Salt Lake City, Utah · FEMA Region 8

Is Salt Lake City in a Flood Zone?

Moderate Flood Risk

Salt Lake City faces flood risk from the Jordan River, mountain snowmelt, and flash floods along the Wasatch Front canyons. FEMA flood zones follow the Jordan River corridor and major creek drainages. Spring snowmelt runoff is the primary driver of riverine flooding, while summer thunderstorms create flash flood risk in canyon mouths. Flood insurance is required in FEMA high-risk zones.

Free instant check FEMA data in 20 seconds No signup required

FEMA Flood Zones in Salt Lake City

AE

100-Year Floodplain

Along the Jordan River through the Salt Lake Valley, City Creek, Red Butte Creek, and Emigration Creek corridors.

AO

Shallow Flooding

Sheet flow areas near canyon mouths along the Wasatch Front. Flood depths of 1–3 feet during rapid snowmelt or thunderstorms.

X (shaded)

500-Year Floodplain

Moderate risk along broader Jordan River corridor and alluvial fan areas at canyon mouths.

X (unshaded)

Minimal Risk

Most of the Salt Lake Valley bench and higher-elevation neighborhoods. Lowest flood risk.

Flood Insurance Costs in Salt Lake City

  • Zone AE (Jordan River corridor): $1,200–$3,500/year
  • Zone AO (canyon mouths): $800–$2,500/year
  • Zone X (shaded): $350–$700/year
  • Zone X (unshaded): $275–$500/year (Preferred Risk Policy)
  • Utah has relatively low flood insurance uptake compared to coastal states
  • 2023 Great Salt Lake flooding increased awareness and policy purchases

Building Requirements in Flood Zones

  • AE zones: lowest floor at or above BFE; Salt Lake County requires 1-ft freeboard
  • AO zones: lowest floor elevated above highest adjacent grade by the depth number on the FIRM (typically 1–3 feet)
  • Canyon mouth alluvial fan areas: debris flow mitigation may be required
  • No basement construction recommended in AE zones along Jordan River
  • Stormwater management required for new developments to prevent downstream flooding
  • Utah dam safety requirements apply to properties below canyon reservoirs

How to Check Flood Risk in Salt Lake City

  1. 1

    Check your flood zone

    Enter your Salt Lake City address into ReadyPermit or Salt Lake County’s online flood zone map to determine your FEMA zone designation.

  2. 2

    Assess snowmelt and flash flood risk

    Properties near Wasatch Front canyon mouths face both spring snowmelt flooding and summer flash flood risk. Check historical flood data for your canyon drainage.

  3. 3

    Get an Elevation Certificate

    Required in AE and AO zones. Hire a Utah-licensed surveyor to document your property’s elevation relative to BFE or highest adjacent grade.

  4. 4

    Obtain flood insurance

    Required in AE/AO zones with federally backed mortgages. Recommended for properties near the Jordan River or canyon drainages even in Zone X.

  5. 5

    Review canyon-specific hazards

    Canyon mouth properties may be subject to debris flow, alluvial fan flooding, and rapid snowmelt runoff that standard flood maps do not fully capture.

  6. 6

    Consider mitigation

    French drains, channel improvements, debris flow barriers, and proper grading can reduce risk. Elevating mechanical systems above flood level protects critical infrastructure.

  7. 7

    Monitor snowpack and Great Salt Lake levels

    Heavy snowpack years increase spring flood risk. The Great Salt Lake level affects groundwater and Jordan River capacity. Track conditions through the Utah Division of Water Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions — Salt Lake City Flood Zones

Check Any Salt Lake City Property

FEMA flood zone, insurance estimate, and environmental risk — in 20 seconds. Free.