Boulder Flood Info

* Please note, this page and all the pages linked through this page are in the process of being updated. If you are unable to locate specific information, please contact Laurel Olsen or call 303.441.3203. Thank you for your patience. 

BE AWARE | BE VIGILENT | BE SAFE - It's currently flood season, are you flood prepared?

April through September is considered "flood season" along the Front Range. Are you ready for the next event? 

During flood season, the Office of Emergency Management will test the emergency sirens located throughout the city/county. Tests of this system occur on the first Monday of each month during flood season and can be heard at 10 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. The purpose of the test is to verify the system is working as intended (it is meant to be heard by community members outdoors who may not have immediate access to emergency warnings otherwise. They are not intended to be heard necessarily by community members located inside.)

Flood Information 

The city of Boulder rests at the base of the Rocky Mountain Foothills and is home to Boulder Creek, its 14 tributaries and Boulder Slough (diverted water from Boulder Creek to satisfy irrigation company water rights). Due to its geographic location, the city of Boulder has the highest risk of flash flooding in the state of Colorado. 

Many neighborhoods throughout the city experience flooding during storm events, and some are at a higher risk to extreme flooding because they are located near a major drainageway. The City of Boulder encourages all residents to be aware of their flood risk and to take the necessary precautions to help protect life and property. 

To learn more about the City of Boulder's flood management projects and programs review this section:

• What is my Flood Risk? - Find your property with this interactive floodplain map. 
• Creeks of Boulder - View flood management projects, mapping updates, and mitigation plans for individual creeks
• Floodplain Development - Everything you need to know if you plan to build in a floodplain
• Be Prepared - Learn about what to do before, during and after a flood event
• Community Resilience - See what the City of Boulder is doing to be a more resilient community

In 2020, the city has embarked on updating the Comprehensive Stormwater and Flood Management Master Plan, the policy which guides flood management, stormwater drainage, and stormwater quality in the city. 

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