During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical flood damage prevention measures necessary for compliance with the federal flood insurance program. The focus was on the Parowan Watershed, which spans approximately 60 square miles and is particularly vulnerable to flooding events originating from the canyon.

The discussion highlighted findings from a Bowen Collins engineering report, which assessed peak flow rates for various flood events. Notably, the report indicated that a 100-year flood event could produce peak flows of up to 7,860 cubic feet per second, equating to an overwhelming 2 million gallons of water per minute—enough to fill the Parowan City swimming pool 22 times in just one minute.

Officials emphasized the importance of designing infrastructure to withstand these significant flood events, as mandated by FEMA. They clarified that a \"100-year event\" does not imply such flooding occurs only once every century; rather, it signifies a 1% chance of occurrence in any given year.

The meeting also referenced past flooding incidents, including a notable event following a 2017 fire that caused substantial damage, with peak flows recorded between 1,500 and 2,000 cubic feet per second. This historical context underscored the urgency of addressing flood risks and improving local infrastructure, particularly the Main Street bridge, which was nearly overwhelmed during the storm.

As discussions continue, local officials are tasked with developing strategies to enhance flood resilience and protect the community from future disasters.