On this page...
Floodplain Mapping
- DNR 2D Base Level Engineering (statewide, LiDAR-based flood modeling)
- IFIS Interactive Floodplain Map (inundation scenarios)
- National Flood Hazard Layer (GIS version of FIRMs)
- FEMA Map Service Center
- Understanding NFIP Flood Zones
- NFIP Terminology
Help for Communities to Understand Their Flooding (Help CUT Flooding)
If your community is in need of technical resources, including mapping and engineering analysis, in order to identify possible solutions to mitigate impacts from future flood events please see the bulletin for requesting help from HSEM and our state and federal partners.
A brief questionnaire can be completed here to provide additional information for review.
Back to topDon’t Underestimate Your Risk
Damages Outside of Recognized Zones
Significant flood damage can and does happen outside of mapped floodplains. Some rivers and streams have no formal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood plain map, and those that do can still see flooding outside the 100-year floodplain. Flood plains also change over time. Development upstream can change runoff patterns and impact downstream flooding. Consider your risk carefully, even if you aren’t required to have flood insurance.
Chances of Being Flooded
There is a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-yr mortgage for properties in recognized flood zones. Recognized flood risk areas will flood at some point.
- What is the 100-Year Flood?
- The 100-Year Flood - It's All About Chance
- The 100-Year Flood Myth
- Corps Concepts: 100-Year Flood
Understanding Your Consequences
The best way to understand the consequences of flooding is to see them. Many similar videos can be found on YouTube for regional areas.
- Flooding and the National Flood Insurance Program Videos
- FEMA’s Flood Insurance Advocate Explains Flood Risk Video
- National Flood Insurance Program Survivor Stories Videos
Flood Risk Infrastructure
Maintenance of flood risk infrastructure is key in maintaining the risk reduction provided by dams and levees. Living behind levees or downstream of a dam provides a unique type of risk.
The National Levee Database (NLD) is a database of levees which were constructed by USACE or are involved in the USACE PL 84-99 program (not all levees are presented in this database).
Back to topState of Iowa Hazard Mitigation Plan
This document identifies recognized hazards of many types throughout Iowa; specifically Section 3 of the document can be used to identify your hazard types.
Back to topGet Involved
One of the most important things you can do to better understand flood risk is to get involved. Ask your community and representatives questions about local flood risk and steps take to address risk. The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program has detailed information about flooding in the state of Iowa.
Floodplain management is a requirement of the local government and is supported by state and federal agencies.
- Find your Local Floodplain Administrator
- Find your County Emergency Manager
- Find your Iowa Conservation District
Other Data Sources
The National Weather Service (NWS) Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service provides current and historic information about flood stages at several sites throughout Iowa.
Ice Jams create natural dams which cause localized flooding. Ice Jam flooding is characterized by rapidly increasing river stages that can be significantly higher than normal.
Back to topDisasters Impact you Physically, Emotionally & Financially
Health Risk
Emotional Impact of Flooding
- Iowa Concern: A Source of Help for Iowans in Need
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- Ready.gov: Helping Children Cope with a Disaster
- Exploring Strategies for Coping with a Flood
- Helping Disaster Victims Bounce Back - Bounce Back Now Free App
The Financial Cost of Flooding
Agricultural Impacts
- ISU Extension: Resource List for Crop Producers Impacted by Flooding
- UNL Extension: Flood Resources for Crops and Cropland
Levee Safety
- Iowa Office of Levee Safety
- ASCE Levee Guide
- Levee Infrastructure Report Card
- FEMA: Living with Levees
- National Levee Database - USACE