Frequently Flooded Areas

Frequently flooded areas - also known as Special Flood Hazard areas and Floodplains/Floodways - pose a risk to public and private property and public health. Regulation of these lands protects human life. It also minimizes loss and the need for rescue and relief when flooding occurs.

Am I in a floodplain? Where are flood risks?

• FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps - just add address of interest
• NOAA River Gauges

Building in the Floodplain

• Cowlitz County Floodplain Management Ordinance CCC 16.25
• Handout and Form 
• Floodplain Building Code Resources - from FEMA

Elevation Certificates - to be prepared by Washington State Licensed Surveyors

Flood Insurance - It usually takes 30 days for a policy to go into effect.

Emergency Management

Are you Flood Ready? 

• Before A Flood
• During a Flood
• After a Flood

Cowlitz County Flood Hazard Management Plan

Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains

Drainage and Stormwater Resources