Swan and Silver Lake Updated Floodplain Risk Mapping Project
Project Details: What is Being Done?
Washoe County, in alignment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and obligations, has updated flood hazard information using the latest data and mapping technology in the Swan and Silver Lake areas of Washoe County. The remapping effort focuses on updating the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)that identify the 1 percent risk (100-year) flood risks around Swan Lake. This is one of several areas in Washoe County to be analyzed and remapped.
This work replaces the previous flood maps that were based on outdated studies and older mapping techniques. The work also recognizes that no updates had been made to FEMA’s maps since 2009. As a result of many factors, including weather pattern changes and improved analytical techniques, flood risks change over time. New digital mapping techniques provide better topographical information on where flood water may encroach or where flood hazards have increased. In response, the remapping project for Swan Lake provides updated, accurate flood risk information for this closed hydro basin.
Requirements: Why Update Flood Maps?
The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 requires FEMA, and therefore local jurisdictions, to update flood maps on a five-year basis when new and more accurate information becomes available. While it is not common for flood maps to be updated every 5-years, in fact over 75 percent of the flood maps across the United States are older than five years, Washoe County is currently updating several flood maps in the County. The County is committed to providing updated and accurate information to residents so that they can make informed decisions about their flood risks, flood insurance needs and property safety.
“Residents who don’t know their flood risk might be inclined to skip obtaining the proper insurance, and this could have detrimental effects on their homes if and when a flood happens,” Washoe County Engineer Dwayne Smith said. “Just as those who live in the wildland-urban interface are more likely to experience wildfires, and those living in seismically active zones are more likely to experience earthquakes, those living in floodplains have a greater risk of experiencing flooding, and they need to be aware of that risk.”
Properties: Which properties are Affected by this Update?
There are approximately 42 residential properties that are added to FEMA’s current 1 percent (100-year) floodplain boundary for Swan Lake. They now join the approximately 123 residential properties that were already within FEMA’s floodplain boundary, for a total of approximately 154 residential properties. There are approximately 3 U.S. Government, Washoe County, TMWA, and other commercial properties that are also now within the floodplain boundary. Additionally, 11 residential properties were removed from the updated FEMA 100-year floodplain boundary.
In the Silver Lake area, of the approximately 50 residential properties that are currently within FEMA's 1 percent (100-year) floodplain boundary for Silver Lake, none are being added and 4 are being removed. Of the approximately 61 U.S. Government, Washoe County, TMWA, and other commercial properties that are currently within FEMA's 1 percent (100-year) floodplain boundary for Silver Lake, none are being added and 4 are being removed.
Washoe County recognizes this change can be a significant concern to many of the County residents who reside around Swan Lake. To help bring this information to those affected residents, County staff sent letters to residents affected by the change in floodplain and will hold a community meeting January 29th, 2025, to answer questions and learn about flood risk from county officials and flood management experts. Washoe County recognizes our responsibility to share this new information with the residents and commercial property owners and are available to answer questions regarding the process.
Check Your Property Status
- Click Here for Swan Lake Information and enter your address to check if your property is impacted by the updated FEMA flood-risk boundaries.
- Click Here for Silver Lake Information and enter your address to check if your property is impacted by the updated FEMA flood-risk boundaries.
With this new information, Washoe County and FEMA encourage those affected residents to review their flood insurance options and determine what is best for their property.
How Does This Impact You?
- Insurance: Properties in updated floodplain areas may see changes in flood insurance requirements, potentially impacting premiums.
- Property Development: Building and zoning regulations may be updated for safer, more resilient community development.
- Emergency Preparedness: Residents will have updated information for emergency planning and flood response.
Understanding Floodplain Remapping:
What is a Floodplain?
A floodplain is an area of land susceptible to flooding, typically found near rivers, lakes, or other water bodies. These areas are defined by geographical boundaries that indicate the frequency of potential flooding.
Why Remap Floodplains?
As weather patterns and land uses change over time, so do flood risks. New digital mapping techniques provide current information on flood hazards. The remapping project for Swan Lake in Lemmon Valley provides updated, accurate flood risk information, helping you make informed decisions about flood insurance, property safety, and your wellbeing.
Base Flood Elevation signifies the water level elevation resulting from a flood that bears a 1% chance of either being matched or surpassed in any given year, commonly termed the “100-year flood.” This designation can sometimes be misunderstood, as it doesn’t mean the flood occurs once in a century but rather reflects a 1% annual risk. The probability of flooding for a property owner is based upon the length of the property’s mortgage. For example, a home with a 30-year mortgage located in the 100-year floodplain has a 26% chance of being flooded at least once during those 30 years. The value of 26% is based on probability theory that accounts for each of the 30 years having a 1% chance of flooding.
We Want To Hear From You
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