Flooding along State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 1983. Photo by S. Thiriot.
Later this week Utah marks the 40th anniversary of the worst floods on record, which caused $478 million in reportable damages and affected 21 counties. The floods began in April 1983 and continued through May, triggered by record snowfall and intense snowmelt. The Spanish Fork River was dammed by a mudslide near Thistle on April 13, which flooded the town under 160 feet of water.
In late May, the combination of record snowfall, a long cold spell, and then five days of 80 degree temperatures leading up to Memorial Day weekend triggered intense snow melt, which caused severe flooding along the Wasatch Front. Flood waters were diverted, causing a temporary river down State Street. The Great Salt Lake overflowed that spring, flooding Saltair and closing parts of I-80.
As Utah marks the 40th Anniversary of the 1983 floods, some similarities exist this year. The state has received record snowpack with record snow water equivalent (30″ in 2023 compared to 26″ in 1983). This year, Utah has already seen isolated incidents of flooding due to record snowpack, and there is potential for widespread flooding depending on temperatures and the rate of melt and runoff.
Tracie Harrison, Utah Division of Emergency Management Floodplain Manager, advises that flooding is the most common natural disaster in Utah, and purchasing flood insurance is a critical part of being prepared.
To prepare for flooding, homeowners and renters should understand their flood risk and protect valuables by moving them to higher ground or waterproof containers. Flood insurance is a must-have, as most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Kris Hamlet, Director of DEM, highlights the importance of everyone doing their part to prepare for flooding and apply the protective action of “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when faced with fast-moving water.
Since the 1983 floods, Utah has received nine other presidential disaster declarations for flooding. Even in the worst drought on record, it is essential to prepare for potential floods. DEM has resources available to help communities and individuals prepare for flooding, which can be found on their website dem.utah.gov.