Flood Information

The Town of Ross is prone to flooding. Areas near Corte Madera and Ross Creeks are most likely to flood during storms. Ross has experienced three 100-year storms in the past decades (1982, 1986 and 2006). Engineers use the term "100-year storm" to describe a storm that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year (not a storm that occurs only once in 100 years). Even less severe storms cause Corte Madera and Ross Creeks to rise and local flooding problems. The Hazard Mitigation Plan has additional information on Town flooding.

A stream gage in Corte Madera Creek, behind the Ross fire station, provides real-time data on the level of the creek. Flooding is imminent in Ross when the Ross stream gage is at nineteen (19) feet.

Flood Warning

The Town of Ross warns of potential flooding by: 1.) recorded emergency announcements sent to residents via telephone, through the Marin County Sheriff's Office Alert Marin system; 2.) air warning siren, activated simultaneously with our neighboring Towns of Fairfax and San Anselmo to alert all residents and merchants that flooding is imminent; and 3.) Town-wide email list.

There are practical and cost-effective methods to reduce or eliminating flood damage including elevation of structures, flood-proofing, and protecting utilities. Town staff is available to meet with you and visit your site to review your flood problems and make recommendations. There may be sources of financial assistance available to help you mitigate flood losses to your property that we can share with you.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC). At the MSC you may find and download a flood map, and any revisions or amendments to it, as well as other information.

As a public service, the Town of Ross Floodplain Manager will provide you with the following information upon request. There is no charge for this service except there may be a fee associated with with providing additional flood insurance data, depending on the extent of the inquiry.