Throughout Washington, rain often brings risk: Flood-prone communities routinely face threats to homes and infrastructure. Natural resources like floodplains are important for absorbing and distributing rainfall, but development has weakened their power.
We’re working with communities to prepare and plan for flood threats. One important first step is defining the risk to flood-prone communities, as the maps below illustrate. We’re working to find a balance so that, as Washington’s populations grow, floodplains can sustain our communities, economies and environment.
Top Five Flood Prone Counties
Flooding is the most prevalent natural hazard facing Washington state residents — and the most expensive. Washington has a long history of damaging floods, with 32 Presidential Disaster Declarations over the last 60 years. Every county in the state has had a Disaster Declaration due to flooding.
This map highlights the five most flood prone counties in Washington:
Want to learn more about the flood risk in other counties? Explore using the interactive map below:
