FLOOD PREPAREDNESS — BE READY
FLOOD SIRENS
Clifton lies in a beautiful canyon with a year-round river running through its heart. As scenic as it is, it does present the potential for flooding. In fact, Clifton has experienced major flood events over the years.
To mitigate such events, the Town has partnered with state and federal agencies to construct flood walls, levees, gates and more to keep waters at bay. In addition, emergency plans are detailed and regularly revisited with trainings and exercises to make sure we're a step ahead of any situation.
An important warning system is our flood siren network. These sirens will notify residents of impending danger as waters rise, and with an evacuation alert should it be needed. Please watch this short video to familiarize yourself with these tones. The sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at noon and at 6:00pm. These are only tests.
THE CLIFTON LEVEE
A major piece of Clifton's flood risk management is the Clifton Levee. Constructed in 1994, the levee is designed to protect the area of South Clifton from flood events. The most visible part of the levee is the large gate that crosses US 191 near the San Francisco River (see photo at right). These gates are tested yearly to make sure they're ready for an event none of us hope ever happens.
But all rivers flood, and the San Francisco will flood again. While the levee lowers risk to the people and properties behind it, it doesn’t eliminate it. Low risk does not mean no risk. Please watch the short video below that explains what you can do to help protect your home and family.
BE PREPARED
Flooding can happen at any time. With the San Francisco River flowing from New Mexico, there can be blue skies in Clifton but the river can be rising. It's important to have a flood preparation plan in place for your home or business. Please click on the links below to access materials that can help you and your family stay safe.
Monitoring the River
In a high-water event alert, the public can monitor river conditions for the San Francisco River at Clifton and the San Francisco River below Glenwood at the following website: https://www.weather.gov
RIVER FORECASTS: A map of the National Weather Service, river forecast locations are color-coded according to the flood status of their maximum river stage or streamflow forecast through the entire period.