Overview of Munds Park Remapping Project

While the previous flood maps were updated to a digital format in 2010, they are based on data and technology more than 30 years old. To create the most up-to-date mapping of flood hazards in those two areas, this remapping project used the latest mapping and modeling technology. It also the most current rainfall and other data, such as U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’s) 2014 hydrology report.

MUNDS PARK REMAPPING PROJECT

The current flood map for the Munds Park area is outdated. It is based on studies done in the early 1990s and has not been updated. Since then, the area’s drainage patterns have changed due to development, improvements to the I-17 corridor, and several flood events. In addition, new research has been done regarding precipitation statistics and regional flood regression analyses. There have also been advancements in technology and modeling tools which better help analyze the complex flooding conditions in Munds Park.

This all led Coconino County to partner with FEMA in a full restudy of the watershed and Munds Park floodplains to update the flood risk mapping. The effort began in 2010 with new topographic and aerial mapping followed by several years of analysis, review and revisions. Newly published data around 2016 led to a further updating of the information. Delays resulting from the recent pandemic slowed the delivery of the project until now. 

The general limits of the area being remapped are shown in the following graphic: