FEMA Flood Area

Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions on the FEMA-designated floodplain in Rawlins, which became active December 20, 2024.

Why does Rawlins now include a floodplain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updates its floodplain maps nationwide, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). To learn about the engineering processes used by FEMA to update the map, review the Carbon County, WY Flood Insurance Study at www.rawlinswy.gov/floodstudy. FEMA also held a community meeting in March 2015 to identify areas of concern and in 2018 to review draft data.

In 2015, FEMA began updating all Carbon County maps. FEMA finalized its newest map of floodplains within Carbon County in December 2024. This map places approximately 385 properties on Rawlins’ south side, primarily residential and accessory structures, into a Special Flood Hazard area. For a map of locations, visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home Essentially, the federal government and mortgage holders will consider these properties as if they are in a floodplain.

What has the city done about the new floodplain?

This map was initially proposed in 2020. FEMA and the City co-hosted an open house/zoom meeting on September 14, 2020, which included detailed information and a question/answer session regarding the proposed floodplain. The City also sent a letter to the affected owners on August 28, 2020, with notice of the proposed floodplain and information on the open house.

In 2021, the City of Rawlins hired Engineering Associates (EA) to 1) study the floodplain and 2) prepare a model for FEMA to reconsider if the floodplain risk is justified by the data. So far, we have spent over $85,000 in hopes of proving that the city’s prior efforts have mitigated the floodplain risk. This includes EA guaranteeing that the Hogback Lake area and the Sugar Creek pipeline, which carries the creek underneath the residential area, have been accurately included in FEMA’s analysis. EA is also assessing the storm sewer pipe detention reservoir and the I-80 on-stream detention reservoir.

Once the engineer analysis and modeling are complete, we hope the floodplain modification will be supported so the City can submit a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) to FEMA. Currently, the City and EA are working to gain access to the Hogback Lake Diversion Structure to perform an on-site Earthen Dam Structural Stability Analysis. The City will continue in hopes that the floodplain may be reduced in the future.

What other options did the City have?

Although floodplains are federally managed, the City of Rawlins could opt out of the program. However, mortgage holders in the floodplain would still have to buy flood insurance. In fact, by opting out, the City would eliminate resident’s access to flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

If the City opted out, it would also eliminate any assistance in the case of an emergency. Some banks or other lenders may choose not to make loans for property in a flood hazard area if it is not eligible for Federal disaster assistance.

Opting out may reduce our access to other federal funds. For these three reasons, the City Council is adopting the FIRM and the required regulations.

What if the floodplain is not reduced through the study? Can the City reduce it in other ways?

By participating in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, the City of Rawlins is eligible for funding from FEMA for Hazard Mitigation Assistance. For example, if the city could not change the map, we may be able to apply for grants to enlarge creek pipelines, strengthen dam structures, or do other work that would reduce the size of the floodplain.

Will properties be required to purchase insurance?

No matter what actions the City of Rawlins takes, properties in the floodplain with a mortgage will be required to purchase flood insurance. For a map of locations, visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home Properties without a mortgage are not required. Even if you are not required to purchase insurance, you may choose to buy or increase your coverage if desired.

Properties with mortgages will be contacted directly by their lenders and required to purchase flood insurance for the loan amount. Flood insurance costs average anywhere from $500-$1000 annually, based on the coverage needed. Also, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers a Newly Mapped discount for following the map update. Premiums will start low but increase by 18% annually until the total premium is reached.

Do property owners have any other option to eliminate their insurance requirements?

If you believe your property is at a higher grade than the surrounding area, you may submit an application to FEMA for a formal determination of the property's location and elevation with survey data. This is called a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) request. These can be submitted by showing the Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG) is above flood elevation for an existing structure/parcel, either naturally on higher ground or through elevation of the property by earthen fill. For more information, visit https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/change-your-flood-zone#lomc. 

What other effects will this have on properties?

As a participating municipality, the City of Rawlins must adopt ordinances affecting the building code and land use in the floodplain. For a map of locations, visit the https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home. This ordinance creates new requirements for all new construction and any work that impacts 50% or more of the current structure. It also affects street repairs, grading work, pilings and does not allow new basements in the zone. The city has chosen the minimum standards that FEMA permits.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 the City Council approved a new title adopting these requirements. This can be found at https://www.rawlinswy.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17996/Ordinance-No-11---Flood-Damage-Prevention

Where can I find more information?

Entire Carbon County, WY Flood Insurance Study by FEMA (PDF) The entire study that FEMA performed to assess floodplain risk in Carbon County municipalities and unincorporated areas.

In-Depth Discussion at the City of Rawlins Council Workshop on October 1, 2024:

Wyoming National Flood Insurance Program Homepage The state’s page regarding the National Flood Insurance Program. Includes links to many useful FEMA documents.

Wyoming NFIP Quick Guide The Wyoming Quick Guide is a professionally produced document that guides local officials and residents through the basic requirements of floodplain management.

https://www.floodsmart.gov/ The National Flood Insurance Program's official site has policy information, flood risk and cost information, flood zones and maps, and before- and after-flood information.

FEMA’s Flood Map Page The official FEMA site has information on flood maps, links to the map service center, and more.