Flood Protection Information

 

Welcome to the City of Troutdale Flood Protection Information webpage!

Below you will find links to relevant information for protecting your property and your well-being from possible flood damage. If you have any questions, or would like to report illegal floodplain development or dumping in the drainage system, please contact planning@troutdaleoregon.gov. All development in the floodplain will require a permit prior to construction.

The City of Troutdale is located at the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers. Beaver Creek is another notable waterway in the community and is a tributary of the Sandy River. Arata and Salmon Creeks are still further bodies of water located in Troutdale that are susceptible to flooding. Taken together these water bodies contribute to approximately three percent (3%) of Troutdale’s total land area being including in the FEMA designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Columbia River flooding usually occurs as a result of spring snowmelt runoff. Winter rainstorms are also a major contributor for area streams and can also impact river flooding. There are also localized areas where ponding is possible. For additional information on flooding seasons and flood problems, please contact the Planning Division at planning@troutdaleoregon.gov.

It is important to note that homeowners’ insurance excludes flood coverage. The City of Troutdale participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides the opportunity for Troutdale homeowners to purchase flood insurance. There is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance to go into effect, so don’t wait to get coverage until a flood occurs.

While the SFHA Community Outreach packet includes detailed flood warning and safety tips, here are a few to remember in case of flooding in Troutdale.

Flood Warning Advice 

(Note: This information is also available in a printable handout.)

  • Listen to your local radio and TV weather reports: This is your best source of local, up-to-the-minute information on changing conditions in your area.
  • Social Media: Social media is increasingly becoming the source that many people turn to for fast breaking information. Twitter users can “follow” publicalerts.org, as well as Multnomah County t to receive weather advisories. Troutdale monitors these and other sources, and will post on the City of Troutdale Facebook page any relevant information as it becomes available.
    • Find us on Facebook: City of Troutdale, OR!
    • PublicAlerts: twitter.com/PublicAlerts
    • Multnomah County: twitter.com/multco
  • Reverse 9-1-1: The City of Troutdale coordinates with the Multnomah County Office of Emergency Management to maintain the reverse 9-1-1 system to be used in the event of a flood hazard. Your mobile device may not be automatically included in this alert system; however mobile devices can be added voluntarily by individuals by going to www.publicalerts.org.
  • Text-to-9-1-1: The City’s Bureau of Emergency Communications, along with 911 centers in Clackamas County, Clark County, Clatsop County, Columbia County, Marion County, and Washington County have recently implemented a text to 911 service. To use Text to 911 to report an emergency, you simply open up your text messaging screen, enter “911” (with no dashes or spaces) in the “TO” field, type your message, and hit “SEND”. Please, no groups texts and no emojis or your text will stop the message from reaching a 911 Center.

Flood Safety Tips for People and Buildings 

(Note: This information is also available in a printable handout.)

  • Prepare an evacuation plan: Before the floodwaters hit, develop an evacuation plan among all members of a household that includes a meeting place outside of the house, as well as an escape route out of the floodplain and away from floodwaters.
  • Do not walk through flowing water: Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.
  • Do not drive through a flooded area: More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires: The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to Portland General Electric.
  • Shut off gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs: Be prepared in advance with a detailed checklist because warning of an impending flood may provide little time for preparation prior to evacuation.
  • Look out for animals, especially snakes: Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
  • Look before you step: After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
  • Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

Emergency floodproofing measures are available from the City of Troutdale. The Public Works Shop in Troutdale provides shovels, sand, and bags for filling, and is located at 342 SW 4th Street. For more information, call 503-674-3300. You can also help reduce your risk of flooding by locating any storm sewer outlets near your home and keeping them free of debris and leaves, as well as trimming back any plant material that may restrict water from passing through. More information on emergency floodproofing may be found below in the documents section.

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