Hazard Mitigation Plan

King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

King County and a partnership of local governments within the county - including the City of Snoqualmie - have developed and maintained a regional hazard mitigation plan to reduce risks from natural disasters. The plan complies with hazard mitigation planning requirements to maintain eligibility for funding under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs.

Hazard mitigation is the use of long-term and short-term policies, programs, projects, and other activities to alleviate death, injury, and property damage that can result from a disaster.

King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Document

Hazard Mitigation in Snoqualmie

Hazard mitigation in Snoqualmie focuses on flood risks. Most of the areas of downtown Snoqualmie lie within the floodplain of the Snoqualmie River and are subject to occasional flooding. The local flood hazard is rooted at the main stem and the south fork of the Snoqualmie River and from Kimball Creek. 

The combination of high annual precipitation and melting snow in the upper Snoqualmie River basin contributes to the potential for significant fall and winter flooding. Because rivers, which carry runoff out of the basin, are located in steep valleys, floodwaters collect on the flat valley floor where Snoqualmie is located. 

Flood Insurance

One of the most important things you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a flood insurance policy. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Because Snoqualmie participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, property owners can purchase a separate flood insurance policy backed by the federal government. 

Snoqualmie has a Community Rating System (CRS) classification of five (with nine being lowest) as a result of the city’s concerted efforts to implement robust floodplain management practices. This rating allows residents to receive a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums through the National Flood Insurance Program.

More information about the National Flood Insurance Program is located at floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531.

Read about Flood Hazard Regulations

Home Elevation & Acquisition Grants Interested Parties List

The City of Snoqualmie is pursuing federal grants to assist residents with elevating homes to increase flood protection or selling flood prone homes. 

If you live in the downtown Snoqualmie floodway or floodplain and are interested in elevating or selling your home, please fill out and submit the Home Elevation and Acquisition Grants Interested Parties Form to be added to the list.