Welcome to the Wells County Floodplain Corner. We are happy to help supply the following information so you can make informed decisions regarding flood risks within our community.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
MI1 – Basic Firm Information You can access the basic FIRM information on our public GIS website www.wellscountygis.org or by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
MI2 – Additional FIRM Information You can access information floodways and other additional FIRM information on our public GIS website www.wellscountygis.org or by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
MI3 – Other Flood Problems Not Shown on the FIRM You can access information regarding wetlands, pond overflow routes, .2% floodplain (500 year), localized flood information, and J. Edward Roush Lake Flowage Easements on our public GIS website www.wellscountygis.org or by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
MI4 – Flood Depth Data We can provide site-specific flood depth estimates on properties per request by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
MI5 – Special Flood Related Hazards If your property is upstream of a bridge we can provide estimates regarding ice jam flooding per request by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
MI6 – Historical Flood Information If you are interested in knowing about historic flood impacts on properties within Wells County we have a large database of photographs and data showing historic flood impacts on our community. You can request this information by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
MI7 – Natural Floodplain Functions In Wells County we are blessed with having several properties located along our waterways that are preserved to assist in the natural functions of floodplains. Properties within the J. Edward Roush Flowage Easements, J. Edward Roush Fish and Wildlife Area, Ouabache State Park, Acres Inc. Land Trust, and other public-owned properties are mapped. We also can provide wetlands information on our public GIS website www.wellscountygis.org. You can request information by contacting the Wells County Area Plan Commission at wcapc@wellscounty.org or 260.824.6407.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FLOODPLAINS
Topic 1: Know Your Flood Hazards! Your property and nearby areas are subject to repetitive flooding by large streams. Call 260.824.6407 to learn more about the flood hazard on and near your property.
Topic 2: Insure Your Property for Your Flood Hazard! Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for flood damages. Flood insurance is available to anyone and can cover both property owners and renters. Depending on the level of flood risk on your property you may qualify for a low-cost Preferred Risk Policy.
Topic 3: Protect People From the Flood Hazard! Turn around don’t drown! Don’t ever walk or drive through floodwaters. Fast-moving water can easily sweep away a car or person causing loss of life. Take time to designate a place for your family to go to in case of an evacuation order or flooding emergency.
Topic 4: Protect Your Property from the Flood Hazard! Don’t install utilities, furnaces, air conditioners below the flood protection grade (2 feet above the flood elevation) to avoid damage to key pieces of your property. Store your valuables and insurance papers in a waterproof container that is elevated to avoid flood damage.
Topic 5: Build Responsibly! Get a permit from the Wells County Area Plan Commission before you build or alter your property. Use only licensed contractors who know the rules regarding doing work in and around the floodplain.
Topic 6: Protect Natural Floodplain Functions! Report broken silt fences and erosion control measures to help keep our waterways clean. Avoid dumping trash or debris into the waterways to preserve our water quality. Report any questionable fill or other occurrences to the Wells County Area Plan Commission that could cause flooding concerns.
WEBLINK TO HELP YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT FLOODPLAIN FUNCTIONS AND RULES
* Floodplain map information is available to the public at www.welllscountygis.org or upon request at our office.
* The Wells County Ordinance for Flood Hazard Areas is available at https://wellscounty.org/area-planning-commission/
Historic Wells County Wabash River Flood Data
View the presentation for the Floodplain How to Guide Class
Current River, Lake, and Precipitation Status
NOAA Flood Gauges
USGS Water Watch Flood Gauges
Army Corp of Engineers Lake Reports
Local Precipitation Reports
From the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)
National Weather Service – 24hr Precipitation Map
Helpful Websites
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Website
Floodsmart.gov the official website of the National Flood Insurance Program
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Website
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Website
Indiana Floodplain Information Portal
Important Documents
New Floodplain Map Brochure
Poster – General Floodplain Development Guidelines
Official Publications
Above the Flood: Elevating Your Flood-prone House, FEMA-347(2000) fema347_complete
Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA-257
Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA P-348 (1999)
Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511 (2005)
Local Flood Proofing Programs 360 (2005)
Increased Cost of Compliance Fact Sheet
