Riverine Flooding: Research and Tools

See below for real-time water level monitoring, flood hazard maps, lidar maps and more tools to assist with riverine flooding.

United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)


The USACE’s Hydrologic Engineering Center hosts computer software for hydrologic engineering and planning analysis procedures. Although this software is developed to meet the needs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ planning and engineering communities, software is available to the public for download.

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

USGS - science for a changing world

USGS’ Washington Current Water Conditions map shows up-to-date information about surface water, groundwater, and water quality for monitoring sites across Washington.

University of Washington Climate Impacts Group

Applied Research and Decision Support pages provide access to the Climate Impacts Groups reports, which range from local to regional analyses. Flood-related examples include Effect of climate change on flooding in King County rivers and Regional model projections of heavy precipitation for use in stormwater planning.

Projected Change in Precipitation Extremes is an interactive tool that provides charts of future extreme water levels – with selectable locations, years (up to the 2080s), and other variables.

The Tribal Climate Tool shows future climate projections for tribes in Washington and beyond – in both map and chart form. This includes data that affects future riverine flooding, such as precipitation and streamflow projections. Read more about the tool or check out the entire suite of Tribal Vulnerability Assessment Resources. 

Washington State Department of Ecology: Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program

Department of Ecology’s Coastal Atlas contains flood hazard maps and an interactive mapping tool that shows data related to riverine flooding.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

DNR’s Lidar Portal allows you to see high-resolution elevation maps and download high-resolution data that can assist with managing riverine flooding.

This list of resources is focused on state-wide information and resources produced by CHRN partners. Contact your city or county planning department for additional local information such as the latest Shoreline Master Program updates, Hazard Mitigation Plans, local maps and more.