With all of the droughts, wildfires, and earthquakes, how could flooding and water damage occur in California? I would have thought that droughts would eliminate the worry of floods. Apparently not. Let’s see what the experts have to say.
According to The U.S. Geological Society, “Droughts and floods are extreme events in the water cycle that can have catastrophic and lasting impacts on ecosystems and society,”.
Newsweek reported, “Floods happen during drought as the ground is so parched that the water fails to saturate. This then results in a flash flood. Serious drought is often followed by some very serious floods. And it can be a very surprising phenomena. Sometimes you can actually be in drought and have floods at the same time. Because of course, droughts are much slower phenomena,”.
Below is a brief list of the worst floods in California’s history:
- Great Flood of 1861-1862
- St. Francis Dam Disaster of 1928
- Christmas Flood of 1964
- New Year’s Flood 1997
- Oroville Dam Crisis 2017
Sacramento, California, has had the worst flooding across the state to date. From the Sacramento County website, they cite that, “Over the past few decades, our area has experienced significant, sometimes devastating, flooding. The most notable flooding occurred in 1986, 1995, 1997, 2006, and 2017. The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency identifies Sacramento as the nation’s greatest metropolitan flood risk,”.
Sacramento County tops the list, with nearly 180,000 people affected, and ranks second, with around 165,000 living in designated 100-year floodplains. These FEMA flood zones are mapped with mathematical models that estimate the highest level a river reaches every 100 years based on past flows.
The Public Policy Institute of California cites their findings, “Climate models show that flood risk is growing as atmospheric rivers—the storms that cause most large floods—become more intense. Risk is also increasing due to sea level rise and slope-destabilizing wildfires,”.
Being born and raised in Michigan, where there are basements, I imagine that with all of the flooding and earthquakes, California doesn’t even have a word for basements! Let’s see what to do about flooding if you do have a basement.
How do I stop my basement from flooding in the spring?
Especially in Michigan, spring and fall can bring a lot of rain. If your basement is prone to flooding, this can be a significant problem. Always consult a basement pro first. The following suggestions are good to review. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help prevent your basement from flooding in the springtime.
Here are some ways to avoid this calamity:
- Remove tree roots from your pipes.
- Water may flow into your basement if you have a loose or damaged spigot. Install a backwater valve (or check for one).
- Add a sump pump (or inspect it).
- Check your septic tank (or regrade it if necessary).
- Regrade your yard to improve drainage.
- Install window wells or a French drain.
- Ensure that your gutters are clean and in good condition.
- If all else fails, you may need to waterproof your basement from the inside.
If you live in an area that is prone to spring flooding, taking these preventative measures can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Besides these immediate steps, it’s also crucial to keep an eye on your local weather forecasts, particularly during peak flood seasons. Advanced warning systems can offer you enough time to implement emergency measures to protect your home.
Consider investing in smart home technology like flood sensors, which can alert you via your smartphone in case of elevated moisture levels in your basement. Additionally, be aware of your insurance policy’s coverage of flood damage. Many homeowners’ policies do not include flood insurance, so purchasing a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) might be a necessary precaution.
Let’s go a little deeper and ask some more questions…
Why do basements flood in spring?
When the spring rains come, the ground is still frozen and thawing; as a result, it is too wet or frozen to absorb the water. The water then goes down the simplest route, which is generally to your foundation wall and into your basement.
To stop water from flooding a basement after heavy rain, try utilizing a swale. A swale is a depression or trench that’s dug at the bottom of a hill to divert water away. If your yard has high and low points that collect water, creating a sloped swale to direct the water down and away from your home might help you avoid basement flooding and shallow water damage repair.
You can create a swale yourself by digging a trench and lining it with gravel or rocks. Alternatively, you can work with a landscaping company to have one installed. Either way, make sure the swale is at least six inches deep and slopes away from your home at a rate of at least one inch per foot.
Another way to prevent basement flooding is to make sure your gutters and downspouts are in good working order. Clean them out regularly, particularly in the fall when leaves are falling from the trees, and repair any damage that you see.
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you might also want to consider investing in a sump pump. This device will remove water that’s accumulated in your basement and pump it out to a safe location away from your home.
With a little bit of effort, you can help prevent basement flooding and the need for water damage repair. Swales, well-maintained gutters, and sump pumps can all play a role in keeping your basement dry.
History of floods in California
Lastly, community involvement and staying informed about local flood mitigation efforts can make a significant difference. Advocacy for improved infrastructure, such as better storm drainage systems and levees, can help protect not only your property but also your entire neighborhood. Engaging in town hall meetings and supporting local flood management plans will ensure that your community is better prepared to handle this increasing risk.