Utah is no stranger to flooding, thanks to its unique geography and environment. The state experiences a variety of conditions, from sudden downpours to spring snowmelt, that can lead to significant flooding. For homeowners, understanding these risks and taking proactive measures is essential for protecting property and lives.
Flooding hazards have caused extensive damage to structures and property in Utah, resulting in more than $1.3 trillion in damage over the last century, making flooding Utah’s most costly geologic hazard to the economy.
More important is the human cost of these disasters. Utah has had at least 101 fatalities due to flooding since 1847. Most of these deaths—80%—occurred due to floods and flash floods, while debris flows accounted for 15%, and dam and water conveyance structure failures for 5%.
These sobering statistics highlight the severe impact of flooding on both life and property in Utah. By learning about the circumstances of significant past events, Utah citizens can gain valuable insights to better prepare for future floods.
5 Significant Utah Floods in Recent Memory
Over the years, several severe instances of flooding in Utah have left a lasting impact on the state.
| Flood Event | Cause | Fatalities | Injuries | Damages |
| Salt Lake City Flood of 1983 | Snowmelt after a heavy winter caused City Creek to overflow into downtown Salt Lake City. | 0 | 12 | $35 million |
| Thistle Landslide and Flood of 1983 | A massive landslide above the town of Thistle blocked the Spanish Fork River, diverting its flow into the city. | 1 | 2 | $200 million |
| Santa Clara River Flood of 2005 | Prolonged heavy rainfall caused the Santa Clara River to surge. The water pressure eroded the banks, destroying multiple homes along the river. | 0 | 0 | $85 million in personal property and
$140 million in local infrastructure |
| Virgin River Flood of 2010 | Four straight days of rainfall caused the North Fork Virgin River to overflow, triggering a flash flood. | 0 | 0 | Massive damage to the towns of St. George and Washington and Zion National Park |
| Hildale Flood of 2015 | Moisture from a past hurricane caused the groundwater to become saturated in time for two heavy thunderstorms. This combination caused two flood peaks on Short Creek, affecting the town of Hildale and the nearby Zion National Park. | 21 | 3 | $1.25 million |
Source: Weather.gov, Colorado.edu
How to Prepare Your Utah Home Against Flooding
Proactive preparations can save you from significant damage and heartache. Here are some practical measures you can implement to ensure your home is well-prepared for potential floods.
1. Maintain proper water runoff and drainage
Ensure that your gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems are clean and functioning correctly. Regularly remove debris that could block water flow, and make sure that downspouts direct water at least several feet away from your home’s foundation. Installing splash blocks or extenders on downspouts can help guide water further away from your home.
2. Improve lot grading
Lot grading is the slope of the ground around your home. Evaluate your property’s grading to ensure the land slopes away from your home’s foundation to minimize pooling. Proper grading reduces the risk of water seeping into your basement and crawl spaces, preventing the need for water damage restoration.
3. Reduce impervious surfaces around your home
Impervious surfaces, such as concrete driveways and patios, are double-edged swords. While they help direct water away from your home’s foundation, they also prevent water from being absorbed into the ground, increasing the risk of flooding. To mitigate this, you can replace some of these surfaces with porous materials like gravel, permeable pavers, or even grass.
These alternatives allow water to soak into the ground, reducing runoff and decreasing the likelihood of flooding. It’s a great way to both improve your property’s aesthetics and help with flood control!
4. Install a sewage water backstop
Even with a well-prepared home, your home’s safety is still partly reliant on the city’s utilities. During heavy rains or flooding, the municipal sewage system can become overwhelmed, potentially causing sewage to back up into your home.
Installing a backflow prevention valve is a smart way to protect against this. This device is designed to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home, protecting your property and health from contamination. It’s a relatively small investment that can prevent significant damage and costly repairs associated with sewage backups.
5. Raise or seal your foundation
If you live in a flood-prone area, elevating your home’s foundation can provide substantial protection against floodwaters. While this is a major investment, it’s particularly beneficial and more feasible for those who are building a new home from scratch.
For homes that you cannot raise, you can still seal your foundation. Applying waterproof coatings and sealants to your foundation walls can help keep water out. Additionally, installing a sump pump in your basement can remove any water that does manage to seep in, providing an extra layer of defense against flooding.
Stay High and Dry
Flooding in Utah, though not frequent, is a serious concern due to the state’s geography. This rarity can sometimes lead to unpreparedness when floods eventually return. Stay high and dry during the next flood by taking proper precautions and preparing your home.
Should flooding occur, you can rest assured that you did your best to minimize the damage. If you need assistance beyond your preparations, you can rely on All Dry!
As a trusted Utah disaster restoration company, we are committed to bringing your home back to 100%, no matter the extent of the damage. Contact us whenever you need expert restoration services!
