FEMA releases preliminary maps for flood areas along Washougal, Little Washougal rivers

Vancouver, WA – Draft flood map revisions in the Washougal River watershed and what they mean for property owners will be discussed during an April 20 open house in Camas.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued preliminary maps showing revisions to the 100-year floodplain, which has a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year. These revisions reflect recent engineering studies and updated information.

The revised flood insurance rate maps cover properties along the Washougal River and Little Washougal River and behind the Port of Camas-Washougal’s levee on the Columbia River.

The maps will help community officials and local residents identify flood risks and, once adopted, will be used for flood insurance, land use and development decisions.

Property owners and residents will have a chance to learn about the flood mapping process and what the changes mean for them at the open house, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 N.W. Lake Road, Camas.

Clark County encourages property owners to examine the preliminary maps at www.clark.wa.gov/public-works.

The revised maps cover only part of Clark County. Revised flood insurance maps for the rest of the county took effect on Sept. 5, 2012.

Flooding is the nation’s most common and expensive natural disaster. According to national statistics, homes inside high-risk flood areas have a 26 percent chance of being damaged by flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage, compared with a 9 percent chance of sustaining fire damage.

More information on flood safety is available at www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/flood-safety. To learn about federal flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

CONTACT
Tom Grange
Engineering and Construction Manager
Public Works
(360) 397-6118 ext. 4449
tom.grange@clark.wa.gov