5505
Wh
3
5
10
Pu
ya
ll
Dupont
(253) 964-8121
(253) 564-8900
410
62
1
Lakewood
11
@
u
?
60
Tacoma
6
(253) 581-1912
(253) 851-6170
2
Steilacoom
62
5
62
60
60
60
Gig Harbor
62
66
64
60
56
60
62
WILLOW ST
64
60
64
62
60
Ü
66
60
58
58
58
1
10' Contour Line
62
E
60
CT
60
ST
66
58
H
54
(253) 922-8738
INTER
66
60
67
T
56
(253) 460-6496
Contours - LIDAR
INTER_DEP
66
60
60
54
10
62
66
58
56
58
University Place
County Floodways
Flowing Floodway
Deep and/or Fast
Zone Floodway
Channel Migration
66
64
56
66
County Floodplains
Flood
1% Annual Chance
Chance Flood
X - 0.2% Annual
BFE (NAVD88)
County Floodplain
68
66
ALDER AV
56
66
66
58
56
4
62
56
CHERRY AV
60
Hydro - Centerlines
RAINIER ST
56
For detailed floodplain information
in the cities, please call:
LEGEND
Base Parcel
64
58
58
Pierce County
56
58
For a FREE detailed floodplain map of
your property, call (253)798-2725 or
e-mail [email protected]
56
62
Know Your Risk
66
62
54
56
70
indication of
only to provide an
This is
and are intended
may be present.
are approximate
not been mapped
The map features
ned by
al areas that have
variations ascertai
ALL
said feature. Addition County assumes no liability for
'AS IS' AND 'WITH .
not a survey. The
SLY PROVIDED
r purpose
DATA IS EXPRES
of fitness for a particula
actual survey. ALL
makes no warranty
FAULTS'. The County
lain Review
Pierce County Floodp
Only
Informational Use
Parcel: 9060100640
Carbon Rive
r
Riv
er
Mt. Rainier
National Park
Nis
qua
lly
Riv
er
20
Mashel Ri
ve
r
Cities in Pierce County
Federal and State Lands in Pierce County
USGS River Gauge Locations
Flood Warning System
Pierce County’s Flood Warning System provides early warning for
river systems. Go to www.piercecountywa.org/flood and click on
“Flood Warning System” or call the hotline (253)798-4274 which is
updated regularly during floods. For continuous weather and flood
information use a weather radio or visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew.
Nis
qually
River
Flood information will be broadcast on local TV news
(KOMO 4, KING 5, KIRO 7, KSTW 11, or KCPQ 13) and
local radio (KIRO 97.3 FM and KOMO 1000 AM). During
extreme flood events, evacuation orders generally
provide residents at least 1 hour advance notice.
“Dewey”
Emergency Contacts
In an emergency always dial 911 immediately.
If you do not have a land line telephone, you must sign up for Pierce County ALERT
to receive emergency notifications. Sign up today to receive “reverse 911” type of
message via cell phone, text message, fax, email, and more.
To sign up, call (253) 798-7470 or go to www.piercecountywa.org/ALERT.
Pierce County Flood Information . . . . . . . . . (253) 798-4274
24-hour hotline with updated flood information
www.piercecountywa.org/flood
Pierce County Emergency Management . . (253) 798-7470
www.piercecountywa.org/dem
National Weather Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (206) 526-6087
Official Flood Watches, Warnings & Forecasts
www.nws.noaa.gov
Radio Emergency Alert Tune To . . . . . . . . . . . 710 AM (KIRO)
Sheriff (Non-Emergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (253) 798-4721
FEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1(888) 621-3362
Disaster Help and Resources
www.fema.gov
American Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (253) 474-0400
Disaster/Emergency Services
(253) 474-0300
www.rainier-redcross.org/
National Flood Insurance Program . . . . . . . . 1(888) 379-9531
or call your insurance agent
www.floodsmart.gov
Pierce County Contact Information
Pierce County Responds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (253) 798-4636
Report a Floodplain Violation
Pierce County Solid Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (253) 798-2179
Info on removal/disposal of disaster debris
Pierce County Surface Water Management (253) 798-2725
Report Water Pollution
(253) 798-4274
Pierce County Planning & Land Services . . . (253) 798-3739
Building, Site Development, Zoning and Land Use Permits
If you live within a city or town, contact your local building department for permit
information and to report violations.