Spring is officially here, and due to the high amounts of snow and moisture this winter, flooding potential is at the top of everyone's mind. There is some flooding potential in parts of South Jordan. However, much of the City is at low risk for flooding. Low risk doesn't mean a complete lack of risk.
Even though you might not live in or near a floodplain, it can happen to anyone. From 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside high-risk areas filed over 40% of all NFIP flood insurance claims. According to the Department of Emergency Management, more than 70% of flooding in Utah in the past few years has been outside of the special flood hazard area. FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas in the City, which specifically designate areas of increased risk, are the Jordan River, Midas Creek, Bingham Creek, Dry Creek, and Willow Creek.
All residents can take action to prepare their homes for extra moisture, whether in spring storms, high groundwater, or flooding.
Some of those actions include
- Protecting your property by having flood insurance
- Checking rain downspouts to ensure they point away from your home and away from window wells
- Placing your garbage can further from the curb on garbage day to allow water to flow freely down the street
- Ensuring your landscaping is sloped away from your home and window wells
- Clearing storm drain inlets around homes.
While most areas in South Jordan are not prone to high groundwater or flooding, neighborhoods along 1300 West and close to the Jordan River may be at risk of high groundwater levels due to the precipitation received during the winter months. Residents in neighborhoods with high groundwater levels should check their sump pumps to ensure they are in working order.
The Public Works Department has street sweepers actively clearing debris from the roadway, rain gutters, and water drainage inlets to allow water to enter the stormwater system freely. Crews use camera trucks to inspect for damaged or clogged lines from debris when weather permits.
Keeping the gutter pan and stormwater inlets clean helps reduce what goes down the drain, which needs to come back out. Please help us by sweeping leaves, garbage, and other debris along the curb & gutter or notify us of any concerns.
The four main canals that flow through South Jordan are not typically a flood risk, as they are not filled until at least April 15th, and canal companies control water levels. Much like the canals, the amount of water allowed into the Jordan River from Utah Lake is controlled. The Jordan River will see more significant flows but should not see volume above the flood rim level.
For more information, visit the 2023 flood potential FAQ.
For more information on potential flood areas, visit these interactive maps.
Salt Lake County Flood Control Public Works Interactive Map
https://slco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed68dc2b532f432db3f1d17dee1042bc
State of Utah Flood Risk Map
https://floodhazards.utah.gov/property-owners/
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home