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Flood Protection Information
Cottage Grove’s Flood Hazard
Definitions & Standards
Floodway & Floodplain Mapping
Flood Insurance
In Case of Flood: Common Sense Emergency Precautions
Cottage Grove’s Flood Hazard:
The City of Cottage Grove lies at the confluence of the Row River and
the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. In addition to these two major
rivers, Silk Creek runs through the west side of town before it empties
into the Coast Fork of the Willamette River.
Due to heavy amounts of rain, and close proximity to two major
rivers and Silk Creek, flooding has occurred in the past in our city.
Before Dorena Dam was built, Cottage Grove experienced frequent
flooding. The streets of downtown flooded with several feet of water
periodically, as shown in this 1927 photo. Although the construction of
the Cottage Grove and Dorena Dams between 1942-1945 greatly reduced the
threat of flooding in our city, the risk still exists, especially for
properties within the 100-year floodplain of the Coast Fork of the
Willamette or the Row River and for those along Silk Creek, which has
no flood protection impoundments. Silk Creek last flooded over its
banks during the flood of 1997.
Definitions & Standards:
The City of Cottage Grove Development Code establishes policy for
development within the following special flood hazard areas. (For an
entire list of flood-related definitions, see Development Code Chapter
3.7.200.)
100-year floodplain: These are areas
of special flood hazard identified as having a 1% chance of flooding in
any one year (or 1 chance in 100 of flooding). All development in these
areas must meet the standards for Floodplain Development in Chapter
3.7.200 of the Development Code. All development (including building
construction, additions, sheds, etc.) within this area requires a Floodplain Development Permit.
Floodway: The channel of the river or watercourse
and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge
a flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation
more than one foot. In other words, floodways are the principal path of
the river during a flood. During a flood, floodways are extremely
hazardous areas, as they carry the full velocity of the flooded river
as well as potential debris and other projectiles. Chapter 3.7.200
prohibits encroachment (including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements and other development) in floodways without certification
by a professional engineer demonstrating that the encroachment will not
result in any increase in flood levels downstream. |
Floodway & Floodplain Mapping:
In 1999, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated its
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Cottage Grove to include the new
areas impacted by Silk Creek in 1999. These maps, which show the
100-year and 500-year floodplains and floodways of all three rivers,
are available for review at the Community Development Department. Click
here for an overview map of floodplains in the City of Cottage Grove.
If you have questions about floodplain mapping, please contact the
Community Development Department at (541) 942-3340 or come by our
office. We will be happy to provide any information we have, including
photocopies of FIRM maps. The Community Development Department also
maintains records of prior elevation certificates and letters of map
amendment, which are available for review.
Flood Insurance:
Flood insurance is important for anyone within a 100-year floodplain
(or even adjacent to a floodplain, since water doesn’t always follow
lines on maps).
If you don’t have flood insurance, or don’t know if you have flood
insurance, contact your insurance agent. Homeowner’s insurance policies
do not cover damage from floods. However, flood insurance is available
as a separate policy.
The National Flood Insurance Program
offers flood protection coverage for all properties in the United
States. The National Flood Insurance Program is operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Floodsmart.gov,
the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program, has an
interactive tool that can show you the real cost of a flood to your
home. Check out this site to learn the many ways flood insurance can
benefit you.
Don’t wait until the next flood to buy insurance protection. There
is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program
coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more
information on rates and coverage.
In Case of Flood: Common Sense Emergency Precautions
If you are ever in a flood be sure to follow these important emergency precautions:
Don’t walk through flowing water:
The number one cause of flood deaths is drowning. Currents in flowing
water can be very deceptive; you can be knocked off your feet by as
little as 6 inches of flowing water. If you walk through standing
water, make sure to use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is
still there.
Don’t drive through a flooded area: Road barriers
are in place for a reason, do not drive around them. More people drown
in their cars than anywhere else. Do not attempt to drive through a
flooded area, you could easily find yourself stranded.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires:
After drowning, electrocution is the second most common killer in a
flood. Electrical current travels through water. Stay away from down
power lines and report them to the Power Company or to the City.
Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company:
Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even
after they have been unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that
have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and
thoroughly dried.
Look out for animals: Small animals that have been
chased out of their homes by the flood waters may seek shelter in your
home. Use a pole or a stick to turn things over and scare away small
animals.
Look before you step: After a flood, the ground and
floors can be covered with debris including broken bottles and nails.
Floors and stairs that have been covered can be muddy and slippery.
Make sure you use caution when walking around after a flood.
Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect
for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless
you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. |
For more information, please contact the Community Development
Department, or check at the City of Cottage Grove Library, where there
is extensive information on file related to flood hazards, flood
safety, and safe construction techniques.
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