Floodplain management strategies in the intermountain West

Flooding is the most frequent severe weather threat and the nation's costliest natural disaster. Ninety percent of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. Floodplains often get overlooked until these events happen, leaving areas vulnerable and susceptible to flooding events. Floods are predicted to become more severe but less frequent, making planning for these events vital. Many communities live in false security as they haven't had any major flooding in years and do not expect flooding to occur. When floods happen in ill-prepared communities, property damage will be severe, and deaths will occur. Buildings can be replaced, but lives cannot; places must work to protect buildings and lives.