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Potential Flood Preparation

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1. Where are the flood concerns in the city?

The area surrounding Midas Creek is most susceptible to flooding. Residents in this area are welcome to reach out to the City to get sandbags in preparation for potential spring flood risk.

To learn more, check out these map resources:

Salt Lake County Flood Control Public Works Interactive Map

https://slco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed68dc2b532f432db3f1d17dee1042bc

State of Utah Flood Risk Map

https://floodhazards.utah.gov/property-owners/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

2. What about neighborhoods with high ground water?

While most areas in South Jordan are not prone to high groundwater or flooding, neighborhoods along 1300 West and close to the Jordan River may be at risk of high groundwater levels due to the precipitation received during the winter months. Residents in neighborhoods with high groundwater levels should check their sump pumps to ensure they are in working order.  

3. What can I do to prepare for flood risk?

All residents can take action to prepare their homes for extra moisture, whether in spring storms, high groundwater, or flooding.

Some of those actions include 

• Protecting your property by having flood insurance
• Checking rain downspouts to ensure they point away from your home and away from window wells
• Placing your garbage can further from the curb on garbage day to allow water to flow freely down the street
• Ensuring your landscaping is sloped away from your home and window wells
• Clearing storm drain inlets around homes.

4. What is the City doing to proactively help with flood risk?

The Public Works Department has street sweepers actively clearing debris from the roadway, rain gutters, and water drainage inlets to allow water to enter the stormwater system freely. Crews use camera trucks to inspect for damaged or clogged lines from debris when weather permits.

5. Are the canals a flood risk?

The four main canals that flow through South Jordan are not typically a flood risk, as they are not filled until at least April 15th, and canal companies control water levels. Much like the canals, the amount of water allowed into the Jordan River from Utah Lake is controlled. The Jordan River will see more significant flows but should not see volume above the flood rim level. 

6. Is the Jordan River a flood risk?

The Jordan River will see more significant flows but should not see volume above the flood rim level. The flows through the Jordan River are controlled, but groundwater levels may be high in areas near the river, so it's important for residents who live in those areas to check to make sure their sump pumps are in working order.

For more information on potential flood areas, visit these interactive maps.

Salt Lake County Flood Control Public Works Interactive Map

https://slco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed68dc2b532f432db3f1d17dee1042bc

State of Utah Flood Risk Map

https://floodhazards.utah.gov/property-owners/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

7. My question isn't answered here, where can I get an answer?

You are welcome to call our helpline at (801)-446-4357. We would also love to update this FAQ, so please email us your questions and we'll work to update them.

8. Where can I pick up sandbags?

If needed, residents can get the materials for sandbags from the South Jordan Public Works Department for up to 15 bags. Sandbags are available for South Jordan residents who have the potential for flooding in their areas. The materials to assemble sandbags will be available to those residents Mondays-Thursdays for the months of April and May or until flood potential ends. Residents can pick up sandbags from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Public Works yard (10996 S Redwood Rd, South Jordan, UT 84095). Staff will be checking IDs to ensure residency. Dumpsters for filling sandbags will be available at City Park west of the Public Works yard from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please view the link to see what your flood potential is before coming to get sandbags. Disposal of the sandbags will be the resident’s responsibility. Call 801-446-4357 with any questions.

Salt Lake County residents can get up to 25 complimentary, filled sandbags.

Salt Lake County Public Works Operations Division
Sandbag Shed (north of main office building)
604 W 6960 S

Hours: 
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(385) 468-6101

9. How much should sandbags be filled?

Fill sandbags a little over ½ full to leave space to tie the bag shut. Sand is preferable if readily available; however, local soil can be used.

10. How long do sandbags last?

Burlap sandbags can last up to 8 months to a year; direct sunlight can deteriorate sandbags quickly (shortens lifespan by months).

11. Where should I dispose of my sandbags?

Do not dump sandbags in rivers, creeks, streams, canals, ditches, roadway gutters, or storm drain inlets. Used or old sandbags need to be disposed of in your garbage bin, or you can request a special garbage pick-up.

12. Who should I contact if I see flooding?

Contact the City Public Works Department at 801-446-4357. 

If you see areas of overland flooding along rivers, creeks, streams, canals, or areas of channel erosion, call Salt Lake County Flood Control at (385) 468-6600.

13. How do I stack my sandbags?

Residents are encouraged to visit the SLCO Flood Preparedness website to review the information provided regarding sandbags and other recommendations for use in preparing for flooding events.

14. Who do I call if I see a blockage/debris build-up?

If debris is within local roadways or intersections, contact our public works department at 801-446-4357 for those local drainage problems. 

If the debris is in a river, creek, stream, or canal, contact SLCO Flood Control at 385-468-6600. 

15. Does homeowners’ insurance cover flooding?

Flood damage from external sources of water (water entering from outside the home), is not typically covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Flooding can occur from storms, over-saturated ground, rising groundwater, overflowing or surging of natural water bodies such as rivers, creeks, streams, ponds, lakes, or even runoff from your own backyard. You can purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

16. Why are you asking residents to keep drains clear of debris, isn’t that your job or the local fire department’s job?

For potentially large-scale events, everyone needs to do their part. If residents see small debris (small branches, sticks, and leaves) blocking or clogging roadside storm drain inlets, they can help by using a rake and removing and disposing of the debris. This is a quick and easy way to reduce the chances of small nuisance flooding. City and County resources are spread thin and do not have the staff to respond immediately to every storm drain inlet that is blocked and needs to be cleared.

17. What is the time frame for potential flooding?

As the weather warms up in April-June, an increased risk for flooding exists. 

For up-to-date information about flood timing, visit the following websites:

National Weather Service

https://www.weather.gov/slc/

River Forecast Center

https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=slc

The area surrounding Midas Creek is most susceptible to flooding. Residents in this area are welcome to reach out to the City to get sandbags in preparation for potential spring flood risk.

To learn more, check out these map resources:

Salt Lake County Flood Control Public Works Interactive Map

https://slco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed68dc2b532f432db3f1d17dee1042bc

State of Utah Flood Risk Map

https://floodhazards.utah.gov/property-owners/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home