FEMA Flood Risk Remapping

An In-Person Flood Risk Open House is being held on September 18, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. to help inform property owners in the Munds Park area about the flood mapping project and the updated, digital flood hazard maps. The open house will also provide the opportunity to ask FEMA and the District Team questions.

For those unable to make the in person open house, a virtual Flood Risk Open House will be held on September 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. An overview of the project will be presented.

Got Flood Map Questions? Call us at 928-679-8850 or email us at FEMAFloodMap@coconino.az.gov.

Flood Map Project Overviews

Munds Park

Since 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has led a major effort to update the nation’s flood maps using state-of-the-art technology to better reflect current flood risks. Beginning in 2011, FEMA worked with the Flood Control District to update the floodplain maps in Munds Park, which are based on studies that are 30+ years old.

New preliminary flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), were released for Munds Park in July 2023. They are available for viewing at FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer (FMCV). In September 2023, the District, which acts as a Cooperating Technical Partner in supporting FEMA’s efforts, will host a Flood Risk Open House for residents and business owners in Munds Park. More details about the Munds Park flood mapping project can be found here.

Oak Creek Canyon (within Coconino County)

A multi-year project to re-examine the flood risks along Oak Creek in Coconino County has reached its final milestone. Updated, detailed, digital flood hazard maps become effective March 21, 2023. The Yavapai Flood Control District (YCFCD) has led this effort. They have worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coconino County Flood Control District (CCFCD), and the City of Sedona. This study re-examined the flood risks along Oak Creek. This included its tributaries from Sterling Canyon in Coconino County, through the City of Sedona, down to Cornville, where it empties into the Verde River. More details about the project can be found on YCFCD’s website. Note that the flood maps for the portions of Oak Creek in Yavapai County are still being finalized.

Oak Creek Flood Maps Needed Updating

The flood maps needed to be updated, as detailed studies had not been performed in more than 30 years. The flood risks shown on those flood maps did not reflect the effects of growth since then. They also didn’t show changes in drainage and run-off patterns caused by land use and natural forces. In addition, more detailed information is now available, and mapping-related technology has improved. As a result, the updated flood maps more accurately represent these changes and the current flood risk. This makes these updated flood maps an important tool in the effort to protect lives and properties along Oak Creek.

New Flood Maps Show Change in Flood Risk for Some Property Owners

To see how their property’s flood risk may have changed, individuals can click here and enter their address. Some residents and business owners will find that their flood risk has increased or decreased. Many will find that there is no change. With changes in flood risk come changes in building and flood insurance requirements. Most lenders will require flood insurance for buildings in high-risk areas (e.g., Zone A, AE). For potential impacts of map changes on flood insurance and possible options, visit here or talk to your insurance agent. For more information on flood insurance, visit FloodSmart.gov.

Virtual Flood Risk Open House

The CCFCD and the City of Sedona sponsored a virtual open house to discuss these new maps on March 1, 2023, 6:30-7:30 pm. The presentation included what the potential effects could be on property owners, what options they have, and shared additional resources.

Kachina Village/Mountainaire

Since 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has led a major effort to update the nation’s flood maps using state-of-the-art technology to better reflect current flood risks. Beginning in 2011/2012 FEMA worked with the Flood Control District to re-evaluate floodplain mapping in Munds Park and Kachina Village/Mountainaire.

In the Spring of 2021, the District, which acts as a Cooperating Technical Partner in supporting FEMA’s efforts, hosted a virtual online Flood Risk Open House for residents in Kachina Village and Mountainaire to share information with property owners about the updated, digital flood hazard maps (known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRM’s), which replace maps that were based on studies almost 30 years old. The open house also provided the opportunity for residents to ask questions and follow up with the District team during the formal 90-day public review and map appeals process, which ran from April 30 through July 28, 2021.

The new flood maps became effective on July 19, 2022.