GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

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Flooding Hazards

Flooding is the overflow of water onto lands that are normally dry and is the most commonly experienced natural hazard. Desert terrain, snowmelt, and valleys and canyons surrounded by steep mountainous slopes can all contribute to the risk of flooding. When flooding occurs, erosion and considerable deposition of soil and debris can cause additional damage and other hazards. Historically, flooding is the most prevalent, costly, and destructive (on an annual basis) hazard in Utah.

Experiencing Basement Flooding?

The UGS is asking Utah homeowners to report flooding that may be due to shallow groundwater. The information will be compiled into a public database for future hazard mapping reference.

Report Flooding
Aerial view of a large flood area.
Aerial view of a large flood area.
White building with gold spires on a body of water.
White building with gold spires on a body of water.
White crust surface next to a body of water with mountains in the background.
White crust surface next to a body of water with mountains in the background.
Muddy flood area up against a home.
Muddy flood area up against a home.
Street between high-rise buildings bordered by sandbags and water running down the street.
Street between high-rise buildings bordered by sandbags and water running down the street.
White building with gold spires on a body of water.
White building with gold spires on a body of water.
White crust surface next to a body of water with mountains in the background.
White crust surface next to a body of water with mountains in the background.
Muddy flood area up against a home.
Muddy flood area up against a home.
Street between high-rise buildings bordered by sandbags and water running down the street.
Street between high-rise buildings bordered by sandbags and water running down the street.
Map of geologic hazards in Utah symbolized in reds, oranges, and yellows.
Explore the Utah Geologic Hazards Portal

Costs of Flooding Hazards

A debris-filled waterway with boulders and red rock covering the area.

2013 flood damage to road near Lees Ferry. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Flooding hazards have caused significant damage to structures and property, resulting in at least 101 fatalities in Utah since 1847, with 80% of deaths from floods and flash floods, 15% from debris flows, and 5% from dam and water conveyance structure failures. Sixteen major flood events since 1923 have caused over $1.3 trillion in damage, and to date, flooding is Utah’s most costly geologic hazard to the economy.

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Public Interest Articles

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