Are you prepared for flooding? Learn how you can take steps to protect your home and family
This video discusses the history of flood events in Clackamas County and the differing scales in which they have unfolded, what life is like for a homeowner along the Sandy River and how climate change and glacial retreat could intensify future flooding events and increase their frequency.
This video explains erosion and channel migration and how it is often the most damaging component of flood events. It examines how channelized rivers can sometimes adversely affect the surrounding environment in unforeseeable ways and recent efforts to remap the flood hazard zones in the region.
This video examines a restoration site along the Sandy River that enhances the habitat for wildlife and works to reduce and spread out the force of the river through woody debris installations and reconnecting a side channel so the Sandy River has a release valve during high water events.
Flood insurance agent, Gail Moldovan-Trujillo explains three ways homeowners can reduce their rates and better protect their homes in the process. Elevation Certificates, proper venting, and other mitigation efforts like filling in foundations are examined.
How You Can Be Prepared
Flooding poses a threat to life and safety and can cause severe damage to public and private property. Below are some links you may find helpful when preparing for flooding.
- Channel Migration Zone (CMZ) resources - Sandy River
- Clackamas County flood insurance—you may need flood insurance!
- Clackamas County floodplain management
- Homeowner's Guide to Flooding
- Living With Dams: Know Your Risks
- National Flood Insurance Program
- NWS flood safety awareness
- Preparing for flooding
- Tracking river levels in Upper Sandy River Basin
- Tracking river levels on the Molalla River
- How to sandbag (video)
River levels in Clackamas County are monitored by a network of river gauges that help us predict the when peak water levels will occur in our communities. We also work with fire districts to provide sand bag distribution locations to assist residents in protecting their homes from flooding.
Weather and Flood Forecasting Information
Damage Done by Recent Floods
Flooding events during the last 50 years have ravaged parts of Clackamas County. Just some of the results of these events include:
1964 |
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2011 |
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Documentary videos
- 1964 Christmas Flood Part 1: Clackamas-Willamette Confluence
- 1964 Christmas Flood Part 2: Sandy River
- When Christmas Was Canceled - Oregon City Shopping Center
- Delivering Mail During the 1964 Flood
Sandy River flood recovery contacts
Clackamas County
- Land use and permits
Steve Hanschka
stevehan@clackamas.us
503-742-4512 - Emergency Management
Jay Wilson
jaywilson@clackamas.us
503-723-4848 - General information
Ellen Rogalin
ellenrog@clackamas.us
503-742-4274 - Water Environment Services
Hoodland Sewage Treatment Plant
24596 E. Bright Ave., Welches
503-622-5350
Hoodland Fire District
69634 E. Highway 26, Welches
503-622-3256
(8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week)
Emergency: 9-1-1
hoodland@hoodlandfire.org
Sandy River Basin Watershed Council
26000 SE Stark Street, GE Building
Gresham, OR 97030
503-622-9134
Department of State Lands
Anita Huffman, anita.huffman@dsl.state.or.us, 503-986-5250
Wetlands/Waterways Removal-Fill
Wetlands/Waterways Removal-Fill Forms and Publications