Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan

The County-wide Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan is a collaborative project led by Cowlitz County with assistance from local cities, diking districts, restoration specialists, community leaders, emergency responders and others. The project is funded with a grant through the Washington Department of Ecology.

Final Draft: Cowlitz County Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan

Final Draft Flood Hazard Management Plan (PDF download link)Front Page Opens in new window

The goal of the CFHMP is to minimize the long-term risk to life and property from flooding. The CFHMP evaluates the risk and vulnerability to flooding and identifies mitigation actions the community can take to reduce the impacts of flooding. It also includes goals, objectives, and policies to support the local agencies when making decisions related to flooding.

After conclusion of a public comment period and final review by the Steering Committee in summer of 2023, the final CFHMP has been sent to the Department of Ecology for approval.  The final Plan will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners and local governments for adoption after a public hearing- expected October-November 2023..

Please direct any questions or comments about the plan to Adam Trimble by calling 306-577-3052 x6664 or by emailing trimblea@cowlitzwa.gov 

Annual Plan Maintenance

The CFHMP calls on local governments to meet at least annually to review the plan and mitigation initiatives and consider funding opportunities to address needs. 

Updating Prior Flood Management Plans

The product is an actionable ten year management plan that identifies vulnerable areas and potential solutions to reduce loss of life and property due to flooding and inundation.  Timeline for adoption is November 2023.1988 plan image

Learn more:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Link (PDF)

Safety and Preparedness

Information on Floodplain regulation, safety and planning can be found here

Flood Hazard Map Application for Cowlitz County:  

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/05b4c16478574dd091fe3172baed6d91/page/Interactive-Flood-Risk-Map/

This map tool uses several modeling techniques to estimate flood risks and is a useful resource to learn more about flood hazards. Contact Building and Planning with questions for areas in Cowlitz County Jurisdiction.

Interactive Map of Watersheds and City and Diking District Boundaries:

https://cowlitz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b7fcdd528cf44a2a9ed9688870292297Cowlitz County Flood Plan BoundariesBelow: Illustration of Columbia River levels during historic flood eventsColumbia River Flood History

Below:  1933 photo of flooding in North Kelso [used with permission from Cowlitz County Historical Museum for this purpose only.]

Noth Kelso historic flooding Cowlitz County Museum

Logocombine