Page 2 - Flooding in Lake County

Some historical facts help demonstrate this situation. The highest level ever recorded for Clear Lake was in 1890, before the construction of the Clear Lake Dam. In March 1995, water was flowing into Clear Lake over ten times faster than it could flow out through Cache Creek, and the lake rose over one foot per day. Additional damage can be caused when high winds accompany lake flooding, such as happened in 1983 and 1998. Large waves can cause complete destruction of buildings, even though the depth of flooding is small. Although the lake can rise fast, it normally provides us with several days warning to prepare for flooding on its shores. Unfortunately, lake flooding frequently lasts for weeks as it did in 1983, 1986, 1995 and 1998.

Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river or lake. If you're looking at a property, it's a good idea to check out the possible flood hazard before you buy. Here's why:

The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building.
Slow moving flood waters can knock people off their feet or float a car.
Even standing water can float a building, collapse basement walls, or buckle a concrete floor.
Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, clothing, upholstered furniture, and mattresses may have to be thrown away after a flood.
Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original condition.
Floodwaters are not clean: floods carry mud, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that cause health hazards.
The impact of a flood, cleaning up, making repairs, and the personal losses can cause great stress to you, your family, and your finances.
Floodplain Regulations: Lake County regulates construction and development in the floodplain to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage. Filling and similar projects are prohibited in certain areas. Another rule requires houses substantially damaged by fire, flood, or any other cause, to be elevated above the flood level when they are repaired.

1 | 2 | Next Page: Steps To Take Before Buying Lake County Property