Flooding in our Area

Floods happen in towns and cities, in the mountains, along rivers—even in the desert!  A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.  Flooding is based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes in natural environment due to building and development. 

Parts of Tualatin are located in the floodplain. Flooding is a possibility and those who were in Tualatin recall the 1996 flood.  The Tualatin River reaches flood stage at 118 feet – during the 1996 floods it reached 125.2 feet.  More often, localized flooding is caused by small urban streams surging and plugged catch basins associated with heavy rains.  One of the lowest lying areas in Tualatin and the first hit when localized flooding occurs is Nyberg Lane at Browns Ferry Park (112 feet) which uses the NGVD1929 Datum.  

City staff monitors river and stream levels in an effort to be prepared in case of high waters. Upstream river gauges can aid in predicting river levels here in Tualatin.  Residents need to be prepared to protect themselves and their property.  When it floods the City’s focus is to protect public safety and public infrastructure including roads and bridges.  In the event of localized flooding there are agencies in Washington County that distribute sand bags. 

For information on whether or not you live in a flood plain or how to be prepared for a flood, you can contact Tony Doran in our Engineering Division.