The City of Roseville is located within portions of two major drainage basins: the Pleasant Grove Creek Basin and the Dry Creek Basin.

Pleasant Grove Creek and its tributaries drain most of the western and central areas of the city, while the Dry Creek basin and its tributaries drain the remainder of the city. The Dry Creek system has year-round flows in its major watercourses, while the Pleasant Grove system is intermittent in nature with only seasonal flows.

As a result, portions of the city lie within a flood hazard area as was evidenced by the 1986 and 1995 floods. However, since 1950, there have been no reports of structural flood damage along Pleasant Grove Creek and there are presently no structures subject to flooding within the Pleasant Grove Creek basin due to the City's floodplain management policies.

Seven creeks, draining the 80-square-mile Upper Dry Creek Basin, pass through and join within the city limits of Roseville.

The northern boundary of the Upper Dry Creek Basin is in the Newcastle area. The Basin does not include runoff from snow melt in the Sierras. Less than seven percent of property within the City of Roseville is affected by flooding and most of this property is open space (vacant land).

The potential for flooding is present during every winter season. The following information will help you plan for, avoid, and if necessary, respond to a flood.

Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City of Roseville has developed and adopted a mitigation strategy for all hazards that may impact the City of Roseville. A flood warning system has been implemented for areas which are within or adjacent to the Flood Hazard area. The plan shows the areas of possible flooding as well as a proposed strategy to reduce the flood threat. 

View the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Flood Warning System

A flood warning system has been implemented by the City of Roseville for areas. In addition to Placer Alert, a region-wide emergency alert system, the City of Roseville has many ways of communicating with you in an emergency. These include, but are not limited to: 
• Local news media
• roseville.ca.us
• Social media
• Email/text notifications

Roseville's flood warning system is designed to provide residents with up to a three hour advance warning of flooding within the 100-year floodplain. However, flooding can occur quickly and without much prior warning. Follow the instructions and warnings from public safety officials, rather than delaying to see if flooding actually occurs.

Steps to take today

There are floodproofing improvements that can be done to your structure that may reduce the damage caused by flooding. If you are at risk to flooding you should consider the feasibility of floodproofing your facility like elevating your building or wet floodproofing. For more information, you may contact the Engineering Division at (916) 746-1300.

During an emergency, your personal safety is more important than your most valuable property. Take steps now to help your family prepare for an emergency.


Things you can do to protect your home:

  • Buy flood insurance. You should contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. Generally, there is a 30-day waiting period for this policy to become effective, so don't wait until the last minute to apply.
  • Keep your insurance policies and a list of personal property in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box. Know the name and location of the agent(s) who issued these policies.
  • Have sandbags and other house protecting items (plastic sheeting, plywood, portable pumps) at the ready.
  • Store important documents and personal objects where they won't get damaged.
  • Elevate or relocate utilities. Better yet, elevate or relocate your entire home.
  • Install backflow prevention devices in your sewer connections to prevent floodwaters from entering your home.
  • Build and install flood shields for doors and openings to prevent the entrance of floodwater.
  • Install a sump pump with backup power in crawl spaces or basements.
  • Place openings in your foundation walls that will allow the entrance and exit of floodwaters to prevent foundation failure.
  • If you are at risk to flooding you should consider the feasibility of flood proofing your home or business. For more information on the type of improvements that may best fit your situation you can go to the FEMA website.

Do you need flood insurance?

Until the 1960s, flood insurance was practically unavailable to home and business owners. Since private insurance firms were unwilling to assume the financial risk alone, Congress voted in 1968 to create the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This federal program provided flood insurance at a reasonable cost in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. The standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Today, you can insure almost any enclosed building and its contents against flood loss, as long as your community is participating in the NFIP.

Low cost flood insurance is available to Roseville property owners and renters, because Roseville is a NFIP member and has a floodplain management program. You do not have to live in the floodplain to qualify for flood insurance.

Approximately 30% of all flood insurance claims occur outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area. Property owners can insure their buildings and contents, and renters can insure their possessions. Keep in mind, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so do not get caught applying for flood insurance the day before the storm. For more information, call your local insurance agent or the NFIP at (800) 638-6620.

What to do during a storm

The safety of your family is the most important consideration. Since floodwaters can rise very rapidly, you should be prepared to evacuate before the water level reaches your property. During the storm, the following tips may be helpful:

  • Keep a battery-powered radio. Follow emergency instructions as they are given.
  • If you are caught in the house by suddenly rising waters, move to the second floor and, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with you. Then wait for help. Don't try to swim to safety. Rescue teams will look for you.
  • When outside the house, remember water depths during floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters that are more than knee deep.
  • During flood stage, sandbags are provided by the City.

Only if time permits, take these precautionary steps 

  • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. Move valuable items to upper floors or higher elevations.

  • Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated. You can sanitize these items by first rinsing in bleach.

  • Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or tape to prevent flying glass.

  • Bring outdoor possessions inside the house or tie them down securely. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, tools, and other movable objects that might be swept away or hurled about.

  • Stock the car with blankets, first aid kit, flashlights, dry clothing, and any special medication needed by your family. Park the car in an area safe from rising waters.

Do not

  • Do not drive where water covers the road. Parts of the road may already be washed out.
  • If your car stalls in a flooded area, do not remain in the car. Abandon it as soon as possible and seek higher ground. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
  • Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not try to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. You could be swept away by strong currents.
  • Do not sight see in flooded areas and do not make unnecessary trips. Use the telephone only for emergencies or to report dangerous conditions.

 Winter storm pet care

  • Remember to plan for temporary care of family pets during emergencies. Shelters may or may not have facilities to care for animals. Frightened pets may be injured or killed during severe storms.
  • To look for pets after the storm, call Roseville animal control, (916) 774-5090, or the SPCA, (916) 782-7722.

What to do after a flood

During the aftermath of a flooding event, follow these steps to aid your family's safety:

  • Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure it is not in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank, and let the house air for several minutes to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
  • Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to the electric or gas company, police or fire department.
  • Upon entering the building, DO NOT use an open flame as a light source since gas may be trapped inside. A battery-operated flashlight is ideal.
  • DO NOT handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If appliances or electrical equipment have been in contact with water, have them checked before use.
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