Agenda packet — Sutter Creek City Council, April 6, 2026 (part 3 of 6)

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-4
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Income Bracket Percent
$150,000 – $199,999 7.5%
$200,000 or more 16.8%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates A.4 Risk Assessment
As defined by FEMA, risk is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. “It is the impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community and refers to the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.” The City of Amador City risk assessment identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment to these hazards. The process allows for a better understanding of the City’s potential risk and vulnerability to hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to reduce risk from future hazard events.

Building on the Community Profile above, a risk assessment was performed for the City. This includes the following sections:
➢ A.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ A.4.2 Hazard Identification
➢ A.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards A.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the City of Amador City’s total assets potentially at risk to hazards and an overview of growth and development trends. This section is broken into two parts:
➢ Asset Inventory – The assets inventory identifies the City of Amador City’s total assets, including the people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; community lifelines; natural, historic, and cultural resources; and economic assets and community activities of value. This data is not hazard specific, but is representative of total assets within the City, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section A.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the City, both current and future, is presented.

Assets Inventory
The City’s asset inventory is detailed in the following sections:
➢ People and Populations
➢ Structures
➢ Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
➢ Community Lifelines
➢ Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
➢ Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-5
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A discussion of each of these assets follows and serves as the template for the asset discussion for each hazard in Section A.4.3.

People and Populations
The most important asset within any community are the people and populations that reside in the community. This section includes an inventory of past and current populations of the City and also discusses vulnerable populations and underserved communities as a subsection of people and populations located within the City and potentially at risk to hazards. Information from the City, US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance, and other sources as detailed below form the basis of this discussion.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
Population growth can increase the number of people living in hazard prone areas. The City of Amador City has 197 residents, as of January 1, 2025. The City of Amador City has seen growth rates as shown in Table A-5.

Table A-5 City of Amador City– Population Changes Since 1950 Year Population % Change
1950 151 –
1960 202 33.8%
1970 156 -22.8%
1980 136 -12.8%
1990 196 44.1%
2000 196 0.0%
2010 185 -5.6%
2020 200 8.1%
2025 197 -1.5%
Source: US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance (2025) Data from the County noted that almost half of the homes in the City are owned by non-residents. Many of these are secondary homes. It was noted by City that during the last census in 2020, Covid was at its height. Many people who normally do not reside in the City had come to their second homes to flee the pandemic. This changed the demographics of the City (both in terms of overall population numbers, as well as in what the average incomes were in the City.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-6
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ CDC Social Vulnerability Index
➢ California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) Special Populations and Disadvantaged Community Mapping
➢ FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
➢ City Planning Team Input
CDC Social Vulnerability Index
Every community must prepare for and respond to a hazard event, including the range of natural hazards addressed in this Plan, from severe weather extremes to large potentially catastrophic events such as wildfires or earthquakes. A number of factors, including poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing may weaken a community’s ability to prevent human suffering and financial loss in a disaster. These factors are known as social vulnerability.

Social vulnerability refers to the potential negative effects on communities caused by external stresses on human health. Such stresses include natural or human-caused disasters, or disease outbreaks. Reducing social vulnerability can decrease both human suffering and economic loss. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Geospatial Research, Analysis & Services Program (GRASP) created databases to help emergency response planners and public health officials identify and map communities that will most likely need support before, during, and after a hazardous event. The CDC used these databases to create the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (CDC SVI), which uses 15 U.S. census variables to help local officials identify communities that may need additional support before, during, or after disasters.

CDC SVI uses U.S. Census data to determine the social vulnerability of every census tract. Census tracts are subdivisions of counties for which the Census collects statistical data. The CDC SVI ranks each tract on 15 social factors, including poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing, and groups them into four related themes. Each tract receives a separate ranking for each of the four themes, as well as an overall ranking. Maps of the four themes for the City are shown in the figures below.

The overall SVI map is shown in Figure A-2; the socioeconomic SVI for the census tracts in and around the City are shown in Figure A-3; the household composition SVI is shown in Figure A-4; the minority and language SVI is shown in Figure A-5; and the housing and transportation SVI is shown in Figure A-6.

Overall, the maps indicate that, in general, the City sees little change in social vulnerability regardless of location. As shown, there is very minimal change in each SVI across the City. 569
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-7
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-2 City of Amador City – Overall Social Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Yellow – Low; Green – Low/Medium; Aqua – Medium/High; Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure A-3 City of Amador City – Socioeconomic Status Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Green – Low; Light Green – Low/Medium; Green – Medium/High; Dark Green – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-8
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-4 City of Amador City – Household Characteristics Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Orange – Low; Light Orange– Low/Medium; Orange – Medium/High; Dark Orange – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure A-5 City of Amador City – Racial and Ethnic Minority Status Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Purple – Low; Light Purple – Low/Medium; Purple – Medium/High; Dark Purple – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-9
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-6 City of Amador City – Housing Type and Transportation Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Blue – Low; Light Blue – Low/Medium; Blue – Medium/High; Dark Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
California DWR Disadvantaged Community Mapping Tool
The State of California’s Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Involvement Program is designated to ensure the involvement of DACs as well as Economically Distressed Areas and Underrepresented Communities, which DWR collectively refers to as DACs. The Cal DWR definition for a Disadvantaged Community is a community with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the Statewide annual MHI (PRC Section 75005(g)), and those census geographies with an annual MHI less than 60% of the Statewide annual MHI are considered “Severely Disadvantaged Communities”. Those areas in the City considered disadvantaged are shown in Figure A-7. As shown, much of the City falls in these DAC areas.
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-10
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-7 City of Amador City – Disadvantaged Areas
Source: Cal DWR DAC Mapping Tool – retrieved 12/16/2024 FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
Community Disaster Resilience Zones aim to build and strengthen community resilience across the nation by driving federal, public, and private resources to the most at-risk and in-need communities. The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act uses FEMA’s National Risk Index to identify the most at-risk and in-need communities to identify resilience zones. Designated zones will be prioritized for targeted federal support, such as increased cost-share for resilience and mitigation projects, lessening the financial burden on communities to perform resilience-related activities. On September 6, 2023, FEMA announced the initial 483 designations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Figure A-8 shows these zones in teal green. As shown, there are no areas inside of the City limits. 573
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-11
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-8 City of Amador City – FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones Source: FEMA. Map retrieved 12/16/2024
City Planning Team Input
The HMPC noted that there are many elderly residents in the City. These residents pose a special challenge in times of emergency.

City of Amador City Items from the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element The City Planning Team noted that the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element discusses special populations in the City. While the Housing Element information can be found in the base plan, there are unique elements to the City that are included here. Discussions for seniors, those with disabilities, developmental disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, large households, female headed households, extremely low-income households, and farmworkers were included. These are discussed below.

Seniors
The total population of seniors in Amador City is 13.2%, with none of the population renting only owned homes or residing in an elderly home.
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-12
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Disabled Citizens
The total population of disabled citizens in Amador City is 11.1% of the population.

People with Developmental Disabilities
Due to the small size of Amador City, along with the method of gathering data using zip codes, there is shown a total of 0 individuals with developmental disabilities with a chance of <11 individuals residing in the City.

People Experiencing Homelessness
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency was contacted for homeless data, but there is no collection of data at the individual jurisdiction level.

Large Households
Large households are defined as 5 or more persons residing in the same home, which only makes up 6.9% of the total households countywide. In Amador City, there are no records of owned homes with 5 or more people, however, the number of households with 5 or more people is 5 of rented homes (6.8% total county and 10.9% total city).

Single Parent and Female Headed Households
Female headed households make up 20.5% of the City’s population. While this group is a vulnerable population, there are no families within this category that are below the poverty line.

Farmworkers
Nothing was included for Amador City.

Households in Poverty
The level of poverty in a jurisdiction often influences the need for housing to accommodate those persons and families in the Very Low and Low-income categories. The U.S. Census Bureau measures poverty by using a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition of who is in poverty. If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty. While the overall County experiences a poverty rate of 9.9%, Amador City has the lowest percentage of individuals and households likely to be living in poverty. In 2019, 6.6% of individuals and families living in the City were living below the poverty level.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-13
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
follows the same methodology detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City, as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitations are created by Proposition 13. With respect to Proposition 13, instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs.

As a result, overall value information is most likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties within the City. It is also important to note, in the event of a disaster, it is often the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. However, depending on the type of hazard and impact of any given hazard event, land values may be adversely affected; thus, land values are included as appropriate. Table A-6 shows the Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data land and structure values and content replacement values (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property use for the City.

Table A-6 City of Amador City – Total Value of Parcels and Structures by Property Use Property Use Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 7 2 $1,234,719 $606,345 $606,345 $2,447,409 Commercial 15 12 $2,570,473 $3,052,716 $3,052,716 $8,675,905 Industrial 2 1 $10,716 $2,475 $3,713 $16,904
Miscellaneous 11 1 $20,377 $11,604 $0 $31,981
Residential 144 95 $15,288,092 $17,405,166 $8,702,583 $41,395,841 Unknown 1 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Amador City Total 180 111 $19,124,377 $21,078,306 $12,365,357 $52,568,040 Source: 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Beyond just the buildings and structures that comprise the built environment, it is important to identify the critical facilities and infrastructure that are critical for life safety and property protection. This is done for the City of Amador City below.

For purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as:

Any facility, including without limitation, a structure, infrastructure, property, equipment or service, that if adversely affected during a hazard event may result in severe consequences to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and after the hazard event.

A critical facility is classified by the following categories: (1) Essential Services Facilities, (2) At-Risk Populations Facilities, and (3) Hazardous Materials Facilities, as discussed in Section 4.3.1 of the Base Plan.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-14
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
critical facilities, it should further be noted that additional critical facilities, including infrastructure, utilities, and others have been identified for the City of Amador City and the larger Amador County Planning Area but are not included in the mapping and inventory due to privacy and security concerns.

An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Amador City from Amador County GIS is shown on Figure A-9. Table A-7 gives summary information about the critical facilities in the City. Table A-8 details the facility categories and breaks them down by facility type. Details of critical facility definition, type, name, address, and jurisdiction by hazard zone are listed in Appendix F.

Figure A-9 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities
Table A-7 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities by Category Critical Facility Category Facility Count
Essential Services Facilities 3
At Risk Population Facilities 0
City of Amador City Total 3
Source: Amador County GIS
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-15
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table A-8 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities by Category and Type Critical Facility Category Critical Facility Type Facility Count Essential Services
Fire Station 1
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
Total 3
Amador City Total 3
Source: Amador County GIS
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Amador City to natural hazards and disasters also involves reviewing and inventorying the community lifelines in place that could be affected. It is important to include these items in hazard discussions as the continuous operation of critical government and business functions is essential to human health and safety, property protection, and economic security. The importance of community lifelines is discussed below:
➢ Lifelines are the most fundamental services in the community that, when stabilized, enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ FEMA has developed a method for objectives-based response that prioritizes the rapid stabilization of Community Lifelines after a disaster.
➢ The integrated network of assets, services, and capabilities that provide lifeline services are used dayto-day to support the recurring needs of the community and enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ When disrupted, decisive intervention (e.g., rapid re-establishment or employment of contingency response solutions) is required to stabilize the incident.

Community lifelines, as defined by FEMA, include the following:
➢ Safety and Security – Law Enforcement/Security, Fire Service, Search and Rescue, Government Service, Community Safety
➢ Food, Hydration, Shelter – Food, Water, Shelter, Agriculture ➢ Health and Medical – Medical Care, Public Health, Patient Movement, Medical Supply Chain, Fatality Management
➢ Energy – Power Grid, Fuel
➢ Communications – Infrastructure, Responder Communications, Alerts Warnings and Messages, Finance, 911 and Dispatch
➢ Transportation – Highway/Roadway/Motor Vehicle, Mass Transit, Railway, Aviation, Maritime ➢ Hazardous Material – Facilities, HAZMAT, Pollutants, Contaminants ➢ Water Systems – Potable Water Infrastructure, Wastewater Management It should be noted that these community lifelines are all in place and functional as part of regular government operations in the Amador County Planning Area serving as a partnership between the cities, local special districts and agencies, and Amador County. Due to its more rural nature, there is an interplay in community lifelines between all jurisdictions in the County. Most all of the City’s community lifelines 578
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-16
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
overlap with the Planning Area’s s. It should also be noted that these lifelines collectively include many of the critical facilities and infrastructure assets inventoried for this LHMP As such, specific information on these community lifelines in the City and how they may be affected by a hazard event or disaster are discussed collectively for all jurisdictions in the Base Plan Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Amador City to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the natural, historic, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
➢ Environmental and natural resources add to a community’s identity and quality of life. They also help the local economy through agriculture, tourism, and recreation. They support ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.
➢ Conserving the environment may help people mitigate risk. It can also protect sensitive habitats, develop parks and trails, and build the economy.
➢ The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall economy. ➢ If these resources are impacted by a disaster, knowing so ahead of time allows for more prudent care in the immediate aftermath, when the potential for additional impacts are higher. ➢ The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often different for these types of designated resources.
➢ Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural hazards, such as wetlands and riparian habitat, which help absorb and attenuate floodwaters.

Natural Resources
The City contains a variety of natural resources. Natural resources are unique to each area, often provide an important function, and are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these species, resources, and locations are at risk.

Within the largely unimproved areas of the City, there are four major plant communities which serve as open space lands and provide key wildlife habitat. These plant communities include oak woodland/chaparral, grassland, riparian drainage, and stream side riparian.

According to the City’s Open Space Element of the General Plan, none of the endangered and/or rare plant species listed by the California Native Plant Society’s publication “Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California” or listed by the Department of Fish and Game’s “List of Designated Endangered or Rare Plants of California” are known to exist in the City.

The potential for animal diversity in the City is significant because the plant communities offer a broad range of food, cover, roosting and nesting sites, and water. According to the City’s Open Space Element of the General Plan, none of the endangered and/or rare species and fauna are listed in the “Federal Register of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants”, and the California Department of Fish and Game’s “Endangered, Rare, and Threatened Animals of California” are known to inhabit the City. 579
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-17
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Wetlands and their Natural and Beneficial Functions
Wetlands are habitats in which soils are intermittently or permanently saturated or inundated. Wetland habitats vary from rivers to seasonal ponding of alkaline flats and include swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools, and riparian woodlands. Wetlands are considered to be waters of the United States and are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Where the waters provide habitat for federally endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may also have authority.

Wetlands are a valuable natural resource for communities providing beneficial impact to water quality, wildlife protection, recreation, and education, and play an important role in hazard mitigation. Wetlands provide drought relief in water-scarce areas where the relationship between water storage and streamflow regulation is vital and reduce flood peaks and slowly release floodwaters to downstream areas. When surface runoff is dampened, the erosive powers of the water are greatly diminished. Furthermore, the reduction in the velocity of inflowing water as it passes through a wetland helps remove sediment being transported by the water.

Wetlands are often found in floodplains and depressional areas of a watershed. Many wetlands receive and store floodwaters, thus slowing and reducing downstream flow. Wetlands perform a variety of ecosystem functions including food web support, habitat for insects and other invertebrates, fish and wildlife habitat, filtering of waterborne and dry-deposited anthropogenic pollutants, carbon storage, water flow regulation (e.g., flood abatement), groundwater recharge, and other human and economic benefits.

Wetlands, and other riparian and sensitive areas, provide habitat for insects and other invertebrates that are critical food sources to a variety of wildlife species, particularly birds. There are species that depend on these areas during all parts of their lifecycle for food, overwintering, and reproductive habitat. Other species use wetlands and riparian areas for one or two specific functions or parts of the lifecycle, most commonly for food resources. In addition, these areas produce substantial plant growth that serves as a food source to herbivores (wild and domesticated) and a secondary food source to carnivores.

Wetlands slow the flow of water through the vegetation and soil, and pollutants are often held in the soil.

In addition, because the water is slowed, sediments tend to fall out, thus improving water quality and reducing turbidity downstream.

These natural floodplain functions associated with the natural or relatively undisturbed floodplain that moderates flooding, such as wetland areas, are critical for maintaining water quality, recharging groundwater, reducing erosion, redistributing sand and sediment, and providing fish and wildlife habitat.

Preserving and protecting these areas and associated functions are a vital component of sound floodplain management practices for the City.

Wetlands in the City are shown in Figure A-10 and detailed in Table A-9. 580
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-18
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Figure A-10 City of Amador City – Wetlands Areas
Table A-9 City of Amador City – Wetland Types and Acreages Wetlands Area Type Wetlands Count Wetlands Area (in Acres) Freshwater Emergent Wetland 1 0.53
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 2 2.17
Freshwater Pond* 2 0.52
Lake 0 0.00
Riverine 4 0.58
Amador City Total 9 3.81
Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service
*This pond is actually the wastewater treatment holding pond for the City.

Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic and cultural resources are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these properties and locations can be at risk. The City of Amador City has a stock of historically significant homes, public buildings, and landmarks. The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) was the primary source of information. OHP administers the National Register of 581
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-19
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Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and the California Points of Historical Interest programs. Each program has different eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. These requirements are detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. Table A-10 shows 1 historic building in the City in the OHP Database.

Table A-10 City of Amador City – Historic Resources
Resource Name (Plaque Number)
National
Register
State
Landmark
Point of
Interest Date Listed
City/
Community
Amador City (P498) X 5/5/1977 Amador City
Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation. Retrieved 12/3/2024.

It should be noted that these lists may not be complete, as they may not include those currently in the nomination process and not yet listed. Additionally, as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), any property over 50 years of age is considered a historic resource and is potentially eligible for the National Register. Thus, in the event that the property is to be altered, or has been altered, as the result of a major federal action, the property must be evaluated under the guidelines set forth by CEQA and NEPA. Structural mitigation projects are considered alterations for the purpose of this regulation.

The following historical sites have been locally designated by the Amador County Historical Society and/ or the Amador Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee, and included in the California History Plan Inventory of Historic Features (1973).
➢ Amador Hotel
➢ Keystone Mine and Mine House Inn
➢ Imperial Hotel
➢ False Front Buildings
Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Amador City to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the economic assets and community activities of value in the City.

Economic Assets
After a disaster, economic resiliency is one of the major drivers of a speedy recovery. Each community has specific economic drivers. These include:
➢ Primary Economic Sectors
➢ Major employers
➢ Commercial Centers
In the City of Amador City, this includes hospitality and tourism (many wine tasting areas in and near the City).
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Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section A.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, these City’s economic assets may be vulnerable Community Activities of Value
Inventorying economic assets in the City and their vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying activities that have value to the community. This includes activities that are important to a community, like long-standing traditions such as a festival or fair. Some areas rely on seasonal industries to sustain them throughout the year. Many of these activities also provide economic benefits to the City. A hazard event that cancels or shortens these can affect a community’s livelihood and can make disaster recovery more difficult or prolonged. This includes activities such as:
➢ Festivals and Fairs
➢ Sporting Events
➢ Tourism
➢ Local Pools
➢ Local Splash Pools
The City noted the following community activities of value:
➢ Dancing in the Streets Festivals (3 times per year)
➢ Dia de los Muertos
➢ Holiday Tree Lighting
➢ Long Table Meal on Main St. for community and visitors. ➢ Holiday Fairs
Note: This inventory of community activities of value only occurs in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section A.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the City’s community activities of value may be vulnerable.

Growth and Development Trends
As part of the planning process, the City looked at changes in growth and development, both current and future, and examined these changes in the context of hazard-prone areas, and how the changes in growth and development affect loss estimates and vulnerability over time.

Land Use
State planning law requires that the land use element of a general plan include a statement of the standard population density, building intensity, and allowed uses for the various land use designations in the plan (Government Code Section 65302(a)). The Amador City Municipal Code provides detailed land use and development standards for development. The Land Use Map for the City of Amador City is shown on Figure A-11.
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-21
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Figure A-11 City of Amador City – Land Use
Source: City of Amador City
Population Trends and Projections
There are no future City population projections. Amador County as a whole is expected to slowly continue to increase in population. As such, it is assumed that the City may see slow population growth as well.

Development since 2020 Plan
Development has occurred in the City since the last plan. Some of this has occurred in hazard prone areas.

The City Planning Department tracked total building permits issued since 2020 for the City. These are tracked by total development, property use type, and hazard risk area. These are shown in Table A-11 and Table A-12.

Table A-11 City of Amador City – Total Development Since 2020 Property Use 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 0 0 0 0 1
Commercial 0 0 0 0 0
Industrial 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0
Source: City of Amador City Planning Department
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-22
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Table A-12 City of Amador City – Development in Hazard Areas since 2020 Property Use 1% Annual Chance
Flood
Levee Protected
Area
Wildfire Risk Area1 Other
Total 0 0 1 0
Source: City of Amador City Planning Department
1Moderate or higher wildfire risk area
Only one new development occurred in the City since the 2020 LHMP, This development occurred in the high wildfire risk areas. It was completed in accordance with all current and applicable development codes, including wildfire codes and other applicable standards and should be adequately protected. Thus, with the exception of more people living in the area potentially exposed to natural hazards, this growth does not increase the vulnerability of the City to identified priority hazards.

Future Development Areas
It is important to review future development plans for the City. Future development should be sited in areas that are away from known hazard risks. If this is not possible, mitigation should be done to ensure that future development is protected against future hazards.

GIS Analysis
The City noted that there is limited development in the City planned. Two locations were provided by the City where residential single-family homes are likely to be built in the next five years. These are shown on Figure A-12 and detailed in Table A-13.
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-23
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Figure A-12 City of Amador City – Future Development Areas Table A-13 City of Amador City – Parcels and Acres in Future Development Areas Property Use
/ Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Residential Single-Family Home
A 1 0 1 0.99 0 0.99
B 1 1 0 3.44 3.44 0
Grand Total 2 1 1 4.43 3.44 0.99
Source: City of Amador City
A.4.2. Hazard Identification
The City of Amador City identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance specific to the City (see Table A-14).

Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table A-14 are considered priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact in the City were determined to be of low significance and not considered a priority hazard. Significance was determined based on the hazard profile, focusing on key criteria such as frequency, extent, and resulting damage, 586
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance of a hazard. This assessment was used to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. 587
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table A-14 City of Amador City—Hazard Identification Assessment Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Likelihood of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Extensive
(Bark Beetles)
Highly Likely Critical Low Medium
Avalanche Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Extensive Likely Critical Low --
Dam Failure Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Drought & Water shortage (w/
tree mortality)
Extensive Likely Critical Low High
Earthquake (w/subhazards) Extensive Unlikely Negligible Low Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual
chance (w/ levee failure)
Limited Unlikely Limited Low Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Extensive Likely Limited Medium Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris
Flow
Significant Occasional Limited Medium Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme
Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Limited Likely Negligible Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Highly Limited Medium High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains
and Storms (Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Highly Likely Limited Medium Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds
and Tornadoes
Extensive Highly Likely Limited Medium Medium
Wildfire (w/smoke and air
quality)
Extensive Highly Likely Catastrophic High Medium
Geographic Extent
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Likelihood of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or happens
every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 10 years or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance
of occurrence in the next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of
occurrence in next 100 years, or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every
100 years.

Magnitude/Severity
Catastrophic: More than 50 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days; and/or multiple deaths Critical: 25-50 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability
Limited: 10-25 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent disability
Negligible: Less than 10 percent of property severely damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid
Significance
Low: Minimal potential impact
Medium: Moderate potential impact
High: Widespread potential impact
Climate Change Influence
Low: Minimal potential impact
Medium: Moderate potential impact
High: Widespread potential impact
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-26
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A.4.3. Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards This section includes the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessment for hazards ranked of medium or high significance specific to the City of Amador City (as identified in the Significance column of Table A-14) and also includes a hazard profile and vulnerability assessment to the four primary hazards to the State of California: dam failure, earthquake, flood, and wildfire, regardless of the significance ranking by the City. Chapter 4 of the Base Plan provides more detailed information about these hazards and their impacts on the Amador County Planning Area. Methodologies for evaluating vulnerabilities and calculating loss estimates are the same as those described in Section 4.2 of the Base Plan.

Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability Assessment
Each hazard is profiled in the following format:
➢ Hazard Profile – A hazard profile is included for each hazard. This includes information on:
✓ Hazard Overview – A general discussion of the hazard and related issues is detailed here. ✓ Location and Extent – Location is the geographic area within the City that is affected by the hazard. Extent is the expected range of intensity for each hazard. These are discussed in specific detail for mapped hazards, and in more general detail for those hazards that do not have discrete mapped hazard areas.
✓ Past Occurrences – Past occurrences are discussed for each hazard. A discussion of disaster declarations is included in each hazard section. NCDC events are also discussed. Other past occurrences data specific to the City follow the disaster declarations and NCDC events for each hazard.
✓ Climate Change – This section contains the effects of climate change (as applicable). The possible influence of climate change on the hazard is discussed.

After the hazard profile, a vulnerability assessment is presented. As part of the vulnerability assessment, an estimate of the vulnerability of the City to each identified hazard, in addition to the estimate of risk of future occurrence, is provided in each of the hazard-specific sections. Vulnerability is measured in general, qualitative terms and is a summary of the potential impact based on past occurrences, spatial extent, and damage and casualty potential. It is categorized into the following classifications:
➢ Extremely Low—The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is very minimal to nonexistent.
➢ Low—Minimal potential impact. The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is minimal.
➢ Medium—Moderate potential impact. This ranking carries a moderate threat level to the general population and/or built environment. Here the potential damage is more isolated and less costly than a more widespread disaster.
➢ High—Widespread potential impact. This ranking carries a high threat to the general population and/or built environment. The potential for damage is widespread. Hazards in this category may have occurred in the past.
➢ Extremely High—Very widespread with catastrophic impact. 589
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After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
➢ Local Concerns – This includes City provided information on how the City is uniquely affected by or vulnerable to each hazard.
➢ Assets at Risk – A discussion of the assets at risk follows, presented in the same order as in Section A.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures; Critical Facilities and Infrastructure, and Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources. These are discussed in specific terms for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped. Sections on Community Lifelines and Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value are not included in the Sections below, as they are fully covered in Section A.4.1 above and in chapter 4 of the Base Plan.
➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the City and its assets. The type and severity of impacts reflect both the potential magnitude of the hazard and the vulnerability of the asset.
➢ Future Conditions/Future Development – A discussion of how future conditions and future development may affect the hazard is also included. This is addressed specifically for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped.

Power Interruption/Power Failure: A Common Vulnerability of all Hazards An impact of almost all hazards evaluated as part of this LHMP Update relates to power shortage and/or power failures. The US power grid crisscrosses the country, bringing electricity to homes, offices, factories, warehouses, farms, traffic lights and even campgrounds. According to statistics gathered by the U.S.

Department of Energy, major blackouts are on the upswing. Incredibly, over the past two decades, blackouts impacting at least 50,000 customers have increased 124 percent. The electric power industry does not have a universal agreement for classifying disruptions. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that different types of outages are possible so that plans may be made to handle them effectively. In addition to blackouts, brownouts can occur. A brownout is an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. Intentional brownouts are used for load reduction in an emergency.

Electric power disruptions can be generally grouped into two categories: intentional and unintentional.

More information on types of power disruptions can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
An intentional disruption type of power shortage/failure event has been recently implemented in California as a result of wildfires starting as a result of downed power lines or electrical equipment. This was the case for the Camp Fire in 2018. As a result, California’s three largest energy companies (including PG&E), at the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), are preparing all Californians for the threat of wildfires and power outages during times of extreme (fire) weather. To help protect customers and communities during extreme fire weather events, electric power may be shut off for public safety in an effort to proactively prevent wildfire. This is called a PSPS. More information on PSPS criteria can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-28
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), and they help prevent falling tree branches, animals and other hazards from starting a wildfire. By stopping ignitions, it helps prevent wildfires from starting and spreading. According to PG&E, if ignitions occur, the size of fires are much smaller due to EPSS. In 2022, there was a 99% decrease in acres impacted by ignitions (as measured by fire size from electric distribution equipment (compared to the 2018-2020 average). This decrease occurred despite dry conditions.

Local Concerns
The City noted that there was one PSPS events during the Caldor Fire that affected the City. The City also had three power outages in 2024. There were warnings of PSPS events in 2025, but they did not ultimately materialize.

Dam Failure
Note: though a low significance hazard in the City, due to its importance in the County and in the State of California, this hazard is profiled here. It is not considered a priority for mitigation planning purposes.

Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–Low
Hazard Profile
Dams are manmade structures built for a variety of uses including flood protection, power generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood protection, they are usually engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence. For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a certain probability of occurring in any given year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped or fail. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States.

Dam failure is a natural disaster from two perspectives. First, the inundation from released waters resulting from dam failure is related to naturally occurring floodwaters. Second, a total dam failure would most probably happen as a consequence of the natural disaster triggering the event, such as an earthquake.

Location and Extent
An inventory map of dams located within Amador County was shown in Section 4.3.9 in the Base Plan.

Dams with an inundation area within the City of Amador City are not shown in this annex, as there are no inundation areas that intersect the City.

There is no scale with which to measure dam failure. However, FEMA and CA DWR Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) assign hazard potential classifications to dams within the State that provides information on the potential impact should a dam fail. The following two factors are considered when assigning hazard ratings: existing land use and land use controls (zoning) downstream of the dam. FEMA categorizes the downstream hazard potential into three categories in increasing severity: Low, Significant, and High.

DSOD adds a fourth category of Extremely High. Dams are classified in these four categories that identify 591
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October 2025
the potential hazard to life and property. These were discussed in more detail in Section 4.3.9 of the Base Plan.

While a dam may fill slowly with runoff from winter storms, a dam break has a very quick speed of onset.

The duration of dam failure is generally not long – only as long as it takes to empty the reservoir of water the dam held back. For dam overtopping, the speed of onset is somewhat slower than that of a dam break, and the duration is longer (as evidenced in the 2017 Oroville Dam spillway event). The City would be affected for as long as the flood waters from the dam failure took to drain downstream.

Geographic flood extent are not shown, as there are no mapped dam inundation areas in the City. As such, the City does not consider dam failure a priority hazard for mitigation planning purposes. Significance and priority of a hazard was determined based on frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance and priority of a hazard. This assessment was used by the City to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. As such, no additional analysis is presented for this hazard, due to its low significance in the City. Further, as a non-priority hazard, it will not be carried forward into the mitigation strategy for the City.

Earthquake
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–Low
Note: though a low significance hazard in the City, due to its importance in the County and in the State of California, this hazard is profiled here. It is not considered a priority for mitigation planning purposes.

Hazard Profile
An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. Stresses in the earth’s outer layer push the sides of the fault together. Stress builds up, and the rocks slip suddenly, releasing energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that is felt during an earthquake. Earthquakes can cause structural damage, injury, and loss of life, as well as damage to infrastructure networks, such as water, power, gas, communication, and transportation. Earthquakes may also cause collateral emergencies including dam and levee failures, seiches, hazmat incidents, fires, avalanches, and landslides. The degree of damage depends on many interrelated factors. Among these are: the magnitude, focal depth, distance from the causative fault, source mechanism, duration of shaking, high rock accelerations, type of surface deposits or bedrock, degree of consolidation of surface deposits, presence of high groundwater, topography, and the design, type, and quality of building construction.

Location and Extent
Since earthquakes are regional events, the whole of the City is at risk to earthquake. The City of Amador City, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards.

Faults in and around the City were shown in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. These include the Carson 592
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Range, Great Valley, and Rogers-Hayward Creek faults. A significant seismic event on any of these major faults could cause damage in the City of Amador City.

The amount of energy released during an earthquake is usually expressed as a magnitude and is measured directly from the earthquake as recorded on seismographs. An earthquake’s magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimals (e.g., 6.8). Seismologists have developed several magnitude scales, as discussed in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan.

Another measure of earthquake severity is intensity. Intensity is an expression of the amount of shaking at any given location on the ground surface. Seismic shaking is typically the greatest cause of losses to structures during earthquakes. The City is located in an area where earthquakes of some magnitude occur, so both magnitude and intensity of earthquakes are expected to remain moderate. Seismic shaking maps for the area in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan show Amador County and the City fall within a low to moderate shake risk.

As such, the City does not consider earthquake a priority hazard for mitigation planning purposes.

Significance and priority of a hazard was determined based on frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance and priority of a hazard. This assessment was used by the City to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. As such, no additional analysis is presented for this hazard, due to its low significance in the City. Further, as a non-priority hazard, it will not be carried forward into the mitigation strategy for the City.

Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (1%)/Unlikely (0.2%) Vulnerability–Low
Note: though a low significance hazard in the City, due to its importance in the County and in the State of California, this hazard is profiled here. It is not considered a priority for mitigation planning purposes.

Hazard Profile
This hazard analyzes the FEMA DFIRM 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods. These tend to be the larger floods that can occur in the City and have caused damage in the past. Flooding is a minor problem in the City. Historically, the City has been at some risk to flooding primarily during the winter and spring months when river systems in the City swell with heavy rainfall and snowmelt runoff. The City has also been at risk during atmospheric river flood events. Normally, storm floodwaters are kept within defined limits by a variety of storm drainage and flood control measures located throughout the Amador County Planning Area and the City of Amador City.

Location and Extent
The City of Amador City is located outside of the FEMA DFIRM 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones.

This is seen in Figure A-13.
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-31
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-13 City of Amador City – FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table A-15 details the DFIRM mapped flood zones located within the City.

Table A-15 City of Amador City– DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones Flood Zone Description Present in City of Amador City
A 1% annual chance flooding: No base flood elevations
provided
AE 1% annual chance flooding: Base flood elevations
provided
AE Regulatory Floodway 1% annual chance flood: Regulatory floodway; Base flood elevations provided
AH 1% annual chance flood areas of shallow flooding
between one to three feet deep. Regulatory floodway;
Base flood elevations provided
Shaded X 0.2% annual chance flooding: The areas between the limits of the 1% annual chance flood and the 0.2-
percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood
X (unshaded) No flood hazard X
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
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October 2025
Additionally, flood extents can generally be measured in volume, velocity, and depths of flooding.

Expected flood depths in the City vary, depending on the nature and extent of a flood event; specific depths are unknown but are thought to be low. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, due to the amount of water that flows through the City.

Geographical flood extents for the City from the FEMA DFIRMs are not tabulated, as the entire City is outside of the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains.

California Department of Water Resources Best Available Maps (BAM) The FEMA regulatory maps provide just one perspective on flood risks in the City. Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), enacted in 2007, authorized the California DWR to develop the Best Available Maps (BAM) displaying 100- and 200-year floodplains for areas located within the Nevada-San Joaquin (SAC-SJ) Valley watershed.

This effort was completed by DWR in 2008. DWR has expanded the BAM to cover all counties in the State and to include 500-year floodplains.

Different than the FEMA DFIRMs which have been prepared to support the NFIP and reflect only the 100- year event risk, the BAMs are provided for informational purposes and are intended to reflect current 100- , 200-(as applicable), and 500-year event risks using the best available data. The 100-year floodplain limits on the BAM are a composite of multiple 100-year floodplain mapping sources. It is intended to show all currently identified areas at risk for a 100-year flood event, including FEMA’s 100-year floodplains. The BAM are comprised of different engineering studies performed by FEMA, Corps, and DWR for assessment of potential 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplain areas. These studies are used for different planning and/or regulatory applications, and for each flood frequency may use varied analytical and quality control criteria depending on the study type requirements. The value in the BAMs is that they provide a bigger picture view of potential flood risk to the City than that provided in the FEMA DFIRMs. The BAM map for the City of Amador City is shown in Figure A-14.
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-33
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-14 City of Amador City – Best Available Map
Source: California DWR
Legend explanation: Blue - FEMA 100-Year, Orange – Local 100-Year (developed from local agencies), Red – DWR 100-year (Awareness floodplains identify the 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures.), Pink – USACE 100- Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Yellow – USACE 200-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Tan – FEMA 500-Year, Grey – Local 500-Year (developed from local agencies), Purple – USACE 500-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study).

The City does not consider 1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding to be a priority hazard for mitigation planning purposes. Significance and priority of a hazard was determined based on frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance and priority of a hazard. This assessment was used by the City to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. As such, no additional analysis is presented for this hazard, due to its low significance in the City. Further, as a non-priority hazard, it will not be carried forward into the mitigation strategy for the City.

Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Flooding occurs in areas other than the FEMA mapped 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. Flooding may be from drainages not studied by FEMA, lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure, or inadequate maintenance. Localized, stormwater flooding occurs throughout the City during the rainy season from 596
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
November through April. Prolonged heavy rainfall (including that from atmospheric river events) contributes to a large volume of runoff resulting in high peak flows of moderate duration.

Location and Extent
The City of Amador City is subject to localized flooding throughout the City. Areas prone to localized flooding are included in Table A-16 below. Flood extents are usually measured in areas affected, velocity of flooding, and depths of flooding. Expected flood depths in the City vary by location. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Localized flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, especially when antecedent rainfall has soaked the ground and reduced its capacity to absorb additional moisture.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no state or federal disaster declarations from localized floods. There would most likely have been localized flood events during the disaster declarations from flood as shown in the previous 1%/0.2% annual chance flood section.

NCDC Events
The NCDC occurrences of localized flooding are included in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood hazard profile above where past flood events were noted.

City of Amador City Events
The City noted that localized flooding occurs throughout portions of the City annually. Historical data indicates that flooding of Amador Creek is a concern. Peak flows have not remained within normal creek limits. Flooding along Amador Creek can occur during heavy or prolonged rains and generally affects houses, some businesses, and the sewer plant and pipelines. The City noted the following specific flood events:
➢ In both 1995 and 1997 there were retaining wall collapses and sewer lines were washed out. The City received FEMA assistance. Repairs to the retaining wall were estimated at $150,000. ➢ 2017 landslides were caused by heavy rains and flooding in three different areas: Fleehart, Water Street and God’s Hill. The City received FEMA assistance for the God’s Hill area of approximately $5,000.

No FEMA assistance was provided for the other two areas as damages were limited to private property. ➢ In 2017, Amador Creek flood walls washed out. There was no FEMA assistance given for this event as the impacted area was determined to be on private property.

Since 2020, flooding in Sierra-fed creeks and rivers in Jackson and Sutter Creek has similarly affected local travel, city businesses, and school closures-- peripheral impacts. The City noted that during periods of atmospheric river flooding, the City has seen localized floods. This occurred in 2023 in the City. 597
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October 2025
Climate Change and Localized Flood
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from localized flood. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Even if average annual rainfall may decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century, increasing the likelihood of overwhelming stormwater systems built to historical rainfall averages. This makes localized flooding more likely.

Vulnerability to Localized Flood
Flood vulnerability and their impacts vary by location and severity of any given flood event and will likely only affect certain areas of the City during specific times. Based on the risk assessment, it is evident that floods will continue to have potentially significant impacts to certain areas of the City. However, while flooding can cause significant impacts, depending on the duration and volume of precipitation and the drainage in any given area, many of the floods in the City are minor, localized flood events that are more of a nuisance than a disaster.

Many areas of the City are at some measure of vulnerability to localized flooding. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to localized flooding begins with an understanding of local exposure to localized flooding. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Historically, the City has been affected by flooding of streams and creeks occurring during heavy rain and storm (including atmospheric river) events. Additional development in the City and in the watersheds of these streams affects both the frequency and duration of damaging floods through an increase in stormwater runoff and contributes to localized flooding occurring in areas throughout the City. The lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure in the City contributes to localized flooding issues. The City noted that many of their drains and manholes are old and are at risk to infiltration and inflow from excess rains.

Vegetation management and debris cleaning efforts are constantly underway along Amador Creek but are always needed. The City is pursuing a stormwater master plan in the near future.

The City tracks localized flooding areas. Affected localized flood areas identified by the City of Amador City are summarized in Table A-16.
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October 2025
Table A-16 City of Amador City – List of Localized Flooding Problem Areas Area Name Flooding Pavement
Deterioration
Washout High
Water
Landslide/
Mudslide
Debris Downed
Trees
Along Amador Creek X X X X X
Source: City of Amador City
Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from localized flood include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
People and populations (including vulnerable populations) are traditionally not highly vulnerable to localized flooding, but their structures and contents can be at risk. Localized flooding may also cause transportation issues as roads and lanes are impacted or closed and affect the ability for people to travel throughout the City.

Structures
Structures in areas with localized flooding can be affected if floodwaters intrude into the structure.

Structures in low lying areas, or those with basements can be at greater risk. Buildings with older foundations that are prone to water intrusion are also at greater risk. Once water finds its way into a structure, it tends to continue to do so until the path that brings water into a structure is mitigated. Structures can also be damaged by trees that have become uprooted and fall during rain and storm events. Large trees falling onto structures can cause significant damage.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Localized flooding, while often more of a nuisance, can cause damage to critical facilities and infrastructure during a heavy rain and storm event. Any facility that experiences localized flooding can be impacted.

Utilities and other critical infrastructure can all be affected, causing interruptions in service until repairs can be made. For example, water and wastewater systems can be vulnerable to heavy rains and flood events. Rainfall creates a high water table, surging streams and creeks, and saturates soil. Infiltration of stormwater into water and wastewater systems may occur and presents a threat to public health and safety, when the infrastructure is no longer able to meet operational needs and local demands. Other critical facilities such as roads, bridges and other transportation facilities can also experience localized flooding causing road closures and other impacts until storm waters recede. This can result in extended road closures requiring alternate routes.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-37
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October 2025
impervious surfaces. Flooding can provide many benefits to the natural environment, including recharging wetlands and groundwater, increasing fish production, creating wildlife habitat, and rejuvenating soil fertility. These smaller localized flooding events often provide more benefits to the environment in comparison to negative impacts associated with large flood events. Historic and cultural resources may be at some measure of vulnerability if they are located in areas subject to repeated localized flooding.

Impacts from Localized Flood
Primary concerns associated with stormwater flooding include impacts to infrastructure that provide a means of ingress and egress throughout the community. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage to trees, structures, roadways and other critical infrastructure. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can break utility lines and interrupt services. Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, and foundations. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, losses of environmental resources, and certain health hazards.

Life safety issues from localized flooding would be more limited. The amount and type of damage or flooding that occurs varies from year to year and from storm to storm, depending on the quantity of precipitation and runoff.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the Likelihood of Future Occurrence discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-38
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effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future localized flood conditions. In addition, there are only two parcels in possible development in the next five years.

Depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Future development in the City will add more impervious surfaces causing an increase in stormwater runoff and the continued need to drain these waters. The City will need to be proactive to ensure that increased development has proper siting and drainage for stormwaters. Currently, the City requires a 50’ setback from the creek for all new development. The risk of localized flooding to future development can also be minimized by accurate recordkeeping of repetitive localized storm activity. Mitigating the root causes of the localized stormwater flooding will reduce future risks of losses.

Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Like its earthquake‐generating faults, California’s mountainous terrain is a consequence of dynamic geologic processes in operation as the North American Plate grinds past the Pacific Plate. According to the CGS, a landslide is a general term for a variety of mass-movement processes that generate a down-slope movement of mud, soil, rock, and/or vegetation. Landslides are classified into many different types based on form and type of movement. They range from slow‐moving rotational slumps and earth flows, which can slowly distress structures but are less threatening to personal safety, to fast‐moving rock avalanches and debris flows that are a serious threat to structures and have been responsible for most fatalities during landslide events. For the purposes of this LHMP Update, the term landslide includes mudslides, debris flows, and rockfalls that tend to occur suddenly; as well as hillside erosion, which is a similar process that tends to occur on smaller scales and more gradually but can exacerbate landslide events.

Landslides, debris flows and mudslides are closely related to flooding, as both processes are related to precipitation, runoff, and the saturation of ground by water. In addition, landslides, mud flows, and debris flows can occur on small, steep stream channels and are often mistaken for floods. However, landslide events may be much more destructive than floods because of their higher densities, high debris loads, and high velocities.

Soil erosion is another common form of soil instability. Erosion is a function of soil type, slope, rainfall intensity, and groundcover. It accounts for a loss in many dollars of valuable soil, is aesthetically displeasing, and often induces even greater rates of erosion and sedimentation. Sedimentation is simply the accumulation of soil as a result of erosion. Construction activities often contribute greatly to erosion and sedimentation. Besides being a pollutant in its own right, sediment acts as a transport medium for other pollutants, especially nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals, which adhere to the eroded soil particles. As the sediment drains into watercourses, the combination of these pollutants adversely affects water quality. 601
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-39
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Natural conditions that contribute to landslide, mudslides, debris flows, hillside and streambank erosion, include the following:
➢ Degree of slope
➢ Water (heavy rain, river flows, or wave action)
➢ Unconsolidated soil or soft rock and sediments
➢ Lack of vegetation (no stabilizing root structure)
➢ Previous wildfires and other forest disturbances (discussed in the Wildfire section below) ➢ Road building, excavation, and grading
➢ Earthquake
The 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that more than one third of California is mountainous terrain that generally trends parallel to the coast, forming a barrier that captures moisture from offshore storms originating in the Gulf of Alaska and Mexico. Steep topography, weak rocks, heavy winter rains, and occasional earthquakes all lead to slope failures more frequently than would otherwise occur under gravity alone. This is true in the sloped areas in the City where the topography is characterized by rolling hills.

Location and Extent
Landslides can occur in areas with steep slopes and weak soils. It can also occur in areas where erosion has previously occurred. Both winter storms (precipitation-induced) and earthquake triggered landslides tend to occur in or near places that have experienced previous landslides. However, landslides may also occur in other locations over time. Landslides may also occur in fire burn scar areas.

Figure A-15 shows the CGS areas at susceptible to deep-seated landslides. The legend on Figure A-15 shows the susceptibility scale (from 0-X with 0 being the least and X being the most susceptible) that the CGS uses to show the susceptibility of landslides. It is a primarily a combination of slope class and rock strength. Geographic extents of these classes are shown on Table A-17. According to the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan, the susceptibility classes were further categorized into Very High (susceptibility class X) and High (susceptibility classes VII, VIII, & IX) for exposure analysis. The rest of the classes were not categorized. CGS mapping indicates that many portions of the City and surrounding area are at moderate to high susceptibility areas for landslides. This can be seen in the darker orange and red colors.

The speed of onset of landslide is often short, especially in past landslide areas as well as in post-wildfire burn scar areas, but it can also take years for a slope to fail. Landslide duration is usually short, though digging out and repairing landslide areas can take some time. 602
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Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-40
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-15 City of Amador City – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides Classes Table A-17 City of Amador City – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Geographical Extents by Class
Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide ClassTotal
Acres
% of
Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
0 34 17% 13 22% 21 15%
III 57 29% 21 35% 36 26%
V 0 0.0% 0 0.0% - 0.0%
VI 59 30% 16 26% 43 31%
VII 43 22% 9 14% 34 25%
VIII 5 2% 2 3% 3 2%
IX 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Amador City Total 198 100% 61 100% 137 100%
Source: CGS Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides – CGS Map Sheet 58 603
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-41
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no disaster declarations associated with solely landslides in Amador County; however, as shown in Table A-18, there have been 9 state and 10 federal disaster declarations for flood which included landslides as a component.

Table A-18 Amador County – Federal and State Disaster Declarations Summary 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (events that
included landslide)
9 1995 (twice), 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (twice)
10 1995 (twice), 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA. Retrieved March 2025.

NCDC Events
The NCDC contains no records for landslides in Amador County, but there was one record for debris flow.

This was not known to affect the City.

City of Amador City Past Occurrences
The City Planning Team noted a landslide in 2017 after heavy rains. These 2017 landslides were caused by heavy rains and flooding in three different areas: Fleehart, Water Street and God’s Hill. The City received FEMA assistance for the God’s Hill area of approximately $5,000. No FEMA assistance was provided for the other two areas as damages were limited to private property.

In addition to the above landslides, a minor landslide also occurred as a result of the heavy 2017 rains on Amador Creek Road. The City noted no other landslides since the 2020 LHMP.

Climate Change and Landslide and Debris Flows
According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), climate change may result in precipitation extremes (i.e., wetter wet periods and drier dry periods). More information on precipitation increases can be found in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan. While total average annual rainfall may decrease only slightly, rainfall is predicted to occur in fewer, more intense precipitation events. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought and wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour is likely to cause more mudslides, landslides, and debris flows.

Vulnerability from Landslide
Portions of the City are at some measure of vulnerability to landslide. This is true when atmospheric river or heavy rain and storm events occur. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to landslide begins with an understanding of local exposure to landslide. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard. 604
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-42
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

Amador City is located in an area of hills and steep slopes creating a potential for washouts and landslides during periods of heavy rains. Specific areas of concern include God’s Hill Road, Fleehart, and Water Street and other sloped areas throughout the City. The City also noted there is an area just above (in elevation) the wastewater treatment plan that is at risk to landslide. A portion of this is on City land, while a portion is on private land. The City is looking to build a retaining wall on City owned land to keep slippage from happening at the base of the hill in order to protect the wastewater treatment plant.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from landslide include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations located within areas of landslide susceptibility, especially in the High to Very High hazard areas (i.e., Classes VII to X) are at some vulnerability to landslide. This includes those people residing in these landslide potential areas as well as those that might reside or work within the landslide run out areas.

People residing in these areas may also be cut off from transportation routes if roads and streets providing a means of ingress and egress are impacted. Certain vulnerable populations may be at greater risk due to the often sudden onset of a landslide event and include: the unsheltered, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

City residents that live in the High and Very High landslide susceptibility areas are often the most vulnerable, but those who live in in the landslide run out areas (which are not mapped) are also vulnerable.

Not only are the residents at risk, but their homes and contents are all at risk, compounding the impacts associated with significant hazard events. To further evaluate the impact to the City’s residential population residing within these hazard areas, an analysis was conducted of those who physically reside in the mapped landslide susceptibility areas. The CGS Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide maps were overlayed on the parcel layer and linked to the assessor data. Those residential parcel polygons that intersect the High or Very High risk areas (Class VII or higher) were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for Amador City – 2.07. Analysis results are shown in Table A-19. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 54 residents of the City at high or very high risk to landslides.

Table A-19 City of Amador City – Improved Residential Parcels and Population in Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides - Classes VII, VIII, IX, and X Deep Seated Landslide
Class/Jurisdiction
Improved Residential Parcels Population
VII
Amador City 26 54
605
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-43
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Deep Seated Landslide
Class/Jurisdiction
Improved Residential Parcels Population
VIII
Amador City 4 8
IX
Amador City 0 0
X
Amador City 0 0
Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

The City noted that the Critical Facilities and Infrastructure section below includes the facilities used by At-Risk populations that are threatened by this hazard. While this is not specific to what special populations reside in the City, it does speak to facilities that area used to serve (portions) of this population.

Structures
Landslides can affect the built environment of the City and those structures located within the High to Very High hazard areas (i.e., Classes VII to X) are especially vulnerable, as are the structures located within the landslide run out areas. The CGS Deep-Seated Landslide layer was overlaid with the City parcel (structure) layer in GIS and linked to the assessor data. The mapped landslide susceptibility areas are shown on Figure A-15. Table A-20 summarizes parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values in the City for landslide susceptibility areas. Table A-21 shows the same analysis further broken out by property use.

Table A-20 City of Amador City – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures Susceptible to Deep-Seated Landslide Classes
Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide ClassTotal
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
0 17 11 $1,295,333 $1,857,930 $1,001,341 $4,154,604
III 37 25 $4,135,446 $4,500,610 $2,669,721 $11,305,777
VI 58 41 $6,930,312 $8,059,107 $4,806,698 $19,796,117
VII 52 29 $5,069,410 $6,045,394 $3,577,490 $14,692,294
VIII 16 5 $1,693,876 $615,265 $310,108 $2,619,249
Amador City Total 180 111 $19,124,377 $21,078,306 $12,365,357 $52,568,040 Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data
606
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-44
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table A-21 City of Amador City – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes by Property Use
Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide
Class/Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
III
Agricultural 2 1 $417,023 $266,879 $266,879 $950,781
Commercial 13 10 $2,131,953 $2,282,596 $2,282,596 $6,697,145 Miscellaneous 5 1 $17,407 $11,604 $0 $29,011
Residential 72 49 $7,473,658 $9,226,621 $4,613,311 $21,313,590 III Total 92 61 $10,040,041 $11,787,700 $7,162,786 $28,990,527 VI
Residential 1 0 $1,020 $0 $0 $1,020
VI Total 1 0 $1,020 $0 $0 $1,020
VII
Agricultural 3 1 $401,680 $339,466 $339,466 $1,080,612
Commercial 2 2 $438,520 $770,120 $770,120 $1,978,760
Industrial 1 0 $6,880 $0 $0 $6,880
Miscellaneous 5 0 $577 $0 $0 $577
Residential 41 26 $4,221,753 $4,935,808 $2,467,904 $11,625,465 VII Total 52 29 $5,069,410 $6,045,394 $3,577,490 $14,692,294 VIII
Agricultural 2 0 $416,016 $0 $0 $416,016
Industrial 1 1 $3,836 $2,475 $3,713 $10,024
Miscellaneous 1 0 $2,393 $0 $0 $2,393
Residential 11 4 $1,271,631 $612,790 $306,395 $2,190,816 Unknown 1 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
VIII Total 16 5 $1,693,876 $615,265 $310,108 $2,619,249 X
Residential 19 16 $2,320,030 $2,629,947 $1,314,974 $6,264,951 X Total 19 16 $2,320,030 $2,629,947 $1,314,974 $6,264,951 Amador City Total 180 111 $19,124,377 $21,078,306 $12,365,357 $52,568,040 Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Landslides present a threat to both critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each deep-seated landslide classes. Using GIS, the 607
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-45
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
deep-seated landslide classes were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure A-16 for the deep-seated landslide classes. Table A-22 summarizes Table A-23 details which critical facilities fall in which landslide class. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by deep-seated landslide class are listed in Appendix F.

Figure A-16 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes Table A-22 City of Amador City– Critical Facilities by Category in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Class / Critical Facility Category Facility Count 0 Essential Services 2
At Risk Population 0
0 Total 2
III
Essential Services 1
At Risk Population 0
608
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-46
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Class / Critical Facility Category Facility Count III Total 1
Amador City Total 3
Source: CGS, City of Amador City
Table A-23 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities by Category and Type in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class
Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count 0 Essential Services Facilities
Fire Station 1
Public Administration
Building
1 0 Total 2
III
Essential Services Facilities Post office 1
III Total 1
City of Amador City Total 3
Source: CGS, City of Amador City
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Landslides can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources that lie in the landslide area, or the landslide run out area. Landslides can destroy large tracts of forest and open space areas, destroy wildlife habitat, and remove productive soils and vegetation from slopes. It can also fill in waterways, impact water quality, and potentially affect flooding potential. Natural resources that fall in the High or Very High susceptibility areas shown on Figure A-15 would be most vulnerable, as well as those in the run-out areas. As shown on the map, this would include a relatively small area of the developed area City, since most of this occurs in the undeveloped areas of the City.

Impacts from Landslide
Any type of landslide may result in damages or complete destruction of buildings in their path, as well as deaths and injuries. Landslides can cause road blockages by depositing debris on road surfaces or road damage if the road surface itself slides downhill. Utility lines and pipes are also prone to breakage in slide areas. Large landslides can collapse into water bodies, causing seiches. Landslides can relocate river channels. Landslides and debris flows can also impact water quality and the storage capacity of surface water reservoirs used to store potable water.

Landslides, debris flows, and mud flows impacts vary by location and severity of any given event and will likely only affect certain areas of the City susceptible to landslide. Based on the risk assessment, there is limited potential for significant landslides to occur in the City. Most, but not all, of the historic landslides in the City have been minor, localized events that are more of a nuisance than a disaster. Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
609
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-47
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Conditions/Future Development
This section provides a discussion of how future conditions will influence or affect the hazard over time and also discusses future development relative to each hazard.

Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future landslide, mudslide, and debris flow conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to landslide. ➢ Population growth in the City has recently slowed; however, additional growth within the areas at risk to deep-seated landslides in the City would place additional populations at risk. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from a landslide and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future landslide events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of landslide risk may put additional development at risk. However, there are only two parcels thought to be developed over the next five years. City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future landslide conditions. Thus, depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Future Development
Additional growth and development within moderate or higher deep-seated landslide susceptibility classes in the City would place additional values at risk to landslide. More vulnerable populations may experience a disproportionate impact from landslide, and this should be considered as development continues.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to landslides are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.
610
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-48
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
GIS Analysis
The City provided two future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each deepseated landslide class. Figure A-17 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the deep-seated landslide classes. These lie outside in the III and VII deep-seated landslide classes, as shown in Table A-24.

Figure A-17 City of Amador City – Future Development in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes Table A-24 City of Amador City – Future Development Parcels and Acres in Deep Seated Landslide Classes
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class / Property Use /
Future Development
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Unimproved
Parcel
Count
Total
Acres
Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
III
Residential Single-Family Home
A 1 0 1 0.99 0 0.99
611
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-49
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class / Property Use /
Future Development
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Unimproved
Parcel
Count
Total
Acres
Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
III Total 1 0 1 0.99 0 0.99
VII
Residential Single-Family Home
B 1 1 0 3.44 3.44 0
VII Total 1 1 0 3.44 3.44 0
Grand Total 2 1 1 4.43 3.44 0.99
Source: CGS Map Sheet 58, City of Amador City
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
According to FEMA, extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and lasts for several weeks. Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.” Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, those who are sick or overweight, and those that work or recreate outdoors are more likely to experience heat exhaustion or succumb to extreme heat.

In addition to the risks faced by citizens of the City, there are risks to the built environment from extreme heat. While extreme heat on its own does not usually affect structures, extreme heat during times of drought can cause wildfire risk to heighten. Extreme heat can lead to interruptions in power, power outages, and when combined with high winds, to Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) events, creating significant issues in the City.

Location and Extent
Heat is a regional phenomenon and affects the whole of the City. Heat emergencies are often slower to develop, taking several days of continuous, oppressive heat before a significant or quantifiable impact is seen. Heat waves do not strike victims immediately, but rather their cumulative effects slowly affect general and vulnerable populations and communities. Heat waves do not generally cause damage or elicit the immediate response of floods, fires, earthquakes, or other more “typical” disaster scenarios. The City experiences temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer and fall months. The temperature moves to 105-110°F in rather extreme situations.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-50
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
advisories or warnings are issued. The NWS HeatRisk forecast provides a quick view of heat risk potential over the upcoming seven days. The heat risk is portrayed in a numeric (0-4) and color (green/yellow/orange/red/magenta) scale which is similar in approach to the Air Quality Index (AQI) or the UV Index. This can be seen in Section 4.3.3 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations from extreme heat.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data shows 124 extreme heat incidents for Amador County since 1993, some of which likely affected the City.

City of Amador City Events
The City noted that extreme heat occurs every year, but could recall no specific events of damage, injury, or death.

Climate Change and Extreme Heat
The 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), citing a California Energy Commission study, states that “over the past 15 years, heat waves have claimed more lives in California than all other declared disaster events combined.” This study shows that California is getting warmer, leading to an increased frequency, magnitude, and duration of heat waves. These factors may lead to increased mortality from excessive heat.

As temperatures increase, California and Amador County will face increased risk of death from dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, stroke and respiratory distress caused by extreme heat. According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) report and the 2023 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan, by 2100, hotter temperatures are expected throughout the state, with projected increases of 3-5.5°F (under a lower emissions scenario) to 8-10.5°F (under a higher emissions scenario).

These changes could lead to an increase in deaths related to extreme heat in Amador County.

Vulnerability to Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, longer lasting and geographically widespread. Extreme heat occurs on an annual basis in the County and the City. In recent years, compounded by climate change conditions, summer months continue to get a bit hotter. The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to extreme heat. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to extreme heat begins with an understanding of local exposure to extreme heat. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard. 613
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-51
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

The City is concerned that only a fraction of the residents of the City have air conditioning. Many of the residents without air conditioning are elderly or disabled. A former grammar school is being restored and converted to being a cooling center. There are plans for a backup generator at this site. There is currently no public transport to this cooling center. The City is looking for ways to address this. In addition, the City is concerned that heat will stress trees weakened by drought or bark beetle, causing increased wildfire risk in the City.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from extreme heat include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations within the City are vulnerable to extreme heat, but it generally affects people spending large amounts of time outside or without means of cooling indoor structures. During extended periods of high temperatures, extreme heat may overload the demands for electricity to run air conditioners and can present health concerns to individuals. When interruptions in power occur during extreme heat, the risk of heat related illnesses and deaths increases. Extreme heat is a significant concern to vulnerable populations. The unhoused; individuals who exercise or train outdoors; outdoor workers; individuals that lack the resources to afford heat; and the young, old, or medically fragile individuals that are more susceptible to heat related impacts. In addition to vulnerable populations, pets and livestock are at risk to extreme heat conditions.

Structures
Extreme heat normally does not generally impact structures, but individuals working in structures may be affected during periods of extended heat, especially in structures that might not be equipped with air conditioning or other means of cooling. The City noted that extreme heat has caused interruptions to power in the past. Also depending on the structure, sensitive contents such as IT equipment can be impacted, especially if a power outage occurs.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Depending on their type and function, critical facilities and infrastructure can also be affected by extreme heat. Interruptions in power caused by extreme heat can lead to system failures. Schools without air conditioning may have to close or operate on a reduced schedule. 614
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-52
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets, including those located in City park areas, may be vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. These include turfed areas; landscapes, City trees, wildlife and habitat areas, and wetlands and marsh lands. In the past 20 years, trees were lost in areas of the City that were weakened by drought and extreme heat. Extreme heat may also cause drought-like conditions, contributing to other issues. For example, several weeks of extreme heat increases evapotranspiration and reduces moisture content in vegetation, leading to higher wildfire vulnerability in the region for that time period, even if the rest of the season is relatively moist. Historic and cultural resources are not expected to be affected by extreme heat.

Impacts from Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
The City experiences temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer and fall months. The temperature moves to 105-110°F in rather extreme situations. During these times, drought conditions may worsen, and the City may see an increase in dry fuels. Also, power outage and PSPS events may occur during these times as well. Health issues are a primary concern with this hazard, especially to vulnerable populations, although economic impacts can also be an issue.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the County may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile section above), changes in population patterns, and changes in land use and development. The influencing effects of these factors on this hazard are discussed further in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for City include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future extreme heat conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City.
➢ Future population growth should be considered, as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population is expected to slowly increase for the City and, as such, the vulnerability to this hazard may increase, specifically affecting growing vulnerable populations as the senior citizen population continues to reside in and age within the communities of the City. Along with this, low income and the unhoused population are at risk to extreme heat which can put strain on emergency services and shelters. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future hazard events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future extreme heat conditions. Due to adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development will likely not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard. 615
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-53
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future development of new buildings in the City will likely not be affected by extreme heat. Extreme heat is more likely to affect vulnerable populations. Vulnerability to extreme heat will increase as the average age of the population shifts. It is encouraged that nursing homes and elder care facilities have emergency plans or backup power to address power failure during times of extreme heat and in the event of a PSPS.

Low-income residents and unhoused populations are also more vulnerable and should be considered in future growth plans for the City.

Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Storms in the City occur annually and are generally characterized by heavy rain often accompanied by strong winds and sometimes lightning and hail. Approximately 10 percent of the thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States are classified as severe. A thunderstorm is classified as severe when it contains one or more of the following phenomena: hail that is three-quarters of an inch or greater, winds in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), or a tornado. Heavy precipitation in the City falls mainly in the fall, winter, and spring months. Wind often accompanies these storms; hail and lightning are rare in the City.

Location and Extent
Heavy rain events occur on a regional basis. Rains and storms can occur in any location of the City. All portions of the City are at risk to heavy rains and storms. Most of the severe rains occur during the fall, winter, and spring months in the City as discussed below (with problem flooding areas associated with heavy rains and storms shown in Table A-16 in the Flood: Localized Stormwater section). There is no scale by which heavy rains and severe storms are measured. Magnitude of storms is measured often in rainfall and damages. The speed of onset of heavy rains can be short, but accurate weather prediction mechanisms often let the public know of upcoming events. Hail and lightning are rarer in the City and Amador County.

Duration of severe storms in the City can range from minutes to hours to days. Information on precipitation extremes can be found in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
According to historical hazard data, severe weather, including heavy rains and storms, is an annual occurrence in the City. This contributes to many of the federal disaster declarations related to flooding.

Disaster declarations from flooding are shown on Table A-25. 616
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-54
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table A-25 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood (Heavy Rain and Storms) 1950-2025
Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 114 hail, heavy rain, and winter weather incidents for Amador County since 1950.

Winter weather events tend to be rain in the lower elevations of the County, while snow falls in the upper elevations.

City of Amador City Events
According to historical hazard data, severe weather, including heavy rains and storms, is an annual occurrence in the City. This is the cause of many of the state and federal disaster declarations related to flooding. Also as detailed in the flood sections of this Annex, significant events occurring since the 2014 LHMP include those associated with the heavy rains and storms during the winter of 2017. These storms caused flooding of Amador Creek and other areas with minimal drainage infrastructure throughout the City and also resulted in landslides in several areas. One of these landslide areas on God’s Hill was repaired utilizing FEMA Public Assistance (PA) funds. It was also noted, that while heavy storms occurred in 2019, no PA claims were made by the City. No other events have occurred since the 2020 LHMP causing notable damage in the City.

Climate Change and Heavy Rains and Storms
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from heavy rains and storms. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), while average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century.

It is unlikely that hail will become more common in Amador County and the City of Amador City. The amount of lightning is not projected to change.

Cal-Adapt noted that, on average, the projections show little change in total annual precipitation in California. Furthermore, among several models, precipitation projections do not show a consistent trend during the next century. Cal-Adapt modeled scenarios are shown in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan. 617
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-55
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Vulnerability to Heavy Rain and Storms
Heavy rain and severe storms are the most frequent type of severe weather occurrences in the City. These events can cause both significant and localized flooding. Flooding can be worse during times where the ground is already saturated. Wind often accompanies these storms and has caused damage in the past. Hail and lightning are rare in the City, but also can cause damage, with lightning occasionally igniting wildfires.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to heavy rain and storms. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to heavy rains and storms begins with an understanding of local exposure to heavy rain and storms. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The City is concerned about inflow and infiltration of both the sewer and storm drains in the City. The City is also concerned that heavy rains can cause erosion and slippage, which may exacerbate landslide (especially above the wastewater treatment plant). The City also noted that heavy rains and storms cause localized flooding in the City. The problem areas are shown on Table A-16 above.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from heavy rain and storms include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations (including vulnerable populations) in the City have some measure of risk to heavy rains and storms. Those populations that work or recreate outside and unhoused individuals are more vulnerable to impacts from heavy storm events. Heavy rains and storms occur every year and do not generally cause significant adverse impacts to individuals; it is the secondary hazard, flooding, which poses the biggest impact to people. Populations at risk to flooding resulting from heavy rains and storm events include those who live in floodplains (discussed in further detail in the Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance section above) and those who live in and near localized flooding areas (discussed in further detail in the Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding section above).

Structures
Structures in the City have some risk to heavy rains and storms. Structures built to modern building codes are built to withstand heavy rains and storms (including high winds and lightning). During a heavy storm, localized flooding may cause water intrusion into buildings from the outside. Trees can be downed causing impacts to structures. Older homes and buildings may be at increased risk to heavy rains and storms. Power outages during severe storm events can occur, impacting the use of structures until the power is back online. 618
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-56
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure,
Heavy rain and storms can affect critical facilities and infrastructure during large events. Power outages may occur taking facilities offline. High winds can down power lines and trees impacting facilities. Water intrusion into facilities and infrastructure can impact operations. City roads, streets, and bridges can be impacted resulting in closures restricting traffic flow in the City. In certain areas, large storms can cause erosion and localized landslides which can impact facilities. Many critical facilities are built to modern design standards that take heavy rains and storms into account when siting and building these structures, and others may need to be retrofitted to better withstand these events.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Large rain and storm events and associated flooding can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources. Silt and sediment can damage natural areas. Trees can be uprooted and downed by high winds. Extended periods of rainfall can erode natural banks along waterways and degrade soil stability for terrestrial species.

While some natural systems can be adversely impacted during these large storms, heavy rain events can also provide benefits. Groundwater and wetland areas can be recharged and water supplies replenished.

Historic and cultural resources may also be affected. Generally, the impacts are associated with damage to structures affected by large storm events, but other cultural resources such as those associated with Native Americans and old tribal areas can also be disturbed, damaged, and lost during extreme rain and storm and events.

Impacts from Heavy Rain and Storms
Impacts from heavy rains and storms include damage to property, critical facilities and infrastructure, and the natural landscape. This includes: erosion; downed trees; damaged utility structures and infrastructure; power outages; road damage and blockages; and even lightning strikes to critical infrastructure and people.

Lightning can also cause wildfires and urban fires to occur. Landsliding and erosion occur when the soil on slopes becomes oversaturated and fails. Climate change may cause these impacts to worsen.

Actual damage associated with the primary effects of severe storms and heavy rains has been somewhat limited. It is the secondary hazards caused by these severe weather events, such as floods and erosion that would likely have the greatest impact.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-57
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future heavy rain and storm conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to flooding.
➢ Population is expected to slowly increase for the City of Amador City. The vulnerability may change depending on changes to the makeup of more vulnerable populations. Certain vulnerable populations, such as the unhoused, could experience disproportional effects from this hazard. and should be addressed as the City continues to grow. Thus, changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the nature and intensity of future storm events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Changes in land use may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City. However, only two parcels and expected to be developed in the next five years. As such, very little impervious surfaces will be added. Thus, future land use and development planned in the City is unlikely to change the vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

Building codes in the City ensure that new development is built to current building standards, which should reduce the risk to future development in the City from heavy rains and storms. New critical facilities such as communications towers and others should be built to withstand hail damage, lightning, and thunderstorm winds. With adherence to development standards, future losses to new development should be minimal.

Future changes in land use, if significant, may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City.

Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornado
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
High winds, as defined by the NWS glossary, are sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater lasting for 1 hour or longer, or winds of 58 mph or greater for any duration. High winds can cause significant property damage, threaten public safety, and have adverse economic impacts from business closures and power loss.

High winds, when combined with high temperatures and low humidity can also lead to PSPS events. Winds can also drive fires in and near the City.

Portions of the City are also located in or near a special wind hazard region, which is a result of foehn winds. A foehn wind is a type of dry down-slope wind that occurs in the lee (downwind side) of a mountain range. Winds of this type are called "snow-eaters" for their ability to make snow melt or sublimate rapidly.

These types of winds are also associated with the rapid spread of wildfires, making some regions which experience these winds particularly fire prone.

Tornadoes are rotating columns of air marked by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a cumulonimbus cloud whirling at destructive speeds of up to 300 mph, usually accompanying a thunderstorm. Tornadoes form when cool, dry air sits on top of warm, moist air. Tornadoes are the most powerful storms that exist. 620
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-58
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Tornadoes, though rare, can affect areas of the City, primarily during the rainy season in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Location and Extent
The entire City is subject to significant, non-tornadic (straight-line), winds. Each area of the City is at risk to high winds. Magnitude of winds is measured often in speed and damages. These events are often part of a heavy rain and storm event but can occur outside of storms. The speed of onset of winds can be short, but accurate weather prediction mechanisms often let the public know of upcoming events. Duration of winds in California is often short, ranging from minutes to hours. The Beaufort scale is an empirical 12 category scale that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale. The Beaufort Scale was shown in Section 4.3.5 of the Base Plan.

Tornadoes, while rare, can occur at any location in the City. Prior to February 1, 2007, tornado intensity was measured by the Fujita (F) scale. This scale was revised and is now the Enhanced Fujita scale. Both scales are sets of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. The new scale (EF) provides more damage indicators (28) and associated degrees of damage, allowing for more detailed analysis and better correlation between damage and wind speed. It is also more precise because it considers the materials affected and the construction of structures damaged by a tornado. The F Scale and EF Scale are shown in Section 4.3.5 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations in the County for winds and tornadoes.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 160 high wind, 3 funnel cloud, and 0 tornado incidents for Amador County since 1950. Many of these wind events likely affected the City.

City of Amador City Past Occurrences
The City noted that high winds are an annual occurrence, but could recall no events since 2020 where damages occurred as a result of winds. No tornadoes could be recalled.

Climate Change and High Winds and Tornado
According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), while average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual thunderstorm events is likely to increase during the 21st century. This may bring stronger thunderstorm winds. The CAS does not discuss non-thunderstorm winds or tornadoes.
621
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-59
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Vulnerability to Severe Weather: High Wind and Tornadoes The City is subject to potentially destructive high winds and tornadoes. High winds are common throughout the area and can happen during most times of the entire year and outside of a severe storm event. Tornadoes are rare. High winds and tornadoes can be a significant public safety and economic concern. The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to wind and tornadoes.

An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to high winds begins with an understanding of local exposure to wind and tornadoes. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The City is in or adjacent to a special wind hazard region, which is a result of foehn winds. A foehn wind is a type of dry down-slope wind that occurs in the lee (downwind side) of a mountain range. Winds of this type are called "snow-eaters" for their ability to make snow melt or sublimate rapidly. This snow-removing ability is caused not only by warmer temperatures, but also the low relative humidity of the air mass coming over the mountain(s). High winds are also associated with the rapid spread of wildfires, making some regions which experience these winds particularly fire prone. Burn patterns of almost all historic large wildfires in the larger County indicate they occurred during foehn winds. In addition, high winds can cause power outages (including PSPS events) to occur in the City. High winds also contribute to downed trees, especially those trees that are previously compromised from recent drought conditions.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from winds and tornadoes include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations are at some vulnerability to high winds and tornadoes. Certain vulnerable populations are at the greatest risk to the effects of high winds and tornadoes. These include:
➢ The unsheltered.
➢ Citizens who reside in mobile homes.
➢ Citizens in buildings with no tornado shelter or below ground floors. ➢ Those with access and functional needs.
➢ The medically fragile experiencing power outages as a result of wind events. ➢ Those working or caught outdoors during a wind or tornado event. 622
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-60
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
All structures in the City have some measure of risk from high wind and tornadoes. Though rare, a tornado could cause damage to virtually all facilities in the tornado touchdown path. This would affect homes, businesses, commercial property, as well as government and critical facilities. During a wind or tornado event, power lines in the City can be damaged by falling trees caused by wind. High winds are a cause for PSPS events to be declared, causing power outages to occur. High winds and tornadoes could cause sparks from electric wires and other sources, which could lead to wildfire ignition. Once ignited, high winds can also cause wildfires to rapidly spread and become out of control. High wind conditions can cause wildfires to move into more urban areas destroying structures and whole subdivisions, as seen in recent wildfire events in the West.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Though most critical facilities are built to withstand winds, high wind speeds can still cause damage to critical facilities and infrastructure in the City. Though rare, a tornado could cause damage to virtually all facilities in the tornado touchdown path. Winds can cause power outages affecting system operations.

Winds can also contribute to PSPS events, and lead to out of control wildfires, which can damage critical facilities and impact their abilities to perform their critical roles in the community.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resources, such as trees, are vulnerable to winds. Increased levee and streambank erosion can occur during periods of high water and high winds. High wave action during significant wind events can impact marsh lands and habitat areas. Soil erosion can also occur during high winds. Most all natural, historic, or cultural resources are at risk to tornadoes. Tornadoes can tear apart habitats, causing fragmentation across ecosystems and can damage and destroy historic structures and cultural resources.

Impacts from Severe Weather: High Wind and Tornado
Wind and tornadoes can cause damage to property and loss of life. While most tornado damage is caused by violent winds, the majority of injuries and deaths generally result from flying debris. Property damage can include damage to buildings, fallen trees, and power lines. Local industries may also be damaged or destroyed. Access roads and streets may be blocked by debris, delaying necessary emergency response.

Winds can push automobiles off roads, damage roofs and structures, cause power outages, and cause secondary damage due to flying debris and hazardous trees. High winds can also contribute to the spread and intensity of wildfires. High winds during periods of high water can cause impacts to levees and streambanks from accelerated erosion. Climate change may affect this hazard and cause winds to increase in velocity and more tornadoes to affect the City.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-61
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wind conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City. Climate change is not likely to affect future tornado conditions. ➢ Future population growth should be considered as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City is expected to continue slowly. Vulnerable populations could experience disproportional effects from this hazard and should be planned for as development of the City continues. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future hazard events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Only two parcels are expected to be completed in the next five years. Building codes in the City ensure that new development is built to current building standards to withstand high winds, which should reduce the risk to future development in the City from high winds and tornadoes. With adherence to development standards, future losses to new development should be minimal. Changes in land use and increased development may amplify the impacts of high winds and tornadoes, as additional structures in the County increase the number of buildings at risk to high winds and tornadoes.

Future development considerations should be ongoing and proactive. Ensuring that comprehensive land use planning is conducted, regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are followed, and varying needs for different demographic groups with intersecting identities that reside within the County are considered can help make for a more resilient community. The City enforces the state building codes which includes standards for new development to minimize damage from windstorms. New and existing critical facilities and infrastructure should also consider adding backup power systems to limit impacts associated with power outages.

Wildfire (with smoke and air quality)
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Extremely High
Hazard Profile
Wildland fire and the risk of a conflagration is an ongoing concern for the City of Amador City. Throughout California, communities are increasingly concerned about wildfire safety as increased development in the foothills and mountain areas and subsequent fire control practices have affected the natural cycle of fire regimes. Wildland fires affect grass, forest, and brushlands, as well as structures. Where there is human access to wildland areas the risk of fire increases due to a greater chance for human carelessness and historical fire management practices. Historically, the fire season extends from early spring through late fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months; however, in recent years, the risk of wildfire has become a year around concern.
624
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-62
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and fuel, accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. These weather conditions can result in red flag (e.g., fire weather) days and can result in PSPS events in the City. While wildfire risk has predominantly been associated with more remote forested areas and wildland urban interface (WUI) areas, significant wildfires can also occur in more populated, urban areas. There is also the concern of wildfires occurring in these more remote, forested areas that, under certain weather conditions, can extend into areas not generally considered at a high risk to wildfire. Smoke and air quality also become an issue, both from fires occurring inside and outside of the Amador County Planning Area and the City.

Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality
Smoke from wildfires is made up of gas and particulate matter, which can be easily observed in the air. Air quality standards have been established to protect human health with the pollutant referred to as PM2.5 which consists of particles 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These smaller sizes of particles are responsible for adverse health effects because of their ability to reach the lower regions of the respiratory tract.

Wildfire smoke can have negative effects to those who live in or near a fire burn area. Smoke and air pollution from wildfires can be a severe health hazard. Significant wildfires occurring in both Amador County and nearby northern California communities since the 2020 LHMP Update have created significant air pollution affecting area residents. This was the case during the 2021 Caldor Fire, as well as others that affected the nearby areas.

Location and Extent
Wildfire can affect all areas of the City. CAL FIRE has estimated that the risk varies across the City and has created maps showing risk variance. Following the methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan, wildfire maps for the City of Amador City were created. Figure A-18 shows the CAL FIRE Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) and State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. As shown, the City falls in the LRA. Figure A-19 shows the CAL FIRE Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. As shown on the maps, FHSZs within the City are Very High. 625
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-63
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-18 City of Amador City – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 626
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-64
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-19 City of Amador City – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Wildfires tend to be measured in structure damages, injuries, and loss of life as well as on acres burned.

Fires can have a quick speed of onset, especially during periods of drought or during hot dry summer months. Fires can burn for a short period of time or may have durations lasting for a week or more. As previously stated, there are no SRA/FRA FHSZs in the City; as such, no tabular analysis is performed.

Geographical FHSZ extents in the LRA are shown on Table A-26.

Table A-26 City of Amador City – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High 197 99.8% 60 99.8% 137 99.8%
High 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Moderate 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Non-Wildland 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
627
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-65
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Outside of LRA
Responsibility
Area

0.4 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.2 0.2%
Amador City
Total
198 100% 61 100% 137 100%
Source: CAL FIRE
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been three state and two federal disaster declarations due to fire, as shown in Table A-27.

Table A-27 Amador County – State and Federal Wildfire Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Fire 3 1961 (unnamed), 2015 (Summer
2015 Fires), 2021 (Caldor Fire)
2 2016 (Butte Fire), 2021 (Caldor
Fire)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC has tracked 50 wildfire events in the County dating back to 1993.

City of Amador City Events
The most significant fire that affected the City was in 1961, where several structures were impacted. Other recent fires, the Butte, Irish, and Caldor fires did not impact the City. The City did note, while past impacts to the City from wildfire have been limited, wildfire is the most significant hazard of concern to the City and has the potential for catastrophic impacts. Wildfires in Amador County and upcountry (for example, Butte, Electra, and Caldor Fires), have resulted in smoke and poor air quality, economic impact, as well as evacuation warnings.

The Tiger Fire started along Tiger Creek Road, just west of the Tiger Creek Power House, in Amador County, approximately 5–7 miles from Amador City. CAL FIRE reported the fire burning in grass and brush, with mandatory evacuations ordered due to rapid spread. The fire was close enough to warrant evacuation orders in nearby areas, with a Red Cross shelter established at the Senior Center in Jackson (229 New York Ranch Road, ~5 miles from Amador City) and a large animal shelter at Laughton Ranch (90 Clinton Road, Jackson).
628
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-66
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Climate Change and Wildfire
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from wildfire. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Warmer temperatures can exacerbate drought conditions. Drought often kills plants and trees, which serve as fuel for wildfires. Warmer temperatures could increase the number of wildfires and pest outbreaks, such as the western pine beetle. Cal-Adapt’s wildfire tool predicts the potential increase in the amount of burned areas for the year 2090-2099, as compared to recent (2010) conditions. This is shown in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan. Based on this model, Cal-Adapt predicts that wildfire risk in Amador County will increase moderately at the end of the century. However, wildfire models can vary depending on the parameters used. Cal-Adapt does not take landscape and fuel sources into account in their model. In all likelihood, in the Amador County Planning Area, precipitation patterns, high levels of heat, topography, and fuel load will determine the frequency and intensity of future wildfire.

Vulnerability to Wildfire
Risk and vulnerability to the City from wildfire is of significant concern. Wildfires that occur in the City occur from a variety of both natural and manmade causes. The City can be affected both by fires that start on or near City lands as well as those that start elsewhere and move into the City. In addition to burning large areas of land and structures located throughout the City, air quality can be affected in the City by smoke from fires occurring inside the City as well as those from many miles away. As growth continues and populations increase in the City, the potential for wildfires will also increase.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to wildfire. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to wildfire begins with an understanding of local exposure to wildfire. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that section, assets at risk are discussed.

The City noted that it is quite small physically. Any wildfire that hit the City would be overwhelming.

Many of the homes in the City are older homes (many built before 1900). Many of these have no insulation and would burn quickly if a large fire came through. This was the case in fires in the City in 1886 and 1906. In addition, it was noted that many of the homes in the City are second homes. Data from the County noted that almost half of the homes in the City are owned by non-residents. These second homes are often more vulnerable to wildfire due to the lack of or more limited maintenance and vegetation management work on these properties.

The City is also concerned that wildfire smoke from wildfires both in the County and from those outside the County cause air quality issues in the City. The cooling center being built (see the discussion in the 629
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-67
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concern in the Severe Weather: Extreme Heat section) will have cooling and air filtration for smoky days.

The City noted it was also concerned with limited evacuation routes. The City partners with both Sutter Creek Fire Protection District and County OES during times of wildfire response. Sutter Creek Fire Protection District also helps with vegetation clearing in and near the City.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from wildfire include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations are vulnerable to wildfire. Certain vulnerable populations are at greater risk to the effects of wildfire as well as smoke and air quality issues that wildfires bring. Vulnerable populations include:
➢ Unhoused
➢ Infants and children under age five and their caregivers ➢ Elderly (65 and older)
➢ Individuals with disabilities
➢ Individuals’ dependent on medical equipment
➢ Individuals who exercise, recreate, or work outdoors
➢ Individuals with impaired mobility
To further evaluate the impact to the residential population within the City, the CAL FIRE FHSZ dataset was overlayed on the parcel layer. Those residential parcels that intersect the FHSZs were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Amador City – 2.07. The entire City falls in the LRA; as such, only LRA tabular analysis was performed. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 197 residents of the City of Amador City falling within the very high LRA FHSZ, as shown on Table A-28.

Table A-28 City of Amador City – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Amador City 95 197 0 0 0 0
Source: CAL FIRE, 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor’s Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-68
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
All structures in the City have some risk to wildfire. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of wildfire within the City of Amador City. The methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk in both the CAL FIRE’s SRA/FRA and LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone layer. The entire City falls in the LRA; as such, only LRA tabular analysis was performed. Analysis results for the LRA in the City of Amador City are shown in Table A-29, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by LRA FHSZs. It should be noted that the entire City is located within the LRA very high FHSZ, thus, all structures in the City are located in the very high FHSZ and are vulnerable to future wildfire events.

Table A-29 City of Amador City – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Very High
Agricultural 7 2 $1,234,719 $606,345 $606,345 $2,447,409 Commercial 15 12 $2,570,473 $3,052,716 $3,052,716 $8,675,905 Industrial 2 1 $10,716 $2,475 $3,713 $16,904
Miscellaneous 11 1 $20,377 $11,604 $0 $31,981
Residential 144 95 $15,288,092 $17,405,166 $8,702,583 $41,395,841 Unknown 1 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Very High Total 180 111 $19,124,377 $21,078,306 $12,365,357 $52,568,040 Amador City
Total
180 111 $19,124,377 $21,078,306 $12,365,357 $52,568,040 Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Wildfire presents a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each fire hazard severity zone. Using GIS, the SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. Only LRA fire hazard severity zones intersect the City; as such no SRA/FRA analysis is presented here. Only LRA analysis is presented. This is shown on Figure A-16 for the LRA fire hazard severity zones. Table A-30 details which critical facilities fall in which LRA fire hazard severity zone. Table A-31 summarizes Table A-30 details which critical facilities fall in which landslide class. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by LRA fire hazard severity zone are listed in Appendix F. 631
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-69
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-20 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Table A-30 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities by Category in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard Severity Zone/Critical Facility Category Facility Count Very High
Essential Services 3
At Risk Population 0
Very High Total 3
Amador City Total 3
Source: CGS, City of Amador City
Table A-31 City of Amador City – Critical Facilities by Category and Type in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count Very High Essential Services Facilities
Fire Station 1
Post Office 1
632
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-70
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count Public Administration
Building
1 Essential Services Total 3
Very High Total 3
City of Amador City Total 3
Source: CGS, City of Amador City
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural, historic, and cultural resources located within areas at risk to wildfire would be vulnerable. Should a wildfire occur in the City, the impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources could be extensive and include air pollution, contamination from water runoff containing toxic products, and other environmental discharges or releases from burned materials affecting soils, habitat areas, wildlife, and aquatic resources.

Historic and cultural resources can be damaged or destroyed and are often more vulnerable due to their older age, construction type, and lack of fire prevention infrastructure such as sprinklers.

Impacts from Wildfire
Potential impacts from wildfire include loss of life and injuries; damage to structures and other improvements, natural and cultural resources, croplands, and timber; and loss of recreational opportunities.

Out of control wildfires can have catastrophic impacts. Wildfires can cause short-term and long-term disruption to the City. Fires can have devastating effects on watersheds through loss of vegetation and soil erosion, which may impact the City by changing runoff patterns, increasing sedimentation, reducing natural and reservoir water storage capacity, and degrading water quality. Fires can also affect air quality in the City; smoke and air pollution from wildfires can be a severe health hazard. Smoke impacts may come from wildfires outside the City, as well as from within.

Although the physical damages and casualties arising from wildland-urban interface or conflagration fires may be severe, it is important to recognize that they also cause significant economic impacts by resulting in a loss of function of buildings and infrastructure. Economic impacts of loss of transportation and utility services may include traffic delays/detours from road and bridge closures and loss of electric power, potable water, and wastewater services. Schools and businesses can be forced to close for extended periods of time.

Recently, the threat of wildfire, combined with the potential for high winds, heat, and low humidity, has caused PG&E to initiate a PSPS which can also significantly impact a community through loss of services, business closures, and other impacts associated with loss of power for an extended period. In addition, catastrophic wildfire can create favorable conditions for other hazards such as flooding, landslides, and erosion during the rainy season.

The impacts of a fire are felt long after the fire is extinguished. In addition to the loss of property in fires, the loss in vegetation and changes in surface soils alters the environment. When supporting vegetation is burned, hillsides become destabilized and prone to erosion. The burnt surface soils are harder and absorb less water. When winter rains come, this leads to increased runoff, erosion, and landslides in hilly areas.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
633
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-71
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future wildfire conditions. Specifically, with the release of the new 2025 LRA mapping for Amador County, wildfire building codes should be updated as required to include enhanced measures to reduce wildfire impacts on new construction, and should include the formal adoption of the new LRA maps. With the entire City mapped as in the LRA very high FHSZ, all future growth and development in the City will fall in this very high hazard zone. Thus, future development in the City will likely increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard. It should also be noted, however, that once new building codes are adopted for the LRA, this should reduce or mitigate the vulnerability associated with new construction.
634
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-72
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Development
Additional growth and development in the City would place additional values at risk to wildfire, as the entirety of the City sits in the very high fire hazard severity zone. More vulnerable populations may experience a disproportionate impact from wildfire, and this should be considered as development continues. However, City building codes are in effect and should continue to be updated as appropriate to reduce future impacts.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to wildfire are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided a future development area which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zone. No facilities fell in the SRA/FRA fire hazard severity zones.

Figure A-21 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the LRA fire hazard severity zones. As shown in Table A-32, the future development area falls in the Very High fire hazard severity zone.
635
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-73
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure A-21 City of Amador City – Future Development in LRA FHSZs Table A-32 City of Amador City - Future Development Parcels and Acres in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone
/ Property
Use / Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High
Residential Single-Family Home
A 1 0 1 0.99 0 0.99
B 1 1 0 3.44 3.44 0
Very High
Total
2 1 1 4.43 3.44 0.99
Grand Total 2 1 1 4.43 3.44 0.99
Source: CAL FIRE, City of Amador City
636
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-74
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A.5 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation education, outreach, and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts.

A.5.1. Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table A-33 lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicates those that are in place in the City of Amador City.

Table A-33 City of Amador City’s Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities Plans
In Place
Y/N
Does the plan address hazards? Can the plan be used to
carry out mitigation actions? When was it last updated?? Capital Improvements Plan N CIP projects are identified annually Climate Change Adaptation Plan N
Community Wildfire Protection Plan N
Comprehensive/Master Plan Y Safety element addresses hazards, identifies mitigation actions, and strategies. Safety Element is from 2008. The General Plan elements are updated at different times.

Continuity of Operations Plan N
Economic Development Plan N
Land Use Plan N
Local Emergency Operations Plan N In coordination with Amador County OES.

Stormwater Management Plan N
Transportation Plan N
Other
Land Use Planning and Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective way to reduce hazard
impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
Acquisition of land for open space and
public recreation use
N
Building code Y
Flood insurance rate maps N
Floodplain ordinance N
Natural hazard-specific ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
N
Subdivision ordinance Y Ordinance is effective, administered, and enforced.

Zoning ordinance Y Ordinance is effective, administered, and enforced. 637
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-75
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Development of a stormwater drainage plan or ordinance would also help manage stormwater runoff in the City.

Source: City of Amador City
City of Amador City General Plan (dates vary by Element) The General Plan is a document that guides the future development within the City. It contains broad community values and goals, giving a picture of the desired character and quality of development in the County and policies which outline the steps to accomplish those goals. Of primary concern to this planning document is the Conservation and Open Space Elements of the General Plan. This Element, first adopted in 1983, has been updated to reflect changes within the community. Specifically, the Conservation and Open Space Elements is more specific, and implementation oriented with respect to protecting open space and natural resources.

Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures related to hazard mitigation include the following:
➢ Goal #1: To assure the wise use, development and protection of the City's natural and cultural resources and open space lands.

Policies:
➢ Maintain the current flow characteristics and biotic quality of Amador Creek by minimizing increased flow from impermeable surfaces and controlling encroachment into the stream zone. ➢ Protect riparian and wetland habitats from unnecessary disturbance with the goal of no net loss. ➢ Encourage development appropriate to the terrain to limit visual and grading impacts. ➢ Designate particularly valuable, sensitive, or hazardous areas relative to visual; cultural; historic; recreation; wildlife, fish, or plant habitat; public trails; and publicly owned corridors as Open Space or related protected designation.
➢ Encourage the use of conservation easements and open space dedications in the City and its surroundings.
➢ All aspects of new growth and redevelopment shall preserve the sense of a compact, 19th century community in architecture, scale, and other design elements and be compatible with both the overall community and the surrounding neighborhood.
➢ The Historic Commercial District structures, features, public facilities, and layout shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible in Gold Rush era authenticity. ➢ Preserve the natural beauty of the City and its surroundings. ➢ Encourage linking of open space corridors.
➢ Protect the city's existing trees and woodlands.

Mitigation Related Ordinances
Health and Safety (Amador City Code Title 8, Chapters 8.12)

8.12.010 Definitions. As used in this chapter: "Nuisance" includes anything which is injurious to human health, is indecent, or is offensive to the senses. A nuisance interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property. A nuisance affects at the same time an entire community, neighborhood, or a considerable number of persons although the extent of annoyance or damage inflicted upon the individual may be 638
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-76
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
unequal. A nuisance includes all conditions of property including but not limited to, that condition which occurs as a result of the storage, removal, transport, processing, or disposal of solid waste. A nuisance includes dry grasses, weeds, dead shrubs, dead trees, rubbish, and waste matter that constitute a fire hazard in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-l, and C-2 zones.

Buildings and Construction (Amador City Code Title 15, Chapters 15.04.010) Adoption of Uniform Codes
The following uniform codes are adopted by reference as the rules and regulations governing the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and use of any building or structure within the city, and additions:
➢ The Uniform Building Code (UBC) and Uniform Building Code Standards (UBCS, 1991 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), including, but not limited to, Parts I through XI and the Appendix; excluding Appendix Chapters 1, 12, 23, 38, 51 and 53; ➢ The Uniform Plumbing Code, (UPC) 1991 Edition, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials including but not limited to Part I: Chapters 1 through 13; Appendices A through I, and the Installation Standards; ➢ The Uniform Mechanical Code, (UMC) 1991 Edition, as promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials and the International Conference of Plumbing and Mechanical officials including but not limited to Parts I through IV; and Appendices A through D; ➢ The National Electric Code, (NEC) 1991 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association and the International Conference of Building Officials, including the Uniform Administrative Code provisions, and Chapters 1 through 9; 5. The Uniform Housing Code, (HC) 1991 Edition as published by the International Conference of Building Officials, including only Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6 and Section 701 (b) and (c); 6. The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 1991 Edition, as published by the International Allocation of Plumbing and Mechanical officials, including, but not limited to, Chapters 1 through 5; excluding Part 1 Administration (Part I Administration of the UBC shall apply;
➢ The Uniform Administrative Code (UAC) 1988 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials, including Chapters 1, 2, and 3.

B. The following codes are adopted by reference as standards in conjunction with subsection A of this section:
➢ Uniform Fire Code, 1991 Edition as published by the International Conference of Building Officials and Western Fire Chiefs Association;
➢ National Fire Codes, 1991 Edition and Supplement as published by the National Fire Protection Association;
Zoning (Amador City Code Title 17)
An official land use zoning ordinance for the City is adopted and established to serve the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare and to provide the economic and social advantages resulting from an orderly planned use for the future growth and development of the city. (Ord. 55 § 1.00, 1980)
639
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-77
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
In order to classify, regulate, restrict, and segregate the uses of land and building to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings; and to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings; and to regulate the density of population, six classes of land use zones are established.

The zones aforesaid and the boundaries of such zones are shown upon the map attached hereto and made a part of the ordinance codified in this title, being designated as the “zoning map,” and such map and all the notations, references, and other information shown thereon shall be as much a part of this title as if the matters and information set forth by such map were all fully described in this chapter. (Ord. 55 § 3.01, 1980)
Subdivisions (Amador City Code Title 16)
Soils and/or hazardous materials report.

A. A preliminary soils report and/or a hazardous materials report prepared by a civil engineer or engineering geologist registered in California, and based upon adequate test boring and/or other testing or analysis, may be required by the city engineer for any subdivision for which a final map is required by this title.

B. When the city engineer determines that a preliminary soils report is necessary, the planning commission may include the preparation of such report as a condition of approval of the tentative map.

C. When the preliminary soils report indicates the presence of critically expansive soils or other hazardous soils problems which, if not corrected or adequately addressed, would lead to structural defects, a soils investigation of each lot in the subdivision may be required.

D. Soils investigation shall be done by a professional engineer or engineering geologist of proper registration in California, who shall recommend the corrective actions necessary to prevent structural damage to structures proposed to be constructed in the area where such soils problems exist. (Ord. 159 (part), 2005)

16.16.170 Storm drainage.

The subdivider shall dedicate right-of-way for storm drainage purposes conforming substantially with the lines of any natural water course or channel, stream, or creek that traverses the subdivision. All storm drain improvements shall be in accordance with city improvement standards. The planning commission may require adequate fencing or other protection of all ditches and streams. Where drainage facilities are necessary on an area-wide basis to permit safe, healthful, and convenient development of the area, the subdivider may be required to pay a pro rata share of such facilities' cost, as determined by the city council. (Ord. 159 (part), 2005)

16.16.180 Grading and erosion control.

All grading and erosion control shall be in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and an approved erosion control plan. Erosion control plan shall implement "best management practices" that will prevent construction pollutants from contacting storm water. All products of erosion shall be prevented from moving off-site into receiving waters. Construction practices shall be in accordance 640
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-78
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
with an approved erosion control plan and methods contained in "Volume 3 of California Storm Water Best Management Practice Handbook." (Ord. 159 (part), 2005)
A.5.2. Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table A-34 identifies the City department(s) responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Amador City.

Table A-34 City of Amador City’s Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities Administration
In
Place
Y/N
Describe capability
Is coordination effective?
Staff
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y Contract City Engineer. Engineer is trained on mitigation related items.

Civil Engineer, including dam and levee
safety
Y Contract City Engineer. Engineer is trained on mitigation related items.

Community Planner Y Contract Planner.

Emergency Manager N
Floodplain Administrator N
GIS Coordinator Y Contract City Engineer. Engineer is trained on mitigation related items.

Planning Commission
Other
Technical Y/N
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Grant writing N
Hazard data and information N
GIS analysis
Mutual aid agreements Y Sutter Creek Fire, County Sheriff, Amador Water Agency, Amador Regional Sanitary Agency (ARSA)
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? A grant writer would add value to the City in pursuing project funding. This may occur on a case-by-case basis depending on grants pursued.

Source: City of Amador City
641
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-79
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A.5.3. Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table A-35 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table A-35 City of Amador City’s Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities Funding Resource
In Place
Y/N
Has the funding resource been used in past
and for what type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future
mitigation actions?
Capital improvements project funding Y
Community Development Block Grant Y But have not used this program in years.

Federal funding programs (non-FEMA) N
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services Y
Impact fees for new development Y
State funding programs N
Stormwater utility fee N
Other Y Cal Trans grants have been awarded to the City.

Portions of the grant encompass backup power
sources for the City.

How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Sewer funds are limited. There is currently a rate change in effect now. The Cal Trans grant will be used for reduced risk to people and property in the City once fully funded.

Source: City of Amador City
A.5.4. Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Table A-36 identifies education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be/or are used to implement mitigation activities and communicate hazard-related information.

Table A-36 City of Amador City’s Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Community newsletters Y Posted on City government webpage and is accessible for all residents.

Hazard awareness campaigns (such as Firewise,
Storm Ready, Severe Weather Awareness Week,
school programs, public events)
Y District school program, participation with
County OES campaigns. County has social
media program that the City feeds up to on an
as needed basis.

Local news Y Radio and newspaper are used.
642
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-80
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Organizations that interact with underserved and
vulnerable communities
Y There are local representatives who work with
the County food bank and who serve those
inside the City. There are unhoused in the City
and there are local organizations and
individuals who are seeking to serve those
populations.

Social media Y There is an Infolink that allows residents to sign up and have City information emailed
directly to them.

How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? This is limited by size and budgetary issues. It would be beneficial to establish a disaster group or committee of City Council and citizens. The City is always looking to strengthen relationships with other organizations in and around the City to expand hazard reduction capabilities.

Source: City of Amador City
A.5.5. Other Mitigation Efforts
The City has many other completed or ongoing mitigation projects/efforts that include the following:
➢ City only has primary wastewater treatment. The City pumps primary effluent to Sutter Creek. An entirely new system is being proposed.
➢ Flooding - Highway bridge replacement project at Main Street over Amador Creek was completed in 2014.
➢ Bridge maintenance projects are being completed in 2025/2026. This was funded by the City Capital Improvement budget.
➢ Creek clearing occurs annually along Amador Creek.
➢ The City works with Sutter Creek Fire to inspect and work with property owners to conduct vegetation management throughout the City.

A.6 Mitigation Strategy
A.6.1. Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The City of Amador City adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Chapter 5 Mitigation Strategy.

A.6.2. NFIP Mitigation Strategy
Amador City does not currently participate in the NFIP as it has no mapped FEMA floodplains. The City continues to evaluate the benefits of participation in the program. However, in light of the lack of good data to support valid mapping efforts, the City currently is adopting a wait and see approach. The City Engineer has valid data on flood levels and city staff cooperates to keep construction out of flood areas. 643
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-81
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A.6.3. Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City of Amador City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on the risk assessment. Background information and information on how each action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline are also included. The following hazards were considered a priority for purposes of mitigation action planning:
➢ Floods: Localized Stormwater
➢ Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
➢ Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning) ➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
➢ Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados
➢ Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality)
Low priority hazards for mitigation planning include:
➢ Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species) ➢ Avalanche
➢ Climate Change
➢ Dam Failure
➢ Drought & Water Shortage (w/ tree mortality)
➢ Earthquake (w/subhazards)
➢ Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/levee failure)
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
It should be noted that many of the projects submitted by each jurisdiction in Table 5-4 in the Base Plan benefit all jurisdictions whether or not they are the lead agency. Further, many of these mitigation efforts are collaborative efforts among multiple local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, the countywide public outreach action, as well as many of the emergency services actions, apply to all hazards regardless of hazard priority. Collectively, this multi-jurisdictional mitigation strategy includes only those actions and projects which reflect the actual priorities and capacity of each jurisdiction to implement over the next 5- years covered by this plan. It should further be noted, that although a jurisdiction may not have specific projects identified for each priority hazard for the five year coverage of this planning process, each jurisdiction has focused on identifying those projects which are realistic and reasonable for them to implement and would like to preserve their hazard priorities should future projects be identified where the implementing jurisdiction has the future capacity to implement.

Mitigation Actions
The City has put forward the actions as shown in Table A-37. Details of the actions can be found below the table.
644
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-82
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table A-37 City of Amador City Mitigation Actions
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
City of Amador City
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of
General Plan
Previous
Action
X X Prevention
Action 2. Enhance Public
Education and Awareness of Natural
Hazards and Public Understanding of
Disaster Preparedness
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 3. Old Hwy 49/Main Street
Slope and Road Stabilization
Previous
Action
X X Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 4. Cooling Center/Severe
Weather Center
New Action X X Structural
Action 5. Amador Creek Annual
Cleaning projects
New Action X X X Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 6. Stormwater Masterplan
Development and Implementation
Previous
Action
X X X Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 7. Vegetation Management
and Perimeter Wildfire Protection Fuel
Break
Previous
Action
X X Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of General Plan Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Wind, Hail, Lightning), Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados, Wildfire)
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Local jurisdictional reimbursement for mitigation projects and cost recovery after a disaster is guided by Government Code Section 8685.9 (AB 2140). Specifically, this section requires that each jurisdiction adopt a local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 as part of the Safety Element of its General Plan. Adoption of the LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan may be by reference or incorporation.

Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action will be Implemented: Safety Element of General Plan
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador City Planning Department 645
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Amador City Annex A-83
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Incorporation of an adopted LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan will help jurisdictions maximize the cost recovery potential following a disaster.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund Timeline: Within 5 years
Priority (H, M, L): High
Action 2. Enhance Public Education and Awareness of Natural Hazards and Public Understanding of Disaster Preparedness
Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Wind, Hail, Lightning), Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados, Wildfire)
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City and County play a key role in public outreach/education efforts to communicate the potential risk and vulnerability of their community to the effects of natural hazards. A comprehensive multi-hazard public education program will better inform the community of natural hazards of concern and actions the public can take to be better prepared for the next natural disaster event.

Project Description: A comprehensive multi-hazard outreach program will ascertain both broad and targeted educational needs throughout the community. The City will work with the County and other agencies as appropriate to develop timely and consistent annual outreach messages in order to communicate the risk and vulnerability of natural hazards of concern to the community. This includes measures the public can take to be better prepared and to reduce the damages and other impacts from a hazard event.

The public outreach effort will leverage and build upon existing mechanisms, and will consider:
➢ Using a variety of information outlets, including websites, local radio stations, news media, schools, and local, public sponsored events;
➢ Creating and distributing (where applicable) brochures, leaflets, water bill inserts, websites, and public service announcements;
➢ Displaying public outreach information in County office buildings, libraries, and other public places and events;
➢ Developing public-private partnerships and incentives to support public education activities.

Other Alternatives: Continue public information activities currently in place.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Existing City and County outreach programs will be reviewed for effectiveness and leveraged and expanded upon to reach the broader region.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador City Mayor’ Office in partnership with the County 646
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Benefits (Losses Avoided): Increase residents’ knowledge of potential hazards and activities required to mitigate hazards and be better prepared. Protect lives and reduce damages, relatively low cost to implement.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, grant funds (like CA DWR, Cal OESPDM, HMGP, FMA, BRIC, or other sources).

Timeline: Ongoing/Annual public awareness campaign
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 3. Old Hwy 49/Main Street Slope and Road Stabilization Hazards Addressed: Landslide, Mudslide, Slope Slippage, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The slope crossing Old Hwy 49/Main Street on the north approach to Amador City has been identified by city engineers and sewer engineers as an extreme hazard to the road but more importantly to the City's Wastewater Treatment pond.

Project Description: The downward slope from the road to the sewer pond needs to be stabilized; the slope on the north side of the road is private property; protecting the road from landslide/and blockage of an emergency egress for residents can be mitigated with a retaining wall. The road needs to be repaired once a stable surface has been created and protection from landslide from the north slowed.

Other Alternatives: none
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Voters approved Measure K, a grant program through California Department of Transportation/CalTrans, for road repair and maintenance; funding can include building retaining walls and stabilizing slopes to mitigate erosion and protect the road. Planning Phase of Project is underway.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador City Mayor’ Office Benefits (Losses Avoided): Protect the existing roadway and emergency egress; protect the Wastewater treatment pond from debris flow.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): Measure K grant funds; local budget as needed.

Timeline: over 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): high
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Action 4. Cooling Center/Severe Weather Center
Hazards Addressed: Severe Weather hazards (Extreme Heat, Rains and Storms, Winds and Tornado) Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Amador City is a small, disadvantaged rural community. Proportionally, it has a large, vulnerable and aging population that without an extreme weather center is susceptible to a host of negative impacts from extreme heat, including increased health risks and mortality, increased heat-related illnesses.

Project Description: The City has identified the Community Center as critical infrastructure that could be used as a cooling/extreme weather center. It is currently under restoration and soon to have electric heating and air conditioning. The Community Center does not currently have a backup generator.

Other Alternatives: none
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City has identified critical infrastructure and the need for backup power during extreme weather events.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador City Mayor’ Office Benefits (Losses Avoided): Improves resilience of City services when power outages or public safety power shut events are implemented by PG&E.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund Timeline: next 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 5. Amador Creek Annual Cleaning projects
Hazards Addressed: Localized Flood, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms, Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): During times of heavy rain, Amador Creek becomes clogged from organic debris, vegetation, and "volunteer" trees. Clogged creeks contribute to obstructed water flow and causing localized flooding, damage to property and roads. Additionally, during dry months with periods of high dry wind and extreme heat, the dry creek bed is filled with dried vegetation and debris that serves as fuel to any wildfire originating in the County and being drawn into the creek bed, now serving as a chimney. The hazard is not only to the creek, but also to the Wastewater Treatment facility and to private property.

Project Description: The City will clean Amador Creek of vegetation, debris, and small saplings under three-feet in height, as mitigation efforts for both flood hazards and fire hazard. 648
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Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City at least annually cleans Amador Creek of vegetation, debris and small saplings under three-feet in height, as mitigation efforts for both flood hazards and fire hazard.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador City Mayor’ Office Benefits (Losses Avoided): Mitigate the chances of localized flooding in one season and fire in another, both resulting in infrastructure destruction, threats to life and livelihood of residents.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund; incentive grants from the City's insurer
Timeline: 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 6. Stormwater Masterplan Development and Implementation Hazards Addressed: Localized flood, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms, Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Amador City does not have a Storm Water Master Plan to address storm water issues and improve drainage to reduce localized flooding on the creek that runs through town.

Project Description: A Storm Water Mater Plan will be developed to improve the storm water collection system.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Currently none Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador City Mayor’ Office Benefits (Losses Avoided): A Storm Water Master Plan will identify improvements to the current storm water collection system.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA FMA, HMGP, PDM, or other grant source
Timeline: Dependent on funding
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
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Action 7. Vegetation Management and Perimeter Wildfire Protection Fuel Break Hazards Addressed: Wildfire, Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornado Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Amador City lacks a Safety Element in its General Plan. It is surrounded by open dry grassland making the City vulnerable to the threat of wildfire. Internally there are areas of the City that are overgrown with dead and fallen trees, and organic material that all need to be removed to mitigate the hazards of wildfire spreading throughout the City.

Project Description: A Safety Element to the General Plan will establish policies and programs to reduce risks and protect people, property, and the environment. A formal Safety Element will provide a mechanism for identifying and mitigating fire hazards internally and at the City's borders.

Other Alternatives: none
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Currently, Sutter Creek Fire Protection District identifies properties in town that require vegetation management, and provides crews to reduce vegetation on specific City properties and roadways.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Amador Mayor’ Office in coordination with SCFPD Benefits (Losses Avoided): Minimizing threats of fire to livelihood and life of residents.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMA grants, local City budgets Timeline: 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-1
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October 2025
Annex B City of Ione
B.1 Introduction
This Annex details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the City of Ione, a previously participating jurisdiction to the 2020 Amador County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update. This Annex is not intended to be a standalone document but appends to and supplements the information contained in the Base Plan document. As such, all sections of the Base Plan, including the planning process and other procedural requirements apply to and were met by the City. This Annex provides additional information specific to the City of Ione, with a focus on providing additional details on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for this jurisdiction.

B.2 Planning Process
As described above, the City of Ione followed the planning process detailed in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan.

In addition to providing representation on the Amador County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), the City formulated their own internal planning team to support the broader planning process requirements. Internal planning participants, their positions, and how they participated in the planning process are shown in Table B-1. Additional details on Plan participation and City representatives are included in Appendix A.

Table B-1 City of Ione – Planning Team
Name Position/Title How Participated
Stacey Rhoades Mayor Attended meetings, added input on charts, and provided an updated Hazard Identification table.

George Lee City Manager Attended meetings, added input on charts, and provided an updated Hazard Identification table.

Ken Mackey Fire Chief Provided/updated information/data Zach Finch Public Works
Superintendent
Provided/updated information/data
Jordan Doerksen Admin Assistant Provided/updated information/data Janice Traverso City Clerk Provided/updated information/data Justin Granados Wastewater Facility
Manager
Provided/updated information/data
Deborah Mackey Grant Administrator Provided/updated information/data Coordination with other community planning efforts is paramount to the successful implementation of this LHMP Update. This section provides information on how the City integrated the previously approved 2020 651
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LHMP into existing planning mechanisms and programs. Specifically, the City incorporated into or implemented the 2020 LHMP through other plans and programs shown in Table B-2.

Table B-2 2020 LHMP Incorporation
Planning Mechanism 2020 LHMP Was
Incorporated/Implemented In.

Details: How was it incorporated?
City of Ione General Plan The 2020 LHMP was incorporated into the Safety Element, building on Resolution 2015-16, to guide policies on hazard mitigation, including restrictions on development in floodplains, wildfire-prone areas, and drought resilience.

Ione Municipal Code (Title 17 – Zoning) The 2020 LHMP informed updates to zoning regulations to restrict development in floodplains and require fire-resistant standards in wildfire-prone areas
Ione Municipal Code (Title 16 – Subdivisions) The 2020 LHMP guided subdivision regulations to ensure infrastructure (e.g., drainage systems, fire access roads) supports flood and wildfire mitigation, and (defensible space).

Ione Floodplain Ordinance The 2020 LHMP informed updates to the floodplain ordinance to meet National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, restricting development in flood-prone areas (e.g., near Sutter Creek, Mule Creek) and requiring elevation certificates
Ione Local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) The 2020 LHMP provided hazard data and mitigation strategies to enhance the EOP’s response protocols for floods, wildfires, and severe weather.

Ione Transportation Plan The 2020 LHMP informed transportation planning to improve evacuation routes and infrastructure resilience.

B.3 Community Profile
The community profile for the City of Ione is detailed in the following sections. Figure B-1 displays a City map and the location of City of Ione within Amador County. 652
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Figure B-1 City of Ione
B.3.1. Geography and Climate
The City is located in the western boundary of the County, adjacent to Sacramento County. Elevation is approximately 298 feet above sea level. The terrain is relatively gentle and is dominated by grasslands.

The climate is generally moderate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures range from the low 40s F to the high 90s F, with an average daily maximum temperature of 74.7 F. The average annual rainfall is 20.5 inches, most of which occurs from November to April.

B.3.2. History
Ione is located in the Ione Valley in the “Gold Country” and is believed to be named by Thomas Brown around 1849 after one of the heroines in Edward Bulwer Lytton's drama “The Last Days of Pompeii.” During the days of the Gold Rush, the miners knew the town by the names of “Bedbug” and “Freezeout.” Unlike other communities in Amador County, which were founded on gold mining, Ione was a supply center, stage and rail stop and agricultural hub.
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The Town of Ione continued to grow and prosper after its gold rush founding. The first school was built in 1853. The historic Methodist Church was organized in 1853 and the structure was completed in 1862. The first flour mill was built in 1855. The first brick building was built by Daniel Stewart in 1855 for his general merchandise store.

In 1876, Ione had a population of about 600 which included about 100 Chinese who lived in Ione's Chinatown. The town included one public school, 4 churches, 4 general stores, one meat market, one laundry, one brewery, a restaurant, millinery shop, an art gallery, six saloons, a drug store and barber shop, and many other business establishments. 1876 also marked the celebration of the completion of the railroad to the town of Ione.

The City of Ione was incorporated as a General Law City in 1953. The City currently houses many restaurants, businesses, and retail establishments. Also located within the incorporated limits of the City of Ione, the future Howard Park Industrial Park includes the potential for approximately 140 acres of office, industrial, and commercial lands that front State Route 124. Tourism is still a big part of the City; Ione has many interesting landmarks and historical points of interest.

B.3.3. Economy and Tax Base
US Census estimates show economic characteristics for the City of Ione. These are shown in Table B-3 and Table B-4. Mean household income in the City was $97,912. Median household income in the City was $78,661.

Table B-3 City of Ione – Civilian Employed Population 16 years and Over Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 75 3.4% Construction 231 10.6%
Manufacturing 78 3.6%
Wholesale trade 26 1.2%
Retail trade 216 9.9%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 160 7.3%
Information 71 3.2%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 144 6.6% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
177 8.1%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 395 18.1% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 186 8.5% Other services, except public administration 154 7.0%
Public administration 274 12.5%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates 654
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Table B-4 City of Ione – Income and Benefits
Income Bracket Percent
<$10,000 11.6%
$10,000 – $14,999 3.2%
$15,000 - $24,9999 4.7%
$25,000 – $34,999 0.7%
$35,000 – $49,999 6.1%
$50,000 – $74,999 21.4%
$75,000 – $99,999 10.4%
$100,000 – $149,999 22.8%
$150,000 – $199,999 13.3%
$200,000 or more 5.8%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates In 2010, the State of California announced the closure of the Preston Youth Correctional Facility. The resulting lob loss had a huge negative impact on the local economy. In 2013, the State of California announced the expansion of Mule Creek State prison. Almost 1,400 jobs were added to the local economy, but that did not mean the City of Ione received all the benefit of those jobs. Many of the new Mule Creek prison employees live in other communities and commute to Ione. In 2016, the CalFire Training Facility in Ione started an expansion project to create more dorm rooms for cadets. This expansion also has a limited impact on the City’s economy.

Ione’s commercial area is small and primarily limited to the historic downtown area. In 2018/2019, the City began receiving more and more inquiries from owners of commercial properties regarding their desire to build in Ione. The City anticipates that those who have expressed interest in developing their commercial property will do so in the next year or two.

B.4 Risk Assessment
As defined by FEMA, risk is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. “It is the impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community and refers to the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.” The City of Ione risk assessment identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment to these hazards. The process allows for a better understanding of the City’s potential risk and vulnerability to hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to reduce risk from future hazard events.

Building on the Community Profile above, a risk assessment was performed for the City. This includes the following sections:
➢ B.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ B.4.2 Hazard Identification
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➢ B.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards B.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the City of Ione’s total assets potentially at risk to hazards and an overview of growth and development trends. This section is broken into two parts:
➢ Asset Inventory – The assets inventory identifies the City of Ione’s total assets, including the people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; community lifelines; natural, historic, and cultural resources; and economic assets and community activities of value. This data is not hazard specific, but is representative of total assets within the City, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section B.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the City, both current and future, is presented.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
Population growth can increase the number of people living in hazard prone areas. The City of Ione has 9,037 residents, as of January 1, 2025. The City of Ione has seen growth rates as shown in Table B-5. As shown, the City has grown consistently since 1960, with a few periods of time where the population has dipped. However, because of a high prison population incarcerated in a state correctional facilities in the City (Mule Creek State Prison) this is not a true representation of the City’s growth. 656
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Table B-5 City of Ione– Population Changes Since 1960
Year Population % Change
1960 1,118 -
1970 2,369 111.9%
1980 2,207 -6.8%
1990 6,516 195.2%
2000 7,129 9.4%
2010 7,918 11.1%
2020 8,326* 5.2%
2025 9,037 8.5%
Source: US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance (2025) * US Census Bureau has this at 5,141, but the City noted that this did not include those in Mule Creek State Prison.

Underserved and Vulnerable Populations and Disadvantaged Communities The City has a socially and economically diverse community, and many residents that are socially or economically disadvantaged or vulnerable due to varying reasons reside within the City. The City and surrounding County are no strangers to large natural disasters which have had a direct impact on the populations of the area. Thus, it is important to consider the potential effects of hazard events and disasters on these more vulnerable populations. Socially vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the City are discussed by the following sources:
➢ CDC Social Vulnerability Index
➢ California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) Special Populations and Disadvantaged Community Mapping
➢ FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
➢ City Planning Team Input
CDC Social Vulnerability Index
Every community must prepare for and respond to a hazard event, including the range of natural hazards addressed in this Plan, from severe weather extremes to large potentially catastrophic events such as wildfires or earthquakes. A number of factors, including poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing may weaken a community’s ability to prevent human suffering and financial loss in a disaster. These factors are known as social vulnerability.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-8
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October 2025
variables to help local officials identify communities that may need additional support before, during, or after disasters.

The overall SVI map is shown in Figure B-2; the socioeconomic SVI for the census tracts in and around the City are shown in Figure B-3; the household composition SVI is shown in Figure B-4; the minority and language SVI is shown in Figure B-5; and the housing and transportation SVI is shown in Figure B-6.

Overall, the maps indicate that, in general, there is little differentiations with the areas on the north portion of the City. As shown, there is very minimal change in each SVI across the City.

Figure B-2 City of Ione – Overall Social Vulnerability
Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Yellow – Low; Green – Low/Medium; Aqua – Medium/High; Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Figure B-3 City of Ione – Socioeconomic Status Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Green – Low; Light Green – Low/Medium; Green – Medium/High; Dark Green – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure B-4 City of Ione – Household Characteristics
Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Orange – Low; Light Orange– Low/Medium; Orange – Medium/High; Dark Orange – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Figure B-5 City of Ione – Racial and Ethnic Minority Status Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Purple – Low; Light Purple – Low/Medium; Purple – Medium/High; Dark Purple – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure B-6 City of Ione – Housing Type and Transportation Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Blue – Low; Light Blue – Low/Medium; Blue – Medium/High; Dark Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-11
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California DWR Disadvantaged Community Mapping Tool
The State of California’s Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Involvement Program is designated to ensure the involvement of DACs as well as Economically Distressed Areas and Underrepresented Communities, which DWR collectively refers to as DACs. The Cal DWR definition for a Disadvantaged Community is a community with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the Statewide annual MHI (PRC Section 75005(g)), and those census geographies with an annual MHI less than 60% of the Statewide annual MHI are considered “Severely Disadvantaged Communities”. Those areas in the City considered disadvantaged are shown in Figure B-7. As shown, portions of the City fall into various DAC areas.

Figure B-7 City of Ione – Disadvantaged Areas
Source: Cal DWR DAC Mapping Tool – retrieved 12/16/2024 FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
Community Disaster Resilience Zones aim to build and strengthen community resilience across the nation by driving federal, public, and private resources to the most at-risk and in-need communities. The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act uses FEMA’s National Risk Index to identify the most at-risk and in-need communities to identify resilience zones. Designated zones will be prioritized for targeted federal support, such as increased cost-share for resilience and mitigation projects, lessening the financial burden on communities to perform resilience-related activities. On September 6, 2023, FEMA announced the initial 483 designations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Figure B-8 shows these zones in teal green. As shown, there are no zones near or within the City limits. 661
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Figure B-8 City of Ione – FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones Source: FEMA. Map retrieved 12/16/2024
City Planning Team Input
There are certain populations in the City that are at greater risk to hazards, due to circumstances beyond their control. These populations in the City present a unique challenge when natural hazards arise.

Vulnerable populations in the City of Ione are primarily located in the Jose’s Apartment Complex located off of North Arroyo Seco. This property is located next to Sutter Creek, but the 2016 FIRM map shows the vast majority of the property is located outside the 100-year floodplain. The Ione Apartments, located on South Church Street, also has vulnerable residents living in the facility. So do Foothill Apartments on 426 Foothill Dr, 116 Clay St Apartments, Ione Mobile Home Park at 1311 W. Marlette and Castle Park at 1400 W. Marlette.

Also to note is the prison population incarcerated in the Mule Creek State Prison. Current populations are estimated around 3,000. Should a significant hazard event occur impacting the Mule Creek Prison, incarcerated populations and staff could be at risk creating unique challenges associated with evacuations if needed.
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City of Ione Items from the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element The City Planning Team noted that the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element discusses special populations in the City. While the Housing Element information can be found in the Base Plan, there are unique elements to the City that are included here. Discussions for seniors, those with disabilities, developmental disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, large households, female headed households, extremely low-income households, and farmworkers were included. These are discussed below.

Seniors
The total population of seniors in the City is 1,363 (17.6%) persons. 34.6% of this population are owners while 24.6% rent their residence.

Disabled Citizens
The total population of disabled citizens in the City is 17.7% of the population.

People with Developmental Disabilities
Due to the method of gathering data using zip codes, there is shown a total of 79 individuals with developmental disabilities residing in the City.

People Experiencing Homelessness
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency was contacted for homeless data, but there is no collection of data at the individual jurisdiction level. The estimation for the City is 21 individuals (14%).

Large Households
Large households are defined as 5 or more persons residing in the same home, which only makes up 6.9% of the total households countywide. In the City, 4% of this population owned homes with 5 or more people, with none renting.

Female Headed Households
Female headed households make up 9.1% of the City’s population. Of this percentage, 23.7% live below the poverty line.

Farmworkers
The City data shows that 146 persons (6.6%) of 2,221 employed residents work in the agriculture, (also including forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining) industry.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-14
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using a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition of who is in poverty. If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty. While the overall County experiences a poverty rate of 9.9%, the City has a percentage of individuals and households likely to be living in poverty. In 2019, 7.2% of individuals and families living in the City were living below the poverty level.

Structures
This section inventories the parcels (and associated structures) that make up the built environment of the City. The 2024 Amador County Assessor’s data and the associated parcel layer was used as the basis of this inventory. The methodology used to derive the number of total and improved parcels (i.e., those with an improved structure value) and land and improved property values (as well as content replacement values) follows the same methodology detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City, as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitations are created by Proposition 13. With respect to Proposition 13, instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs.

As a result, overall value information is most likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties within the City. It is also important to note, in the event of a disaster, it is often the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. However, depending on the type of hazard and impact of any given hazard event, land values may be adversely affected; thus, land values are included as appropriate. Table B-6 shows the Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data land and structure values and content replacement values (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property use for the City.

Table B-6 City of Ione – Total Value of Parcels and Structures by Property Use Property Use Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 11 3 $5,080,923 $32,232 $32,232 $5,145,387 Commercial 65 60 $10,119,481 $22,622,895 $22,622,895 $55,365,271 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 61 6 $2,034,148 $2,952,325 $0 $4,986,473
Residential 2,057 1,907 $199,498,752 $470,859,705 $235,429,853 $905,788,310 Unknown 11 0 $7,008,525 $0 $0 $7,008,525
Ione Total 2,205 1,976 $223,741,829 $496,467,157 $258,084,980 $978,293,966 Source: 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Beyond just the buildings and structures that comprise the built environment, it is important to identify the critical facilities and infrastructure that are critical for life safety and property protection. This is done for the City of Ione below.

For purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as:
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-15
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Any facility, including without limitation, a structure, infrastructure, property, equipment or service, that if adversely affected during a hazard event may result in severe consequences to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and after the hazard event.

Note: The Hazardous Materials Facilities, while considered critical facilities for purposes of this Plan Update, are not mapped in this Plan due to the lack of an available GIS layer. In addition to the mapped critical facilities, it should further be noted that additional critical facilities, including infrastructure, utilities, and others have been identified for the City of Ione and the larger Amador County Planning Area but are not included in the mapping and inventory due to privacy and security concerns.

An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Ione from Amador County GIS is shown on Figure B-9.

Table B-7 gives summary information about the critical facilities in the City. Table B-8 details the facility categories and breaks them down by facility type. Details of critical facility definition, type, name, address, and jurisdiction by hazard zone are listed in Appendix F. 665
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-16
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-9 City of Ione – Critical Facilities
Table B-7 City of Ione – Critical Facilities by Category Critical Facility Category Facility Count
Essential Services Facilities 13
At Risk Population Facilities 5
City of Ione Total 18
Source: Amador County GIS
Table B-8 City of Ione – Critical Facilities by Category and Type Critical Facility Category Critical Facility Type Facility Count Essential Services
Bridge 1
Clinic 1
EMS Station 2
Evacuation Shelter 1
Fire Station 2
Library 1
666
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-17
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Critical Facility Category Critical Facility Type Facility Count Other 1
Police Station 1
Post Office 1
Prison 1
Public Administration Building 1
Essential Services Total 13
At Risk Population
School 5
At Risk Population Total 5
Ione Total 18
Source: Amador County GIS
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Ione to natural hazards and disasters also involves reviewing and inventorying the community lifelines in place that could be affected. It is important to include these items in hazard discussions as the continuous operation of critical government and business functions is essential to human health and safety, property protection, and economic security. The importance of community lifelines is discussed below:
➢ Lifelines are the most fundamental services in the community that, when stabilized, enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ FEMA has developed a method for objectives-based response that prioritizes the rapid stabilization of Community Lifelines after a disaster.
➢ The integrated network of assets, services, and capabilities that provide lifeline services are used dayto-day to support the recurring needs of the community and enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ When disrupted, decisive intervention (e.g., rapid re-establishment or employment of contingency response solutions) is required to stabilize the incident.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-18
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
It should be noted that these community lifelines are all in place and functional as part of regular government operations in the Amador County Planning Area serving as a partnership between the cities, local special districts and agencies, and Amador County. Due to its more rural nature, there is an interplay in community lifelines between all jurisdictions in the County. Most all of the City’s community lifelines overlap with the Planning Area’s s. It should also be noted that these lifelines collectively include many of the critical facilities and infrastructure assets inventoried for this LHMP. As such, specific information on these community lifelines in the City and how they may be affected by a hazard event or disaster are discussed collectively for all jurisdictions in the Base Plan.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Ione to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the natural, historic, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
➢ Environmental and natural resources add to a community’s identity and quality of life. They also help the local economy through agriculture, tourism, and recreation. They support ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.
➢ Conserving the environment may help people mitigate risk. It can also protect sensitive habitats, develop parks and trails, and build the economy.
➢ The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall economy. ➢ If these resources are impacted by a disaster, knowing so ahead of time allows for more prudent care in the immediate aftermath, when the potential for additional impacts are higher. ➢ The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often different for these types of designated resources.
➢ Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural hazards, such as wetlands and riparian habitat, which help absorb and attenuate floodwaters.

Ione is located at the juncture of two major California vegetation zones: the Lower Sonoran Zone and the Upper Sonoran Zone. According to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 37 special-status species have the potential to occur within Amador County. Of these, five have been recorded within the Ione, California, quadrangle.

Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos myrtifolia), Ione buckwheat (Erigonum apricum var. apricum), Bisbee Peak rush rose (Heliantehmum suffrutescens), and Parry’s horkelia (Horkelia parryi) have all been identified in the Ione, California, quadrangle. Ione manzanita (federally threatened), Bisbee Peak rush-rose (CNPS List 3), and Parry’s horkelia (federal species of concern) have been found within the Planning Area.

Ione buckwheat and Irish Hill buckwheat (Erigonum apricum var prostratum), also known to occur in Amador County, are both federally proposed endangered species and are listed as endangered by the state 668
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-19
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
of California. Of these species, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has deemed Ione manzanita, Ione buckwheat, Irish Hill buckwheat, and Parry’s horkelia as rare or endangered in California and elsewhere. Bisbee Peak rush-rose is a CNPS List 3 species. More information is needed to determine whether protection of this species is warranted.

Wetlands and their Natural and Beneficial Functions
Wetlands are habitats in which soils are intermittently or permanently saturated or inundated. Wetland habitats vary from rivers to seasonal ponding of alkaline flats and include swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools, and riparian woodlands. Wetlands are considered to be waters of the United States and are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Where the waters provide habitat for federally endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may also have authority.

Wetlands slow the flow of water through the vegetation and soil, and pollutants are often held in the soil.

In addition, because the water is slowed, sediments tend to fall out, thus improving water quality and reducing turbidity downstream.

Preserving and protecting these areas and associated functions are a vital component of sound floodplain management practices for the City.

Wetlands in the City are shown in Figure B-10 and detailed in Table B-9. 669
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-20
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-10 City of Ione – Wetlands Areas
Table B-9 City of Ione – Wetland Types and Acreages
Wetlands Area Type Wetlands Count Wetlands Area (in Acres) Freshwater Emergent Wetland 30 28.90
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 15 15.73
Freshwater Pond 8 26.20
Lake 0 0.00
Riverine 18 24.00
Ione Total 71 94.83
Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic and cultural resources are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these properties and locations can be at risk. The City of Ione has a stock of historically significant homes, public buildings, and landmarks. The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) was the primary source of information. OHP administers the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and the California Points of 670
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-21
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Historical Interest programs. Each program has different eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

These requirements are detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. Table B-10 shows 6 historic buildings in the City in the OHP Database.

Table B-10 City of Ione – Historic Resources
Resource Name (Plaque Number)
National
Register
State
Landmark
Point of
Interest Date Listed
City/
Community
Community Methodist Church of Ione (506) X 7/31/1953 Ione Ione City Centenary Church (N498) X 5/26/1977 Ione
Five Mile Drive--Sutter Creek Bridge (N1437) X 4/11/1986 Ione Scully Ranch (N706) X 11/21/1978 Ione
D. Stewart Co. Store (788) X 11/21/1963 Ione
Preston Castle (867) X 1/11/1974 Ione
Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation. Retrieved 12/3/2024.

Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Ione to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the economic assets and community activities of value in the City.

Economic Assets
After a disaster, economic resiliency is one of the major drivers of a speedy recovery. Each community has specific economic drivers. These include:
➢ Primary Economic Sectors
➢ Major employers
➢ Commercial Centers
In the City of Ione, this includes the following:
➢ Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP):
➢ Cal Fire Academy
➢ Construction and Housing Development:
➢ Retail and Small Businesses
➢ Tourism and Recreation:
➢ Commuter Economy
671
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-22
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section B.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, these City’s economic assets may be vulnerable.

Community Activities of Value
Inventorying economic assets in the City and their vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying activities that have value to the community. This includes activities that are important to a community, like long-standing traditions such as a festival or fair. Some areas rely on seasonal industries to sustain them throughout the year. Many of these activities also provide economic benefits to the City. A hazard event that cancels or shortens these can affect a community’s livelihood and can make disaster recovery more difficult or prolonged. This includes activities such as:
➢ Festivals and Fairs
➢ Sporting Events
➢ Tourism
➢ Local Pools
➢ Local Splash Pools
The City noted the following community activities of value:
➢ Ione Homecoming & Parade
➢ Hometown Christmas
➢ Preston Castle Haunt
➢ Halloween Night Parade
➢ Santa Truck
➢ 9-11 ceremony
➢ Little League baseball
➢ Mother Lode soccer
➢ Ione Jr. High Swimming pool
➢ Howard Park Summer Camp
➢ Christmas Parade
➢ Baseball Parade
➢ Walk for the troops
➢ Party Pardee Ride
Note: This inventory of community activities of value only occurs in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section B.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the City’s community activities of value may be vulnerable. 672
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-23
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Growth and Development Trends
As part of the planning process, the City looked at changes in growth and development, both current and future, and examined these changes in the context of hazard-prone areas, and how the changes in growth and development affect loss estimates and vulnerability over time.

Land Use
State planning law requires that a land use element of a general plan include a statement of the standard population density, building intensity, and allowed uses for the various land use designations in the plan (Government Code Section 65302(a)). The City’s land use designations are generally described below and mapped on the Land Use Diagram (Figure B-11). The City of Ione Municipal Code provides detailed land use and development standards for development.
673
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-24
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-11 City of Ione – Land Use Diagram
Source: City of Ione. Retrieved 6/4/2025
674
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-25
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Population Trends and Projections
There are no future City population projections. Amador County as a whole is expected to slowly continue to increase in population. As such, it is assumed that the City may see slow population growth as well.

Development since 2020 Plan
Development has occurred in the City since the last plan. Some of this has occurred in hazard prone areas.

The City Planning Department tracked total building permits issued since 2019 for the City. These are tracked by total development, property use type, and hazard risk area. These are shown in Table B-11 and Table B-12.

Table B-11 City of Ione – Total Development Since 2020
Property Use 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 66 126 69 55 13
Commercial 0 0 0 0 0
Industrial 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0
Total 66 126 69 55 13
Source: City of Ione Planning Department
Table B-12 City of Ione – Development in Hazard Areas since 2020 Property Use 1% Annual Chance
Flood
Levee Protected
Area
Wildfire Risk Area1 Other
Total 2 0 131 0
Source: City of Ione Planning Department
1Moderate or higher wildfire risk area
Development has occurred in the identified hazard areas, including the 1% annual chance floodplains and high wildfire risk areas. It was completed in accordance with all current and applicable development codes, including floodplain ordinances, wildfire codes, and other applicable standards and should be adequately protected. Thus, with the exception of more people living in the area potentially exposed to natural hazards, this growth should not cause a significant change in vulnerability of the City to identified priority hazards.

There are two areas in the City that are thought to see development in the next 5 years: the Ringer Ranch Subdivision and the Waterman Ranch Subdivision.
675
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-26
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The Ringer Ranch Subdivision Project proposal is for a new 585-unit detached single-family residential project of varying lot sizes located within and consistent with the existing General Plan Ringer Ranch Policy Area in the City of Ione. The site contains 135.18 +/- gross acres and is located south of State Highway 104 on the west side of Ione. The site is more specifically defined as APN 005- 320-005. The property is bounded on the north by existing public facility uses, the east by existing single-family residential homes and a golf course (Castle Oaks), the south by proposed single-family development (Castle Oaks Village 10) and golf (Castle Oaks) and vacant land, and on the west by vacant lands outside the City of Ione. The project site is characterized by gently rolling hills separated dominated by annual grass lands with few valley, blue, or live oak trees. The westerly portion of the site was dredged for placer gold and now supports riparian habitat consisting of seasonal wetlands, cottonwood trees, willow, berry vines. The site is bounded on the east by Mule Creek, and an ephemeral stream, which supports valley oaks, cottonwood, and black walnut trees, willows, berry vines, and rushes. The project site is identified in the Ione General Plan as RL (Residential Low). Existing zoning is PD Planned Development.
➢ The Waterman Ranch Subdivision Project proposal is for a new 377-unit detached single-family residential project of varying lot sizes located within and consistent with the existing General Plan State Route 124 Corridor Policy Area in the City of Ione. The site contains 94.74 +/- gross acres and is located north and south of State Route 124 on the east side of Ione. The site is more specifically defined as APN 004-290-002. The property is bounded on the north by existing public facility uses, the east by vacant lands outside of the City, but within the State Route 124 Corridor Policy Area, and on the south and west by existing single-family residential uses. The project site is characterized by gently rolling hills dominated by oak savanna. The vegetation is dominated by open grass lands or a mixed overstory of gray pine and valley, blue, and live oaks, with an understory of dense annual grasses interspersed with clumps of chemise, manzanita, and poison oak. Scattered cottonwood trees, willow, berry vines, and rushes grow in association with few seasonal wetland areas. The project site is identified in the Ione General Plan as RL (Residential Low) and RH (Residential High). Existing zoning is PD Planned Development.

GIS Analysis
These two future development areas were provided by the City of Ione. Using GIS, these areas were mapped. This area is shown on Figure B-12, and detailed by parcels and acres in Table B-13. 676
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-27
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-12 City of Ione – Future Development Areas
Table B-13 City of Ione– Parcels and Acres in Future Development Areas Site/Map
ID
Future
Development
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total
Acres
Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
A Ringer Ranch
Subdivision
1 1 0 135.18 135.18 0
B Waterman Ranch
Subdivision
1 0 1 94.74 0 94.74
Grand
Total
– 2 1 1 229.92 135.18 94.74
Source: City of Ione
B.4.2. Hazard Identification
The City of Ione identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance specific to the City (see Table B-14). Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table B-14 are considered City of Ione priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact in the 677
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-28
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
City were determined to be of low significance and not considered a priority hazard. Significance was determined based on the hazard profile, focusing on key criteria such as frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance of a hazard. This assessment was used to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. 678
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-29
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table B-14 City of Ione—Hazard Identification Assessment Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Probability of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Low
Avalanche Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Extensive Likely Limited Medium --
Dam Failure Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Drought & Water shortage Extensive Likely Catastrophic High High Earthquake (w/subhazards) Extensive Unlikely Negligible Low Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual
chance (w/ levee failure)
Significant Occasional Limited High Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Limited Highly Likely Critical High Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris
Flow
Limited Highly Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme
Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Extensive Occasional Limited Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains
and Storms (Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Occasional Limited Low Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds
and Tornadoes
Extensive Highly Unlikely Limited Medium Low
Wildfire (w/smoke and air
quality)
Significant Likely Critical High High
Geographic Extent
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Likelihood of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or happens
every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 10 years or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance
of occurrence in the next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of
occurrence in next 100 years, or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every
100 years.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
B.4.3. Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards This section includes the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessment for hazards ranked of medium or high significance specific to the City of Ione (as identified in the Significance column of Table B-14) and also includes a hazard profile and vulnerability assessment to the four primary hazards to the State of California: dam failure, earthquake, flood, and wildfire, regardless of the significance ranking by the City.

Chapter 4 of the Base Plan provides more detailed information about these hazards and their impacts on the Amador County Planning Area. Methodologies for evaluating vulnerabilities and calculating loss estimates are the same as those described in Section 4.2 of the Base Plan.

After the hazard profile, a vulnerability assessment is presented. As part of the vulnerability assessment, an estimate of the vulnerability of the City to each identified hazard, in addition to the estimate of risk of future occurrence, is provided in each of the hazard-specific sections. Vulnerability is measured in general, qualitative terms and is a summary of the potential impact based on past occurrences, spatial extent, and damage and casualty potential. It is categorized into the following classifications:
➢ Extremely Low – The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is very minimal to nonexistent.
➢ Low – Minimal potential impact. The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is minimal.
➢ Medium – Moderate potential impact. This ranking carries a moderate threat level to the general population and/or built environment. Here the potential damage is more isolated and less costly than a more widespread disaster.
➢ High – Widespread potential impact. This ranking carries a high threat to the general population and/or built environment. The potential for damage is widespread. Hazards in this category may have occurred in the past.
➢ Extremely High – Very widespread with catastrophic impact. 680
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-31
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
➢ Local Concerns – This includes City provided information on how the City is uniquely affected by or vulnerable to each hazard.
➢ Assets at Risk – A discussion of the assets at risk follows, presented in the same order as in Section B.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures; Critical Facilities and Infrastructure, and Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources. These are discussed in specific terms for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped. Sections on Community Lifelines and Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value are not included in the Sections below, as they are fully covered in Section B.4.1 above and in Chapter 4 of the Base Plan.
➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the City and its assets. The type and severity of impacts reflect both the potential magnitude of the hazard and the vulnerability of the asset.
➢ Future Conditions/Future Development – A discussion of how future conditions and future development may affect the hazard is also included. This is addressed specifically for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped.

Electric power disruptions can be generally grouped into two categories: intentional and unintentional.

More information on types of power disruptions can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-32
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), and they help prevent falling tree branches, animals and other hazards from starting a wildfire. By stopping ignitions, it helps prevent wildfires from starting and spreading. According to PG&E, if ignitions occur, the size of fires are much smaller due to EPSS. In 2022, there was a 99% decrease in acres impacted by ignitions (as measured by fire size from electric distribution equipment (compared to the 2018-2020 average). This decrease occurred despite dry conditions.

Local Concerns
The City noted that there have been no power outages or PSPS events that have affected them.

Climate Change
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Climate change adaptation is a key priority of the State of California. The 2023 State of California MultiHazard Mitigation Plan noted that climate change is already affecting California. Sea levels have risen by as much as seven inches along the California coast over the last century, increasing erosion and pressure on the State’s infrastructure, water supplies, and natural resources. The State has also seen increased average temperatures, more extreme hot days, fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter precipitation falling as snow, and earlier runoff of both snowmelt and rainwater in the year. In addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity of extreme weather events is also changing.

California’s Adaptation Planning Guide: Understanding Regional Characteristics (from 2017) has divided California into 11 different regions based on political boundaries, projected climate impacts, existing environmental setting, socioeconomic factors and regional designations. The City falls in the North Sierra Region. A map and climate projections for this region are shown in Section 4.3.7 of the Base Plan and include an increase in temperatures, moderate changes in rainfall, and increased risk to wildfire.

Location and Extent
Climate change is a global phenomenon. It is expected to affect the whole of the City of Ione, the Amador County Planning Area, surrounding counties, and State of California. There is no scale to measure the extent of climate change. Climate change exacerbates other hazards, such as drought, extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and others. The speed of onset of climate change is very slow. The duration of climate change is not yet known but is feared to be tens to hundreds of years.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
Climate change has never been directly linked to any declared disasters. 682
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-33
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
NCDC does not track climate change events.

City of Ione Events
From 2020 to 2025, the City of Ione experienced several climate-driven events. The 2020-2022 drought caused water shortages, stressing residents, businesses and increasing wildfire fuel loads, with indirect costs from water management. The 2021 Caldor Fire brought smoke and air quality issues, disrupting tourism and downtown businesses. Severe winter storms in 2023 triggered localized flooding in areas like Main Street and Five Mile Drive, with debris and tree damage. Heat waves in 2023-2025 (100-106°F) strained resources. Wind events in 2021 and 2025 (40-70 mph) caused tree falls, leading to road closures and extensive cleanup. These events highlight the need for mitigation actions to address climate-driven hazards.

Vulnerability to Climate Change
The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to climate change. The City Planning Team has concerns that the vulnerability of the City to climate change will continue to increase in the future. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to climate change begins with an understanding of local exposure to climate change. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s assets at risk, and impacts to this hazard.

From 2020 to 2025, the City of Ione faced climate-driven events intensifying vulnerabilities, including the 2020-2022 drought causing water shortages and tree mortality, the 2021 Caldor Fire with smoke impacting vulnerable populations, 2023 severe storms triggering localized flooding and debris flows, 2023-2025 heat waves (100-106°F) straining limited cooling infrastructure, and 2021/2025 wind events (40-70 mph) causing tree damage and power outages. These events highlight concerns for low-income and elderly residents, aging stormwater systems, wildfire-prone grasslands, and economic disruptions in downtown Ione. Mitigation actions, such as developing a Climate Adaptation Plan, upgrading cooling centers, and implementing stormwater and urban forestry programs, are needed to reduce risks and enhance resilience.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from climate change include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-34
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
extremes, populations particularly vulnerable include the very old and very young, medically fragile people, people without means of shelter (and air conditioning or heat) or transportation, people who are socially isolated and other vulnerable or underserved populations (as shown in the discussion in Section B.4.1).

Acclimatization to extreme temperatures and other weather extremes may help reduce impacts from these extreme events, such as from heat waves, in the healthy general population but may not be sufficient to protect those with underlying medical conditions.

Structures
Climate change, on its own, does not generally impact structures. However, structures in areas of increased wildfire, flood, or other areas exacerbated by the effects of climate change would be at increased risk, as described throughout this LHMP. More information on how structures may be affected by climate change can be found in Section 4.3.7 of the Base Plan.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
As with structures, critical facilities and infrastructure in areas of increased wildfire, flood, or other areas due to the effects of climate change would be at increased risk. Climate change is expected to increase the vulnerability of critical facilities and infrastructure to many natural hazards.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
The rivers, streams, agricultural areas, and open space areas of the City supports rich biodiversity, including many special-status species and habitat areas. These are all at risk from the effects of climate change. In addition, if heat continues to contribute to changes in wildfire patterns, all areas (on land) of the City are at increased risk from fire – including natural, historic, and cultural resources. Furthermore, as climate change exacerbates the drought hazard, areas of wetlands in the City may be reduced or dry up temporarily, which could damage habitat areas for waterfowl and other species that depend on these areas.

Impacts from Climate Change
The California APG: Understanding Regional Characteristics identified the following impacts specific to the North Sierra Region in which the City is part of:
➢ Increased temperatures
➢ Reduced precipitation
➢ Public health – heat and air pollution
➢ Reduced agricultural productivity (e.g., wine grapes) ➢ Reduced tourism
In addition to these sources, the 2023 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that according to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, the state will experience the following climate impacts:
➢ Annual average daily high temperatures are expected to rise by 2.7° F by 2040, 5.8°F by 2070, and

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-35
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Warming temperatures are expected to increase soil moisture loss and lead to drier conditions. Summer dryness may become prolonged, with soil drying beginning earlier in the spring and lasting longer into the fall and winter.
➢ Droughts are likely to become more frequent and persistent through 2100. ➢ The strength of the most intense precipitation and storm events affecting California is expected to increase.
➢ Snowpack levels are projected to decline significantly by 2100 due to reduced snowfall and faster snowmelt.
➢ Marine layer clouds are projected to decrease.
➢ Extreme wildfires (i.e., fires larger than 24,710 acres) would occur 50 percent more frequently. The maximum area burned statewide may increase 178 percent by the end of the century.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City include the following:
➢ As climate change continues to accelerate over time, climate related impacts to the City will continue to increase.
➢ Climate change can influence population growth in the City over time. Since the County is expected to see slow and steady growth, the City could see the same slow increase. However, population fluctuations as a result of climate impacts relative to those experienced in other regions, and these fluctuations are expected to impact demand for housing and other development. While there are currently no formal studies of specific migration patterns expected to impact the City and larger Amador County region, climate-induced migration was recognized within the UNFCCC Conference of Parties Paris Agreement of 2015 and is expected to be the focus of future studies. So while changes in population and population patterns are not expected to increase the impacts associated with this hazard, climate change may instead influence future population growth in the City which may leave more people vulnerable in the effects of climate change.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The increasing severity and frequency of storms and other weather events and natural hazards due to the changing climate should be taken into account while considering land use planning for the City. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Thus, future development in the City will likely increase the impacts and associated vulnerability of the City to this hazard. It should be noted, however, that new development is subject to current building codes, which should reduce or mitigate the hazard vulnerability associated with new construction.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-36
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
for different demographic groups with intersecting identities that reside within the County are considered can help to make for a more disaster resilient community.

Ione, like other communities, will need to adapt in order to comply with future state and federal mandates.

This will include reducing the City’s carbon footprint reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The City has currently installed a solar farm on property it owns by the Tertiary Plan/ Corp. Yard and the power that will be generated there will be used to power the Tertiary Plant, the City’s Corp. Yard, and the City’s wastewater treatment plant. The City anticipates significant cost saving over time. The City is also looking to adding solar panels to the roofs of City building in an effort to reduce the City’s carbon footprint and to reduce the City’s electric costs.

Dam Failure
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–Low
Note: though a low significance hazard in the City, due to its importance in the County and in the State of California, this hazard is profiled here. It is not considered a priority for mitigation planning purposes.

Hazard Profile
Dams are manmade structures built for a variety of uses including flood protection, power generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood protection, they are usually engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence. For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a certain probability of occurring in any given year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped or fail. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States.

Location and Extent
An inventory map of dams located within Amador County was shown in Section 4.3.9 in the Base Plan.

No extremely high hazard dams intersect the City. High hazard dams with an inundation area within the City of Ione are shown on Figure B-13.

DSOD adds a fourth category of Extremely High. Dams are classified in these four categories that identify the potential hazard to life and property. These were discussed in more detail in Section 4.3.9 of the Base Plan.
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-37
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
While a dam may fill slowly with runoff from winter storms, a dam break has a very quick speed of onset.

Geographic flood extent from the DSOD dam inundation areas is shown on Figure B-13, as well as in Table B-15.

Figure B-13 City of Ione – High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Table B-15 City of Ione – Dam Inundation Areas Geographical Extents Dam
Inundation
Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
CSP Mule
Creek
373 13% 65 9% 308 14%
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-38
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Dam
Inundation
Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
CSP Mule
Creek - Saddle
Dam
44 1% - - 44 2%
Goffinet 123 4% 18 3% 104 5%
Henderson 239 8% 45 6% 195 9%
Preston 179 6% 35 5% 144 6%
Total 958 32% 163 23% 795 36%
Source: Cal OES, DSOD, Amador County GIS
While the City does have inundation areas associated with several high hazard dams, the City does not consider dam failure a priority hazard for mitigation planning purposes. Significance and priority of a hazard was determined based on frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance and priority of a hazard. This assessment was used by the City to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. As such, no additional analysis is presented for this hazard, due to its low significance in the City. Further, as a non-priority hazard, it will not be carried forward into the mitigation strategy for the City.

Drought & Water Shortage
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Drought and water shortage are complex issues involving many factors—it occurs when a normal amount of precipitation and snow is not available to satisfy an area’s usual water-consuming activities. Drought can often be defined regionally based on its effects. Drought is different than many of the other natural hazards in that it is not a distinct event and usually has a slow onset. Drought can severely impact a region both physically and economically. Drought affects different sectors in different ways and with varying intensities. Adequate water supply is the most significant issue and is critical for agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, recreation, and commercial and domestic use. Drought has also affected tree mortality in the area in the past. As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water.

Tree Mortality and Drought
One of the specific impacts of drought in the City of Ione and the Amador County Planning Area is the increased risk to trees from beetle kill and other insects, pathogens and parasites, and other tree mortality and die back issues. Drought weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to insect infestation and other pathogens. Insects, such as bark beetles and others, frequently attack trees weakened by drought, 688
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-39
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
disease, injuries, or other factors that may stress the tree. These insects and other pathogens can contribute to the decline and eventual death of trees throughout the City. The tree mortality and dieback problems are a high priority because of the issue of hazardous trees and an increased wildfire hazard. In addition to an increase in wildfire fuels, hazardous trees can fall onto structures causing damage and a result in a reduction on the tree canopy within the City that provides relief during extreme heat days.

Over the last five years since the 2020 LHMP, drought conditions have ranged from none to exceptional.

Drought conditions are expected to continue to be cyclical in nature depending on the year.” Current drought conditions in the City are shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan.

Drought has a slow speed of onset and a variable duration. Drought can last for a short period of time (which does not usually affect water shortages) or for longer periods (which may challenge water supplies).

Should a drought last for a long period of time, water shortage becomes a larger issue.

According to the Amador Water Agency (AWA) 2024-2025 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report, the Agency has a significant surplus of water supply above current and projected demands.

The Amador Water System (AWS) water supply is a pre-1914 water right that has never been curtailed in the most severe single-year or a multiple-year drought. In addition, while the water supply associated with the Central Amador Water Project (CAWP) was temporarily curtailed during recent drought years, the significant storage volume in the Lower Bear Reservoir has allowed previous water supply demands to be met, and are expected to be met in the future, even in dry years. In addition, the total well capacity for the portion of both systems reliant on groundwater are larger than current and projected demands.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been 2 state and 1 federal disaster declarations for Amador County. This can be seen in Table B-16. Additionally, there have been 16 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations from drought in the County.
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-40
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October 2025
Table B-16 Amador County –State and Federal Drought Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Drought 2 1976, 2015 1 1977
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
There have been 249 NCDC drought events in Amador County since 1993. These most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Ione Events
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the City of Ione, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan notes that five droughts have occurred in the past 86 years. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future.

The City noted that recent droughts were California’s second-driest three-year period on record, with 2021 being particularly severe due to low snowpack (35% of average in April 2022) and high evaporative demand. Governor Newsom declared a statewide drought emergency, and the SWP allocated only 5% of supplies in 2021, impacting water agencies like the AWA (who provide water for the City). The Amador Water Agency declared a Stage 2 Water Shortage on December 6, 2021, enacting mandatory conservation measures for Ione and other communities. These included restrictions on outdoor irrigation (e.g., no watering within 48 hours of measurable rain, fixing leaks within 72 hours) and bans on non-essential uses like washing vehicles without shut-off nozzles. Ione’s reliance on the Mokelumne River, which saw reduced runoff (69% of reservoir capacity in 2021), likely strained local water supplies. Agricultural users faced reduced allocations, and rural residents with private wells may have experienced outages, as over 2,000 wells went dry statewide during this period.

Climate Change and Drought and Water Shortage
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with drought and water shortage. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Climate scientists studying California find that drought conditions are likely to become more frequent and persistent over the 21st century due to climate change. The experiences of California during recent years underscore the need to examine more closely the state’s water storage, distribution, management, conservation, and use policies. The 2021 Climate Adaptation Study (CAS) (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) stresses the need for public policy development addressing long term climate change impacts on water supplies. The CAS notes that climate change is likely to significantly diminish California’s future water supply, stating that: California must change its water management and uses because climate change will likely create greater competition for limited water supplies needed by the environment, agriculture, and cities.
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-41
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October 2025
A 2018 report from the Public Policy Institute of California noted that thousands of Californians – mostly in rural, small, disadvantaged communities – already face acute water scarcity, contaminated groundwater, or complete water loss. Climate change would make these effects worse.

Cal Adapt scenarios for modeled future drought scenarios were shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan.

Vulnerability to Drought and Water Shortage
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought and water shortage in California, including the City, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future.

Periods of actual drought with adverse impacts can vary in duration, and the period between droughts can be extended. Although an area may be under an extended dry period, determining when it becomes a drought is based on impacts to individual water users. The vulnerability of the City of Ione to drought may vary and include reduction in water supply, turf losses, impacts to natural resources, and an increase in dry fuels and tree dieback.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to drought and water shortage. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to drought and water shortage begins with an understanding of local exposure to drought. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.
➢ Dependence on Limited Water Sources:
✓ Issue: Ione relies on a combination of surface water from the Amador Water Agency (e.g., Mokelumne River) and local groundwater basins. The Mokelumne River, a primary water source, is vulnerable to reduced flows during droughts, as seen during the 2012–2016 California drought, which was the driest four-year period in 1,200 years. Groundwater basins in Amador County are also subject to depletion during prolonged dry periods. ✓ Concern: Climate change is expected to intensify drought frequency and severity, with projections indicating a 10% reduction in California’s water supply by 2040. Reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, a critical regional water source, further threatens Ione’s water availability. ✓ At-Risk Facilities: The Ione Wastewater Treatment Plant (at West Marlette Street and Dave Brubeck Road) and water distribution infrastructure are vulnerable to reduced water availability, which could disrupt treatment capacity and increase operational costs. The plant’s 2013 wastewater compliance project, addressing a Cease and Desist Order, highlights existing strain on water infrastructure.
✓ Vulnerable Populations: Low-income households, Cal Fire Academy and Mule Creek State Prison.
➢ Increased Wildfire Risk Due to Drought:
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-42
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October 2025
✓ Issue: Ione’s oak-covered foothills and proximity to wildland-urban interfaces increase wildfire risk during droughts, as dry vegetation becomes fuel.
✓ Concern: Drought exacerbates wildfire risks, threatening critical infrastructure and public safety.

Smoke from wildfires degrades air quality, impacting health, and post-fire debris flows can contaminate water sources, as seen in other California regions. ✓ At-Risk Facilities: Ione Water treatment plant, Wastewater, tertiary facility, Ione Police Department, Public Works, Ione Fire Department, city hall, and power infrastructure (e.g., PG&E lines), Mule Creek State Prison, Cal Fire Academy are at risk from wildfires. Preston Castle, a historic landmark, is also vulnerable to fire damage.
✓ Vulnerable Populations: Elderly residents, children, and those with chronic conditions (e.g., respiratory issues) are particularly susceptible to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. Rural residents and farmworkers near Ione’s agricultural areas face increased exposure to fire risks. ➢ Public Health and Heat-Related Risks:
✓ Issue: Ione’s warm-summer Mediterranean climate, features hot, arid summers and mild winters, with drought amplifying heat waves. Climate projections estimate increased heat wave frequency, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 102°F.
✓ Concern: Drought-related heat increases health risks like heatstroke and exacerbates respiratory conditions. Water shortages also limit access to drinking water and hygiene, critical during heat events.
✓ At-Risk Facilities: Community facilities like schools, and recreational areas (e.g., Charles Howard Park) lack adequate cooling or water distribution systems to support residents during extreme heat. ✓ Vulnerable Populations: Elderly residents, children, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Low-income households may struggle to afford cooling or water during shortages.
➢ Wastewater and Water Recycling Challenges:
✓ Issue: The Ione Wastewater Treatment Plant’s 2013 compliance project aimed to improve treatment and provide recycled water for local agriculture, addressing a Cease and Desist Order from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Drought reduces wastewater flows, limiting recycling capacity and increasing treatment costs. ✓ Concern: Reduced water availability strains the plant’s ability to meet regulatory requirements and support agricultural irrigation, potentially increasing costs for ratepayers and farmers. ✓ At-Risk Facilities: The wastewater treatment plant and associated pipelines are critical but vulnerable to low water flows and regulatory non-compliance. ✓ Vulnerable Populations: Low-income ratepayers face financial burdens from potential rate hikes.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from drought and water shortage include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
The people and populations of the City are not directly affected by drought; although, their turfed areas, trees, and other water dependent resources can all be affected. In extreme drought conditions, however, 692
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-43
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
residents and other populations within the City may be vulnerability to drought and water shortage issues.

Water quality can be impacted causing health problems, especially to vulnerable populations. Drought and water shortage can lead to an increase in wildfires threatening City residents. Water shortages can have an effect on all of the population in the City but often have a greater effect on the unhoused and other vulnerable populations that may be unable to access clean drinking water during shortages. During periods of drought as the costs of water usage may increase, especially during mandated conservation times, those who are economically disadvantaged may be unable to afford the increased costs of potable water.

Structures
Structures have a limited vulnerability to drought and water shortage. It is the secondary hazard of drought (wildfire) which causes risks to structures. Drought can also stress trees, causing die off. These trees may fall on structures adjacent to them.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Most critical facilities and infrastructure have a limited vulnerability to drought and water shortage. Should drought conditions be severe enough to cause water shortage reliability issues, some facilities and infrastructure may be affected. Water and wastewater systems may be impacted during times of reduced water supply and need to employ contingencies to remain functional and fully operational. Other water dependent systems may also be adversely affected. Further, the secondary hazard of drought (increased potential for spread of urban fires and wildfire) can pose a significant risk to critical facilities and infrastructure. Sufficient water supply for firefighting can also be an issue. Drought can also stress trees, causing die off. These trees may fall on critical infrastructure adjacent to them and impact power lines and other utilities.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Drought and water shortage can have a significant impact on natural resources. Water levels in reservoirs and lakes may be reduced and a loss of wetlands and coastal marsh areas may occur. Severe drought conditions can contribute to an increase in erosion of soils and lead to poor soil quality. Further, all of the trees in the City are at risk to drought impacts and a reduction in water supply. These trees provide a wealth of social and environmental benefits to City residents and visitors, from shade and beauty to air quality, carbon reduction and stormwater management. Drought can devastate crops and dry out pastures, dry out forests and critical habitat areas, and reduce food and water available for wildlife and livestock.

Additionally, drought conditions can also cause soil to compact and not absorb water well, potentially making an area more susceptible to flooding. It is unlikely that drought and water shortage would have a significant impact on historic and cultural resources in the City.

Impacts from Drought and Water Shortage
The vulnerability of the City to drought is City-wide, but impacts may vary and include reduction in water supply and an increase in dry fuels. The potential for a reduction in water supply during drought conditions generally leads to both mandated and voluntary conservations measures during extended droughts. During these times, the costs of water can also increase. Also of concern, the increased dry fuels, fuel loads, and tree mortality events associated with drought conditions can result in an increased fire danger. In areas of 693
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-44
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October 2025
extremely dry fuels, the intensity and speed of fires can be significant. Water supply and flows for fire suppression can also be an issue during extended droughts. Drought can also lead to turf losses and cause tree die off within the City.

Other qualitative impacts associated with drought in the City are those related to water intensive activities such as municipal usage, commerce, tourism, and recreation use. With more precipitation likely falling as rain instead of snow in the Sierra’s, and warmer temperatures causing decreased snowfall to melt faster and earlier, water supply is likely to become more unreliable. In addition, drought and water shortage is predicted to become more common. This means less water available for use over the long run, and additional challenges for water supply reliability, especially during periods of extended drought.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Ione include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future drought conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to drought and water shortage. ➢ Future population growth should be considered as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City is continuing. Future population growth in the City will add additional pressure to water companies during periods of drought and water shortage. Water companies will need to continue to plan for and add infrastructure capacity for population growth. As the population grows, the nature and makeup of populations will shift and change along with it. Vulnerable and underserved populations, such as those with low incomes and the unhoused that might not always have access to clean water, will need to be considered as future development continues, since they may experience a disproportionate impact from drought and water shortage. Should the City see a growth in population, it will increase the vulnerability and impacts to the County from this hazard.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. As the City continues to grow, more cropland may be taken out of production to provide housing to accommodate for population growth. As the areas adjacent to the City’s agricultural lands are reduced, it seems likely that there would be less of a competing demand for water. However, more development will also require an increase in water supply and associated infrastructure. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Thus, future development in the City will likely increase the impacts and associated vulnerability of the City to this hazard. It should be noted, however, that new development is subject to current building codes, which should reduce or mitigate the hazard vulnerability associated with new construction.
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-45
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October 2025
As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water. The AWA provides water to the City through reliable surface water sources. However, population growth in the City will continue to increase the demand for water. Ongoing planning will be needed by the City and AWA to account for population growth and increased water demands.

In an effort to conserve water, the City will, at some point, need to examine implementing a requirement that all new subdivisions be constructed to allow for tertiary treated recycled effluent to be used to irrigate yards, much in the same way Castle Oaks Golf Course uses tertiary treated effluent to irrigate the golf course. Using tertiary treated water for irrigating yards is being used in larger cities in the southwestern part of the United States.

Ione is pursuing a grant opportunity to extend pipe from the tertiary plant to Howard park to use tertiary water
The City will need to work to encourage the State of California to construct more reservoirs to capture rain and snow runoff for later use. Ongoing planning activities will also need to focus on additional enclosed potable water storage tanks for consumer use and fire protection.

The City of Ione has adopted Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinances and encourages property owners to incorporate low maintenance landscaping practices. Some examples of low maintenance landscaping include removing sod and replacing it with a decorative rock lawn or installing artificial grass. Another landscaping alternative is to plants that thrive in an arid climate.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-46
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Location and Extent
Since earthquakes are regional events, the whole of the City is at risk to earthquake. The City of Ione, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards. Faults in and around the City were shown in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. These include the Carson Range, Great Valley, and Rogers-Hayward Creek faults. A significant seismic event on any of these major faults could cause damage in the City of Ione.

The City does not consider earthquake a priority hazard for mitigation planning purposes. Significance and priority of a hazard was determined based on frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance and priority of a hazard. This assessment was used by the City to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. As such, no additional analysis is presented for this hazard, due to its low significance in the City. Further, as a non-priority hazard, it will not be carried forward into the mitigation strategy for the City.

Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (1%)/Unlikely (0.2%) Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
This hazard analyzes the FEMA DFIRM 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods. These tend to be the larger floods that can occur in the City and have caused damage in the past. Flooding can be a significant problem in the City. Historically, the City has been at risk to flooding primarily during the winter and spring months when river systems in the City swell with heavy rainfall and snowmelt runoff. The City has also been at risk during atmospheric river flood events. Normally, storm floodwaters are kept within defined limits by a variety of storm drainage and flood control measures located throughout the Amador County Planning Area and the City of Ione. Occasionally, extended heavy rains result in floodwaters that exceed normal high-water boundaries and cause damage. Flooding has occurred both within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains and in other localized areas in the City. 696
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-47
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Location and Extent
The City of Ione has areas located in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. This is seen in Figure B-14.

Figure B-14 City of Ione – FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Table B-17 details the DFIRM mapped flood zones located within the City.

Table B-17 City of Ione– DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones
Flood Zone Description Present in City of Ione
A 1% annual chance flooding: No base flood elevations
provided
X
AE 1% annual chance flooding: Base flood elevations provided X AE Regulatory Floodway 1% annual chance flood: Regulatory floodway; Base flood elevations provided
AH 1% annual chance flood areas of shallow flooding between one to three feet deep. Regulatory floodway; Base flood elevations provided
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-48
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone Description Present in City of Ione
Shaded X 0.2% annual chance flooding: The areas between the limits of the 1% annual chance flood and the 0.2-percent-annualchance (or 500-year) flood X
X (unshaded) No flood hazard X
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
Additionally, flood extents can generally be measured in volume, velocity, and depths of flooding.

Expected flood depths in the City vary, depending on the nature and extent of a flood event; specific depths are unknown. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, due to the amount of water that flows through the City.

Geographical flood extents for the City from the FEMA DFIRMs are shown in Table B-18.

Table B-18 City of Ione – Geographical DFIRM Flood Zone Extents Flood Zone Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
1% Annual
Chance Flood
251 8% 68 10% 183 8%

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
108 4% 76 11% 32 1%
Other Areas 2,613 88% 546 79% 2,068 91%
Ione Total 2,973 100% 690 100% 2,283 100%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
Flood protection levees were built by the USACE along Sutter Creek in the City of Ione; however, the levees are not certified as providing protection from the 100-year flood. Flood and erosion-control retaining walls are located along Sutter Creek near the intersection of Preston and Main Streets; however, these structures also are not certified as providing protection from the 100-year flood. A more detailed description of the location of floodwalls, levees, and other flood control structures within the City of Ione is provided below:
➢ Levees and Floodwalls
✓ A concrete floodwall on the south bank of Sutter Creek, starting at Preston Avenue Bridge and extending upstream approximately 300 feet.
✓ A levee on the south bank, starting at the end of the floodwall and extending upstream approximately 400 feet.
✓ A levee on the south side of Sutter Creek, from downstream of Preston Avenue and extending downstream approximately 500 feet.
✓ A levee on the north bank of Sutter Creek, from downstream of Preston Avenue and extending downstream approximately 900 feet.
➢ Other Flood Control Structures
✓ Howard Park Retention Basin
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-49
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October 2025
✓ West Marlette Storm Drain System
✓ Ione Oaks Drainage Ditch
The Sutter Creek channel has been cleared and shaped at some locations, and stone slope protection has been placed at areas that were subject to erosion during the January 1995 flood event. Back-flow prevention valves have been added to the major storm drain outfall structure located downstream of Highway 104 near the channel bend.

This effort was completed by DWR in 2008. DWR has expanded the BAM to cover all counties in the State and to include 500-year floodplains.

Different than the FEMA DFIRMs which have been prepared to support the NFIP and reflect only the 100- year event risk, the BAMs are provided for informational purposes and are intended to reflect current 100- , 200-(as applicable), and 500-year event risks using the best available data. The 100-year floodplain limits on the BAM are a composite of multiple 100-year floodplain mapping sources. It is intended to show all currently identified areas at risk for a 100-year flood event, including FEMA’s 100-year floodplains. The BAM are comprised of different engineering studies performed by FEMA, Corps, and DWR for assessment of potential 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplain areas. These studies are used for different planning and/or regulatory applications, and for each flood frequency may use varied analytical and quality control criteria depending on the study type requirements. The value in the BAMs is that they provide a bigger picture view of potential flood risk to the City than that provided in the FEMA DFIRMs. The BAM map for the City of Ione is shown in Figure B-15.
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Amador County City of Ione Annex B-50
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-15 City of Ione – Best Available Map
Source: California DWR
Legend explanation: Blue - FEMA 100-Year, Orange – Local 100-Year (developed from local agencies), Red – DWR 100-year (Awareness floodplains identify the 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures.), Pink – USACE 100- Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Yellow – USACE 200-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Tan – FEMA 500-Year, Grey – Local 500-Year (developed from local agencies), Purple – USACE 500-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study).

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
A list of state and federal disaster declarations for Amador County from flooding is shown on Table B-19.

These events also likely affected the City to some degree.

Table B-19 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
700
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-51
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
The NCDC tracks flooding events for the County. Events have been tracked for flooding since 1993.

Amador County has seen 43 events. These events most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Ione Events
The City noted that the following events affected or damaged the City:

Flooding has been a documented hazard in Amador County and the City since the 1860s. The area bounded by Main Street, Highway 104, Washington Street, Highway 124, and El Dorado Street has historically experienced on-site flooding. The winter of 1984 to 1985 brought high water to Sutter Creek (see Figure B-16). Flows were generally contained within the river channel. During these times, the river was being dredged, allowing for higher flows.

Figure B-16 City of Ione – High Water in 1984/1985
Source: City of Ione
In 1997, Sutter Creek overflowed its banks, causing evacuations in flooded areas. This was the result of not dredging the Creek Bed. The pictures in Figure B-17 were taken prior to the crest, and do not show the highest point of flooding. Sutter Creek has many vertical banks within the City limits that are eroding and at risk of ultimately collapsing. The City recently rebuilt one area of the bank in order to save a backyard from destruction.
701
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-52
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-17 City of Ione – 1997 Flooding
Source: City of Ione
In 2016, California received heavy rains and Sutter Creek was overflowing in the lower elevations of the City of Ione. The stream’s current washed out property owner’s stream banks along Sutter Creek, and an Amador Water Agency’s pump station was damaged and made un-operable. Marlette Road, across from the City’s wastewater treatment plant, was in danger of being undercut due to erosion of the stream bank.

Areas of downtown Ione experienced localized flooding due to the storm drainage system not being able to handle all of the flow. Images of damage can be seen on Figure B-18.

Figure B-18 2016 Flooding (upper left and both lower) and Aftermath (upper right) in Ione Source: City of Ione
702
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-53
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Climate Change and Flood
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with flood. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), climate change may affect flooding in California, the Amador County Planning Area, and the City of Ione. While average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century. It is possible that average soil moisture and runoff could decline, however, due to increasing temperature, evapotranspiration rates, and spacing between rainfall events. Reduced snowpack and increased number of intense rainfall events are likely to put additional pressure on water infrastructure which could increase the chance of flooding associated with breaches or failures of flood control structures such as levees and dams. Cal Adapt future precipitation projections were shown in Section 4.3.4.

Vulnerability to Flood: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance
Floods have been a part of the City’s historical past and will continue to be so in the future. During winter months, long periods of precipitation and the timing of that precipitation are critical in determining the threat of flood, and these characteristics further dictate the potential for widespread structural and property damage. Predominantly, the effects of 1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding are generally confined to areas near the waterways of the City. As waterways grow in size from local drainages, so grows the threat of flood and dimensions of the threat.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to floods. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to flood begins with an understanding of local exposure to flood. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

A member of the public and the HMPC noted that there are vulnerabilities to flooding in the City due to the patchwork of public agencies and private individuals who own land next to Sutter Creek. There are areas of the Creek that are overgrown with brush, trees, and other items that have fallen into the Creek that slow flows of water and compounds the flood problem during heavy storms. In periods of normal rainfall, no problems exist. During periods of high rainfall, water is not able to escape as quickly and can overflow the river channel, which can affect downtown Ione.

The City of Ione faces ongoing challenges in maintaining Sutter Creek due to recurring vegetation and debris accumulation, which exacerbates flood risks in the downtown area and near vulnerable populations, such as Jose’s Apartment Complex. Clearing the channel requires permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect special-status species and coordination with multiple private landowners whose properties extend into the creek. To address this, the City needs a sustainable plan, such as a multi703 Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-54
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
year stream maintenance program, that streamlines permitting, establishes landowner agreements, and secures funding through FEMA or state grants to ensure regular clearing, reduce flood hazards, and comply with environmental regulations.

The City is looking at and possibly pursuing the following mitigation to address flooding ➢ Enhance Flood Infrastructure:
✓ Upgrade storm drains and culverts near Sutter Creek to handle increased runoff. ✓ Secure FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to reinforce the Ione Wastewater Treatment Plant against flooding.
➢ Community Preparedness:
✓ Develop a flood warning system with multilingual alerts for low-income and elderly residents by 2026.
✓ Establish a community flood education program to teach preparedness ➢ Protect Vulnerable Populations:
✓ Create a special needs registry for elderly and disabled residents to ensure access to evacuation support during flood events.
➢ Green Infrastructure:
✓ Install green infrastructure, like rain gardens, at Charles Howard Park to absorb runoff by 2028.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from flood include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All people and populations located in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains are at some risk to flooding. Certain vulnerable populations located within areas prone to flooding may be at increased risk to this hazard, especially during a large event with minimal advance notice. These vulnerable populations include: the unsheltered, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

City residents that live in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains are often the most vulnerable. Not only are the residents at risk, but their homes and contents are all at risk, compounding the impacts associated with significant hazard events. To further evaluate the impact to the City of Ione’s residential population residing within these hazard areas, the DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the parcel layer.

Those residential parcels that intersect the flood zones were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Ione – 2.29. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 737 and 355 residents of the City at risk to flooding in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains, respectively. This is shown in Table B-20. 704
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-55
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table B-20 City of Ione – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by Summary FEMA DFIRM Flood Zone
Jurisdiction
1% Annual Chance 0.2% Annual Chance
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Ione 322 737 155 355
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Structures
Certain structures in the City are at risk of DFIRM flooding and primarily include those structures located within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of flooding on parcels and structures within the City of Ione. The methodology described in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk to the 1% (100-year) and 0.2% (500-year) annual chance flood event. Table B-21 is a summary table for the City of Ione. Parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values in the City are shown for the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones, as well as for those properties that fall outside of the mapped FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table B-22 breaks down Table B-21 and shows the same analysis further broken out by detailed FEMA flood zone and property use.

Table B-21 City of Ione – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Summary DFIRM Flood Zone
Flood Zone Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
452 371 $40,923,840 $87,983,517 $51,122,765 $180,030,122

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
169 159 $15,370,985 $34,728,985 $20,000,009 $70,099,979 Other Areas 1,584 1,446 $167,447,004 $373,754,655 $186,962,206 $728,163,865 Ione Total 2,205 1,976 $223,741,829 $496,467,157 $258,084,980 $978,293,966 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone. 705
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-56
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table B-22 City of Ione – Count and Values of Parcels and Structures by Detailed DFIRM Flood Zone and Property Use
Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 3 1 $1,015,548 $20,808 $20,808 $1,057,164
Commercial 51 46 $6,687,272 $14,308,328 $14,308,328 $35,303,928 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 28 2 $1,495,169 $67,123 $0 $1,562,292
Residential 365 322 $29,799,600 $73,587,258 $36,793,629 $140,180,487 Unknown 5 0 $1,926,251 $0 $0 $1,926,251
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
452 371 $40,923,840 $87,983,517 $51,122,765 $180,030,122

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 2 2 $2,549,824 $5,428,521 $5,428,521 $13,406,866 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 4 2 $33,622 $157,489 $0 $191,111
Residential 163 155 $12,787,539 $29,142,975 $14,571,488 $56,502,002 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
169 159 $15,370,985 $34,728,985 $20,000,009 $70,099,979 Other Areas
Agricultural 8 2 $4,065,375 $11,424 $11,424 $4,088,223
Commercial 12 12 $882,385 $2,886,046 $2,886,046 $6,654,477 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 29 2 $505,357 $2,727,713 $0 $3,233,070
Residential 1,529 1,430 $156,911,613 $368,129,472 $184,064,736 $709,105,821 Unknown 6 0 $5,082,274 $0 $0 $5,082,274
Other Areas
Total
1,584 1,446 $167,447,004 $373,754,655 $186,962,206 $728,163,865 Ione Total 2,205 1,976 $223,741,829 $496,467,157 $258,084,980 $978,293,966 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone. 706
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-57
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table B-23 summarizes Table B-22 and shows City of Ione loss estimates and improved values at risk by FEMA 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. According to Table B-22 and Table B-23, the City of Ione has 371 parcels and $139.1 million of structure and contents values or values in the 1% annual chance flood zone, and 159 improved parcels and $54.7 million of structure and contents values in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone. These values can be refined a step further. Applying the 20 percent damage factor as previously described in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan, there is a 1% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $45 million in damage and a 0.2% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $1.4 million in damage in the City of Ione. The loss ratio of 0.402% indicates that flood losses for 1% annual chance flooding would be relatively moderate, but the City would be able recover. The loss ratio of 0.158% indicates that flood losses for 0.2% annual chance flooding would be relatively minor and the City would have little difficulty in recovering.

Table B-23 City of Ione – Flood Loss Estimates
Flood
Zone
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value Loss
Estimate
Loss
Ratio
1%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
452 371 $40,923,840 $87,983,517 $51,122,765 $139,106,282 $27,821,256 0.402%

0.2%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
169 159 $15,370,985 $34,728,985 $20,000,009 $54,728,994 $10,945,799 0.158% Total 621 530 $56,294,825 $122,712,502 $71,122,774 $193,835,276 $38,767,055 0.006% Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding present a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each FEMA DFIRM flood zone.

Using GIS, the FEMA DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure B-19. Table B-24 details which critical facilities fall in which FEMA DFIRM flood zones.

Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by FEMA DFIRM flood zones are listed in Appendix F.
707
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-58
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-19 City of Ione – Critical Facilities in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table B-24 City of Ione – Critical Facilities by Category in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone A
Essential Services
Bridge 1
Essential Services Total 1
Zone A Total 1
Zone AE Essential Services
Clinic 1
Fire Station 1
Library 1
Other 1
Police Station 1
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
708
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-59
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count Essential Services Total 7
At Risk Population
School 2
At Risk Population Total 2
Zone AE Total 9
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Total 10

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone X (shaded)
At Risk Population
School 1
At Risk Population Total 1
Zone X (shaded) Total 1

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Total
1 Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded)
Essential Services
EMS Station 2
Evacuation Shelter 1
Fire Station 1
Prison 1
Essential Services Total 5
At Risk Population
School 2
At Risk Population Total 2
Zone X (unshaded) Total 7
Other Areas Total 7
Ione Total 18
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Ione
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Large flood events can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources. There are a number of ways floodwaters can impact natural resources and the environment. Wildlife habitats can be destroyed by floodwaters. Contaminated floodwater can pollute rivers and habitats. Silt and sediment can destroy natural areas. Riverbanks and natural levees can be eliminated as rivers reach bankfull capacity. Rivers can be widened, and deposition can increase downstream. Trees can be uprooted by high-velocity water flow.

Plants that survive the initial flood may die due to being inundated with water. Historic and cultural resources may also be affected. Generally, the impacts are associated with damage to structures within the flooded areas, but other cultural resources such as those associated with Native Americans and old tribal areas can also be disturbed, damaged and lost during extreme flood events. Any of these that fall in the flood zones shown on Figure B-14 would be vulnerable.
709
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-60
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts from Flood: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance
Floods are among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide.

Large flood events, including those associated with 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods, can cause substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities as well as life safety issues. People may be swept away in floodwaters, causing injuries or deaths. Floods can be extremely dangerous, and even six inches of moving water can knock over a person given a strong current. During a flood, people can also suffer heart attacks or electrocution due to electrical equipment short outs. Direct impacts, such as drowning, can be limited with adequate warning and public education about what to do during floods. Floodwaters can transport large objects downstream which can damage or remove stationary structures. Structures can be damaged directly from floodwaters and can also be damaged from trees falling as a result of water-saturated soils. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can also break utility lines and interrupt services causing power outages. The interruption of power causes major problems and can result in the closure of governmental offices and community businesses. Public schools may also be required to close or be placed on a delayed start schedule. Roads can be damaged and closed, causing safety and evacuation issues.

Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, foundations, and electrical circuits. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, loss of environmental resources, and economic impacts.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
Standard property insurance does not include flood coverage because of the relatively high risk. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to residents in those communities that participate in the NFIP. Federal financial assistance requires the purchase of flood insurance for structures located within a 100-year floodplain – a requirement that affects nearly all mortgages financed through commercial lending institutions. Flood insurance is also recommended for all structures protected by levees, even if not mapped within a floodplain.

The City of Ione joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on July 8, 1980. The City does not participate in the CRS program. NFIP data indicates that as of December 2, 2024, there were 51 flood 710
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-61
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
insurance policies in force in the City with $14,008,000 of coverage and $46,255 in premiums. There have been 6 historical claims for flood losses totaling $3,692. 5 were for pre-FIRM structures, while 1 was for a post-FIRM structure. 3 of these losses were in the A zone, while the other 3 was in the B, C, or X zones.

NFIP data further indicates that there are 0 repetitive loss (RL) and 0 severe repetitive loss buildings in the City. There have been no substantial damage claims since 1978 in the City.

Based on this analysis of insurance coverage, the City has values at risk to the 1% annual chance and greater floods. Of the 355 improved parcels within the 1% annual chance flood zone, 26 of those parcels maintain flood insurance. This can be seen on Table B-25.

Table B-25 City of Ione – Percentage of Policy Holders to Improved Parcels in the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain
Jurisdiction Improved Parcels in
SFHA (1% Annual
Chance) Floodplain*
Insurance Policies
in the SFHA (1%
Annual Chance)
Floodplain
Percentage of 1%
Annual Chance
Floodplain Parcels
Currently Insured
City of Ione 371 26 7.0%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, NFIP CIS data.

Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Ione include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future flood conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the County to 1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding.
➢ Future population growth should be considered, as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City of Ione has recently slowed; however, additional growth planned within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains would place additional populations at risk to flood. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the County. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from flooding and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future events. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of flood risk may put additional development at risk. However, City building codes and the City’s floodplain ordinance are in effect to 711
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-62
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future flood conditions.

Based on this, future development may not increase the vulnerability of the City to flood.

Future Development
The potential for flooding may increase as floodwaters are channeled due to land development. Such changes can exacerbate flooding problems inside and outside of natural floodplains by altering or confining natural drainage channels. Floodplain modeling and master planning should be based on built out property use to ensure that all new development remains safe from future flooding. While local floodplain management, stormwater management, and water quality regulations and policies address these changes on a site-by-site basis, their cumulative effects can have a negative impact on the overall floodplain.

The City’s floodplain ordinance prohibits development in the floodplain unless certain flood elevation and other standards are met. If new development is approved in the floodplain, it must be developed a minimum of 2 feet above base flood elevation, pursuant to City ordinance. The City enforces its floodplain management ordinance. The City’s floodplain ordinance should be updated to ensure new development within floodplains is adequately protected. More detail on the specifics of the floodplain ordinance can be found in the Capability section below.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided two future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area was mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each DFIRM flood zone. Figure B-20 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the DFIRM flood zones. Portions of these lie in the AE DFIRM flood zones; as shown in Table B-26. 712
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-63
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-20 City of Ione – Future Development Areas in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table B-26 City of Ione - Future Development Parcels and Acres in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Flood
Zone / Site
/ Map ID
Future
Development
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count"
Unimproved
Parcel
Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone AE
A Ringer Ranch
Subdivision
1 1 0 135.18 135.18 0
B Waterman
Ranch
Subdivision
1 0 1 94.74 0 94.74
Grand
Total
2 1 1 229.92 135.18 94.74
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Ione
713
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-64
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Flooding occurs in areas other than the FEMA mapped 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. Flooding may be from drainages not studied by FEMA, lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure, or inadequate maintenance. Localized, stormwater flooding occurs throughout the City during the rainy season from November through April. Prolonged heavy rainfall (including that from atmospheric river events) contributes to a large volume of runoff resulting in high peak flows of moderate duration.

Location and Extent
The City of Ione is subject to localized flooding throughout the City. Areas prone to localized flooding are included in Table B-27 below. Flood extents are usually measured in areas affected, velocity of flooding, and depths of flooding. Expected flood depths in the City vary by location. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Localized flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, especially when antecedent rainfall has soaked the ground and reduced its capacity to absorb additional moisture.

NCDC Events
The NCDC occurrences of localized flooding are included in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood hazard profile above where past flood events were noted.

City of Ione Events
The City noted that localized flooding occurs throughout portions of the City annually. The City noted the following specific past occurrences of localized flooding:

In January of 1997, Sutter Creek over-topped its banks and all drains to Sutter Creek backed up. All of downtown Ione and along Marlette was flooded with flood waters of up to three feet. Street flooding, resulting from backwater from drainage outfall, was experienced at Springcreek Drive at the bend approximately 1,000 feet north of Marlette Street and at the intersection with Marlette Street. Ponding of flood waters was also experienced on the golf course located on the north side of the creek, approximately 500 feet upstream of Five Mile Drive.
714
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-65
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
In October and November of 2012, the HMPC noted that there was localized flooding of downtown Ione buildings due to localized flooding. Property damage occurred due to one to two feet of stormwater in buildings. Property damage costs were not available.
2016 – Castle Oaks Golf Course had flooding issues during the heavy rains that occurred in 2016.

December 2022 – March 2023: Atmospheric River Storms – A series of atmospheric river-driven storms impacted Ione and on March 14, 2023, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation warnings for parts of Ione and nearby unincorporated areas due to flood risks from heavy rainfall and potential snowmelt.

Neighborhoods in Ione were included in voluntary evacuation warnings issued on March 14, 2023, due to flood risks in low-lying areas, particularly near Sutter Creek and other local streams. Residents were advised to prepare for immediate evacuation if conditions worsened. Low-income households and elderly residents were at higher risk due to limited resources for evacuation or recovery. Critical facilities like the Ione Fire Department, city hall, and the wastewater treatment plant were at risk of operational disruptions due to flooding near Sutter Creek or other local waterways.

Climate Change and Localized Flood
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from localized flood. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-66
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Historically, the City has been affected by flooding of streams and creeks occurring during heavy rain and storm (including atmospheric river) events. Additional development in the City and in the watersheds of these streams affects both the frequency and duration of damaging floods through an increase in stormwater runoff and contributes to localized flooding occurring in areas throughout the City. The lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure in the City contributes to localized flooding issues.

The City tracks localized flooding areas. Affected localized flood areas identified by the City of Ione are summarized in Table B-27.

Table B-27 City of Ione – List of Localized Flooding Problem Areas Area Name Flooding Pavement
Deterioration
Washout High
Water
Landslide/
Mudslide
Debris Downed
Trees
W. Marlette Road Yes Yes Yes Yes
Main Street Yes Yes
Springcreek Drive Yes Yes Yes
Five Mile Drive Yes Yes Yes
Castle Oaks Golf Course Yes Yes Yes
W. Jackson St Yes Yes Yes
300 block of W. Jackson St. Yes Yes Yes
Source: City of Ione
Localized flooding issues occur along Sutter Creek and in other areas. A significant portion of storm water runoff affecting Ione originates from up country properties. The increased flow and velocity of the stream water coming down Sutter Creek restricts Ione’s storm water system from discharging into the stream, which in turn causes localized flooding in the downtown areas of Ione. This issue is primarily associated with the older areas of Ione south of Sutter Creek. Sutter Creek also overflows its banks and floods portions of Springcreek Drive, West Marlette Road and Five Mile Drive during storm events.

Flooding is primarily due to inadequate stormwater infrastructure, including old clay pipes that are collapsed or clogged. To mitigate these issues the development a Storm Water Master Plan to prioritize infrastructure upgrades, replace collapsed clay pipes with modern, durable materials, and enhance regular maintenance is necessary. Additional measures include implementing green infrastructure (e.g., permeable surfaces, bioswales) and securing FEMA or state funding to support these improvements, reducing flood risks and protecting critical facilities and vulnerable populations.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from localized flood include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-67
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
transportation issues as roads and lanes are impacted or closed and affect the ability for people to travel throughout the City.

Structures
Structures in areas with localized flooding can be affected if floodwaters intrude into the structure.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets may have some vulnerabilities to localized flood during major storm events, but can benefit from floodwaters, often by design. Many parks and green spaces are designed to take overflow water and release it into the underlying soils and natural areas. Wetlands areas in the City actually help reduce the risk of flooding, as they can absorb excess rainfall that would have to be drained away from impervious surfaces. Flooding can provide many benefits to the natural environment, including recharging wetlands and groundwater, increasing fish production, creating wildlife habitat, and rejuvenating soil fertility. These smaller localized flooding events often provide more benefits to the environment in comparison to negative impacts associated with large flood events. Historic and cultural resources may be at some measure of vulnerability if they are located in areas subject to repeated localized flooding.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-68
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Life safety issues from localized flooding would be more limited. The amount and type of damage or flooding that occurs varies from year to year and from storm to storm, depending on the quantity of precipitation and runoff.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Ione include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future heavy rain conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to localized flood.
➢ Population growth in the City of Ione has recently slowed. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. This can also impact the vulnerable populations, like low-income individuals and households living in areas that are typically more hazardous. Vulnerable population groups such as low-income individuals and households living in flood prone areas could face disproportionate effects from localized flood and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Development in more urban areas causes an increase in peak flow and stormwater runoff. Such growth will consume previously undeveloped acres, and the impacts may overwhelm existing drainage and flood control facilities.

Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of localized flooding risk may put additional development at risk. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future localized flood conditions. Depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

The City will need to be proactive to ensure that increased development has proper siting and drainage for stormwaters. The risk of localized flooding to future development can also be minimized by accurate recordkeeping of repetitive localized storm activity. Mitigating the root causes of the localized stormwater flooding will reduce future risks of losses. Regardless of where development occurs in the City of Ione, the removal of storm water will be contingent on making sure local streams are able to flow freely and runoff flows from upcountry are reduced through proper storm water management practices and land conservation efforts.
718
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-69
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
According to FEMA, extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and lasts for several weeks. Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.” Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, those who are sick or overweight, and those that work or recreate outdoors are more likely to experience heat exhaustion or succumb to extreme heat.

The NWS has in place a system to initiate alert procedures (advisories or warnings) when extreme heat is expected to have a significant impact on public safety. The expected severity of the heat determines whether advisories or warnings are issued. The NWS HeatRisk forecast provides a quick view of heat risk potential over the upcoming seven days. The heat risk is portrayed in a numeric (0-4) and color (green/yellow/orange/red/magenta) scale which is similar in approach to the Air Quality Index (AQI) or the UV Index. This can be seen in Section 4.3.3 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations from extreme heat. 719
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-70
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
The NCDC data shows 124 extreme heat incidents for Amador County since 1993, some of which likely affected the City.

City of Ione Events
The City noted that in July of 2025, a triple-digit heat wave affected much of California, including Ione, with the National Weather Service issuing heat advisories and extreme heat warnings. Ione experienced temperatures exceeding 100°F, with the CalHeatScore tool indicating moderate to severe heat conditions (scores of 2–4) in the middle of the month for the City. This event strained power grids, increased wildfire risks, and posed health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like older adults and outdoor workers.

These changes could lead to an increase in deaths related to extreme heat in Amador County.

The City of Ione has faced recurring heat waves from 2020 to 2025, with significant events in September 2020 (100-105°F), July-August 2023 (102-106°F), September 2024 (98-103°F), and May-August 2025 (95- 105°F). The Ione Fire Department opened a cooling station at Fire Station #2 during peak heat days and placing ice chests with free water at locations around the city to address dehydration and hazards. Due to 720
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-71
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
the extreme heat multiple tree branches broke creating hazards in parks and roadways. A sustainable cooling center network and tree maintenance program are needed to mitigate these risks.

The City is concerned about the following risks and impacts:
➢ Vulnerable Populations at Risk: Low-Income Residents. The City would like to develop cooling center programs, enhance shelter and implement public education campaigns to inform low-income residents about heat safety and available resources.
➢ Elderly and Disabled Populations: The City is seeking to upgrade Evelyn Bishop Hall to ensure power for medical devices and cooling. Expand outreach to identify and assist elderly/disabled residents during heat events.
➢ Limited Cooling Infrastructure and Shelter Capacity: The City is seeking to upgrade Evalyn Bishop Hall with enhanced cooling systems and increased capacity Explore partnerships with schools to establish additional cooling centers.
➢ Economic and Community Activity Disruptions: The City is seeking to develop heat preparedness programs for businesses and event organizers (mitigation action #2). Install backup generators at critical facilities and downtown businesses to maintain operations during heat-related power outages. ➢ Limited Public Awareness and Outreach: The City is seeking to expand public education campaigns via social media, newsletters, and community partnerships to promote heat safety and resource awareness. Target outreach to vulnerable populations.
➢ Environmental and Infrastructure Impacts: The City is seeking to implement urban greening and water conservation programs to mitigate heat impacts on the environment. Upgrade infrastructure with heatresistant materials.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-72
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
in the past. Also depending on the structure, sensitive contents such as IT equipment can be impacted, especially if a power outage occurs.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets, including those located in City park areas, may be vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. These include turfed areas; landscapes, City trees, wildlife and habitat areas, and wetlands and marsh lands. Recently, trees were lost in areas of the City that were weakened by drought and extreme heat. Extreme heat may also cause drought-like conditions, contributing to other issues. For example, several weeks of extreme heat increases evapotranspiration and reduces moisture content in vegetation, leading to higher wildfire vulnerability in the region for that time period, even if the rest of the season is relatively moist. Historic and cultural resources are not expected to be affected by extreme heat.

Along with this, low income and the unhoused population are at risk to extreme heat which can put strain on emergency services and shelters. Changes in population and population patterns may or may 722
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-73
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future events. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Thus, future development in the City will likely increase the impacts and associated vulnerability of the City to this hazard. It should be noted, however, that new development is subject to current building codes, which should reduce or mitigate the hazard vulnerability associated with new construction.

Future development of new buildings in the City will likely not be affected by extreme heat. Extreme heat is more likely to affect vulnerable populations. Vulnerability to extreme heat will increase as the average age of the population shifts. It is encouraged that nursing homes and elder care facilities have emergency plans or backup power to address power failure during times of extreme heat and in the event of a PSPS.

Low-income residents and unhoused populations are also more vulnerable and should be considered in future growth plans for the City. Cooling centers for these populations should be utilized when necessary.

High winds, when combined with high temperatures and low humidity can also lead to PSPS events. Winds can also drive fires in and near the City.

Tornadoes, though rare, can affect areas of the City, primarily during the rainy season in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-74
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Tornadoes, while rare, can occur at any location in the City. Prior to February 1, 2007, tornado intensity was measured by the Fujita (F) scale. This scale was revised and is now the Enhanced Fujita scale. Both scales are sets of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. The new scale (EF) provides more damage indicators (28) and associated degrees of damage, allowing for more detailed analysis and better correlation between damage and wind speed. It is also more precise because it considers the materials affected and the construction of structures damaged by a tornado. The F Scale and EF Scale are shown in Section 4.3.5 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations in the County for winds and tornadoes.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 160 high wind, 3 funnel cloud, and 0 tornado incidents for Amador County since 1950. Many of these wind events likely affected the City.

City of Ione Past Occurrences
The City noted that since high winds are a regional phenomenon, events that affected the lower elevations of the County also affected the City. Notable events in Ione included:

A December 2021 state-declared storm with gusts of 40-50 mph that caused significant tree damage and localized flooding, requiring weeks of cleanup and straining municipal resources. Additional wind events during the 2023 Severe Winter Storms (January-March) and February-March 2025 (gusts up to 60-70 mph) causing significant tree damage and contributing to localized flooding, in areas of W. Marlette Five Mile Drive and Howard Park. The storm resulted in substantial losses from fallen trees and debris, requiring weeks of cleanup.

A tornado warning event occurred on March 13, 2025. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento issued a tornado warning for southwestern Amador County, including Ione, until 5:15 PM PDT. The warning was prompted by a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado, located near Rancho Calaveras (12 miles southwest of Paloma), moving northeast at 15 mph. Radar indicated rotation, suggesting potential for flying debris, damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees. Locations impacted included Ione, Valley Springs, Campo Seco, and Camanche Reservoir. While no confirmed touchdown was reported in Ione itself, this event highlights the rare but possible tornado risk in the area. On the same day as the tornado warning (March 13, 2025), a severe thunderstorm produced winds exceeding 30 mph and half-inch hail in southwestern Amador County, including Ione. The storm moved northeast at 20 mph, with gusty winds capable of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around unsecured objects.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-75
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
century. This may bring stronger thunderstorm winds. The CAS does not discuss non-thunderstorm winds or tornadoes.

Vulnerability to Severe Weather: High Wind and Tornadoes The City is subject to potentially destructive high winds and tornadoes. High winds are common throughout the area and can happen during most times of the entire year and outside of a severe storm event. Tornadoes are rare. High winds and tornadoes can be a significant public safety and economic concern. The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to wind and tornadoes.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-76
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
All structures in the City have some measure of risk from high wind and tornadoes. Though rare, a tornado could cause damage to virtually all facilities in the tornado touchdown path. This would affect homes, businesses, commercial property, as well as government and critical facilities. During a wind or tornado event, power lines in the City can be damaged by falling trees caused by wind. High winds are a cause for PSPS events to be declared, causing power outages to occur. High winds and tornadoes could cause sparks from electric wires and other sources, which could lead to wildfire ignition. Once ignited, high winds can also cause wildfires to rapidly spread and become out of control. High wind conditions can cause wildfires to move into more urban areas destroying structures and whole subdivisions, as seen in recent wildfire events in the West.

Winds can also contribute to PSPS events, and lead to out of control wildfires, which can damage critical facilities and impact their abilities to perform their critical roles in the community.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-77
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wind conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City. Climate change is not likely to affect future tornado conditions. ➢ Future population growth should be considered as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City is expected to continue slowly. Vulnerable populations could experience disproportional effects from this hazard and should be planned for as development of the City continues. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Building codes in the City ensure that new development is built to current building standards to withstand high winds, which should reduce the risk to future development in the City from high winds and tornadoes. With adherence to development standards, future losses to new development should be minimal. Changes in land use and increased development may amplify the impacts of high winds and tornadoes, as additional structures in the City increase the number of buildings at risk to high winds and tornadoes.

Future development considerations should be ongoing and proactive. Ensuring that comprehensive land use planning is conducted, regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are followed, and varying needs for different demographic groups with intersecting identities that reside within the City are considered can help make for a more resilient community. The City enforces the state building codes which includes standards for new development to minimize damage from windstorms. New and existing critical facilities and infrastructure should also consider adding backup power systems to limit impacts associated with power outages.

Wildfire (with smoke and air quality)
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Extremely High
Hazard Profile
Wildland fire and the risk of a conflagration is an ongoing concern for the City of Ione. Throughout California, communities are increasingly concerned about wildfire safety as increased development in the foothills and mountain areas and subsequent fire control practices have affected the natural cycle of fire regimes. Wildland fires affect grass, forest, and brushlands, as well as structures. Where there is human access to wildland areas the risk of fire increases due to a greater chance for human carelessness and historical fire management practices. Historically, the fire season extends from early spring through late 727
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-78
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months; however, in recent years, the risk of wildfire has become a year around concern.

Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and fuel, accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. These weather conditions can result in red flag (e.g., fire weather) days, and can result in PSPS events in the City. While wildfire risk has predominantly been associated with more remote forested areas and wildland urban interface (WUI) areas, significant wildfires can also occur in more populated, urban areas. There is also the concern of wildfires occurring in these more remote, forested areas that under certain weather conditions, can extend into areas not generally considered at a high risk to wildfire. Smoke and air quality also become an issue, both from fires occurring inside and outside of the Amador County Planning Area and the City.

Location and Extent
Wildfire can affect all areas of the City. CAL FIRE has estimated that the risk varies across the City and has created maps showing risk variance. Following the methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan, wildfire maps for the City of Ione were created. Figure B-21 shows the CAL FIRE Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) and State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. Figure B-22 shows the CAL FIRE Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. As shown on the maps, FHSZs within the City limits as well as outside, range from Non-Wildland/Non-Urban to Very High. It also should be noted that the City is predominantly covered by the new 2025 LRA mapping. The presence of SRA/FRA FHSZs in the City is likely due to slight differences in City boundary lines associated with the various GIS datasets. 728
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-79
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-21 City of Ione – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 729
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-80
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-22 City of Ione – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Wildfires tend to be measured in structure damages, injuries, and loss of life as well as on acres burned.

Geographical FHSZ extents in the SRA/FRA are shown in Table B-28, while extents in the LRA are shown on Table B-29.

Table B-28 City of Ione – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents
Fire
Responsibility/
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
SRA
Very High 0.8 0.03% 0.003 0.0005% 0.8 0.04%
High 2.8 0.1% 0.1 0.01% 2.7 0.1%
Moderate 0.9 0.0% 0.6 0.1% 0.3 0.0%
SRA Total 4.5 0.2% 0.7 0.1% 3.8 0.2%
Ione Total 4.5 0.2% 0.7 0.1% 3.8 0.2%
730
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-81
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Grand Total 4.5 0.2% 0.7 0.1% 3.8 0.2%
Source: CAL FIRE
Table B-29 City of Ione – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High 1,114 37% 3 0.5% 1,111 49%
High 918 31% 198 29% 720 32%
Moderate 398 13% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Non-Wildland 526 18% 271 39% 255 11%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility
Area
17 0.6% 0.8 0.1% 16.3 0.7%
Ione Total 2,973 100% 690 100% 2,283 100%
Source: CAL FIRE
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been three state and two federal disaster declarations due to fire, as shown in Table B-30.

Table B-30 Amador County – State and Federal Wildfire Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Fire 3 1961 (unnamed), 2015 (Summer
2015 Fires), 2021 (Caldor Fire)
2 2016 (Butte Fire), 2021 (Caldor
Fire)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC has tracked 50 wildfire events in the County dating back to 1993.

City of Ione Events
The City noted that they had been indirectly affected by past fires:
➢ Butte Fire: The City was a Red Cross area for the fire, but the shelter was not heavily used. They received evacuees (people and animals) and provided shelters. The City also noted that there was significant smoke affecting the Ione area for a 2-day period where it was difficult to go outside. ➢ Sand Fire: City was not really affected except to the extent some people might have gone there to look for temporary housing.
731
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-82
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Climate Change and Wildfire
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from wildfire. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Vulnerability to Wildfire
Risk and vulnerability to the City from wildfire is of significant concern. Wildfires that occur in the City occur from a variety of both natural and manmade causes. The City can be affected both by fires that start on or near City lands as well as those that start elsewhere and move into the City. In addition to burning large areas of land, air quality can be affected in the City by smoke from fires occurring inside the City as well as those from many miles away. As growth continues and populations increase in the City, the potential for wildfires will also increase.

From 2020 to 2025, events highlight vulnerabilities to infrastructure damage, power disruptions affecting critical facilities and hazards to vulnerable populations. A mitigation action to develop a comprehensive urban forestry and debris management program, including regular tree inspections and infrastructure hardening would reduce wind-related damages and enhance resilience.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-83
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
People and Populations
All populations are at vulnerable to wildfire. Certain vulnerable populations are at greater risk to the effects of wildfire as well as smoke and air quality issues that wildfires bring. Vulnerable populations include:
➢ Unhoused
➢ Infants and children under age five and their caregivers ➢ Elderly (65 and older)
➢ Individuals with disabilities
➢ Individuals’ dependent on medical equipment
➢ Individuals who exercise, recreate, or work outdoors
➢ Individuals with impaired mobility
To further evaluate the impact to the residential population within the City, the CAL FIRE FHSZ dataset was overlayed on the parcel layer. Those residential parcels that intersect the FHSZs were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Ione – 2.29. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 0 residents of the City of Ione falling within the moderate or higher SRA/FRA FHSZs. This is shown in Table B-31. There is a total population of 1,836 residents of the City of Ione falling within the moderate or higher LRA FHSZs, as shown on Table B-32.

Table B-31 City of Ione – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Ione 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Table B-32 City of Ione – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Ione 1 2 560 1,282 242 554
Source: CAL FIRE, 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor’s Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-84
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
All structures in the City have some risk to wildfire. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of wildfire within the City of Ione. The methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk in both the CAL FIRE’s SRA/FRA and LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone layer. There are no analysis results for the SRA/FRA in the City of Ione. Analysis results for the LRA in the City of Ione are shown in Table B-33, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by LRA FHSZs.

Table B-33 City of Ione – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Very High
Agricultural 3 1 $736,416 $20,808 $20,808 $778,032
Commercial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 8 1 $738,669 $39,497 $0 $778,166
Residential 10 1 $741,938 $145,656 $72,828 $960,422
Unknown 2 0 $1,827,251 $0 $0 $1,827,251
Very High Total 23 3 $4,044,274 $205,961 $93,636 $4,343,871 High
Agricultural 8 2 $4,344,507 $11,424 $11,424 $4,367,355
Commercial 23 21 $4,006,728 $7,024,053 $7,024,053 $18,054,834 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 30 4 $629,471 $2,392,628 $0 $3,022,099
Residential 637 560 $63,318,122 $135,407,457 $67,703,729 $266,429,308 Unknown 7 0 $1,431,274 $0 $0 $1,431,274
High Total 705 587 $73,730,102 $144,835,562 $74,739,206 $293,304,870 Moderate
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 26 24 $4,286,195 $11,108,043 $11,108,043 $26,502,281 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 7 1 $665,337 $520,200 $0 $1,185,537
Residential 260 242 $23,994,562 $59,759,485 $29,879,743 $113,633,790 Unknown 1 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Moderate Total 294 267 $28,946,094 $71,387,728 $40,987,786 $141,321,608 Non-Wildland
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
734
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-85
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Commercial 16 15 $1,826,558 $4,490,799 $4,490,799 $10,808,156 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 16 0 $671 $0 $0 $671
Residential 1,150 1,104 $111,444,130 $275,547,107 $137,773,554 $524,764,791 Unknown 1 0 $3,750,000 $0 $0 $3,750,000
Non-Wildland
Total
1,183 1,119 $117,021,359 $280,037,906 $142,264,353 $539,323,618 Ione Total 2,205 1,976 $223,741,829 $496,467,157 $258,084,980 $978,293,966 Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Wildfire present a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each fire hazard severity zone. Using GIS, the SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. Only LRA fire hazard severity zones intersect the City; as such no SRA/FRA analysis is presented here. Only LRA analysis is presented. This is shown on Figure B-23 for the LRA fire hazard severity zones. Table B-34 details which critical facilities fall in which LRA fire hazard severity zone. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones are listed in Appendix F. 735
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-86
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-23 City of Ione – Critical Facilities in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Table B-34 City of Ione – Critical Facilities by Category in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Fire Hazard Severity Zone/Critical Facility Category Facility Count Very High
Essential Services 1
At Risk Population 0
Very High Total 1
High
Essential Services 4
At Risk Population 1
High Total 5
Moderate
Essential Services 3
At Risk Population 2
Moderate Total 5
736
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-87
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard Severity Zone/Critical Facility Category Facility Count Non-Wildland
Essential Services 5
At Risk Population 2
Non-Wildland Total 7
Ione Total 18
Source: CAL FIRE, City of Ione
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural, historic, and cultural resources located within areas at risk to wildfire would be vulnerable. Should a wildfire occur in the City, the impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources could be extensive and include air pollution, contamination from water runoff containing toxic products, and other environmental discharges or releases from burned materials affecting soils, habitat areas, wildlife, and aquatic resources.

Historic and cultural resources can be damaged or destroyed and are often more vulnerable due to their older age, construction type, and lack of fire prevention infrastructure such as sprinklers.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
737
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-88
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Ione include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wildfire conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to wildfire.
➢ Population growth in the City of Ione has recently slowed. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from wildfire and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future events. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of wildfire risk may put additional development at risk. Future development in the City consists of two large subdivision projects which will add 962 new housing units to the City’s current housing stock and increase overall populations in the City. Thus, future development in the City is initially thought to increase the impacts and associated vulnerability of the City to this hazard. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future wildfire conditions. Specifically, with the release of the new 2025 LRA mapping for Amador County, wildfire building codes should be updated as required to include enhanced measures to reduce wildfire impacts on new construction, and including the formal adoption of the new LRA maps. It should be noted that most of the growth in the City is occurring in areas outside the moderate or higher fire hazard severity zones. Thus, depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard. It should also be noted that once new building codes are adopted for LRA, should reduce vulnerability on new construction especially in the higher hazard zones. 738
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-89
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Development
Additional growth and development within moderate or higher fire hazard severity zones in the City would place additional values at risk to wildfire. More vulnerable populations may experience a disproportionate impact from wildfire, and this should be considered as development continues. However, City building codes are in effect and should continue to be updated as appropriate to reduce future impacts. This is especially true in the VHFHSZ zones in the City. The City will also need to ensure that proper ingress and egress are fully constructed BEFORE houses in a subdivision are constructed. One of the key lessons from the Paradise fire was the lack of multiple escape routes added to the casualty list. Developments need at least 2 ways in and out of the subdivision to better ensure evacuation routes.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to wildfire are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided two future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zone. No facilities fell in the SRA/FRA fire hazard severity zones.

Figure B-24 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the LRA fire hazard severity zones. As shown in Table B-35, the future development area falls in the Very High fire hazard severity zone.
739
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-90
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure B-24 City of Ione – Future Development Areas in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Table B-35 City of Ione – Future Development Parcels and Acres in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Flood
Zone / Site
/ Map ID
Future
Development
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count"
Unimproved
Parcel
Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High
A Ringer Ranch
Subdivision
1 1 0 135.18 135.18 0
B Waterman
Ranch
Subdivision
1 0 1 94.74 0 94.74
Grand
Total
2 1 1 229.92 135.18 94.74
Source: CAL FIRE, City of Ione
740
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-91
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
B.5 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation education, outreach, and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts.

B.5.1. Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-36 lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicates those that are in place in the City of Ione.

Table B-36 City of Ione’s Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities Plans
In Place
Y/N
Does the plan address hazards? Can the plan be used to
carry out mitigation actions? When was it last updated?? Capital Improvements Plan Y Yes
Climate Change Adaptation Plan N
Community Wildfire Protection Plan N
Comprehensive/Master Plan Y Yes
Continuity of Operations Plan N
Economic Development Plan Y Yes
Land Use Plan N
Local Emergency Operations Plan Y Yes
Stormwater Management Plan N
Transportation Plan Y Yes
Other
Land Use Planning and Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective way to reduce hazard
impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
Acquisition of land for open space and
public recreation use
Y Yes Funding does not keep up with cost of maintaining.

Building code Y Yes
Flood insurance rate maps Y Yes Yes
Floodplain ordinance Y Yes Yes
Natural hazard-specific ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Y Somewhat yes
Subdivision ordinance Y Yes, yes
Zoning ordinance Y Yes, yes
Other
741
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-92
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Existing plans and ordinances need to be continually updated. Participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) program would be of benefit to property owners in the flood plain Source: City of Ione
City of Ione General Plan (2009)
The City of Ione General Plan Program serves as the blueprint for future growth and development and provides comprehensive planning for the future. It encompasses what the City is now, and what it intends to be, and provides the overall framework of how to achieve this future condition (see the discussion in Section 4.3.1 Growth and Development Trends).

The General Plan includes a Safety Element that focuses on safety issues to be considered in planning for the present and future development of the City Planning Area. Identified hazards include wildfire, geologic/seismic, flooding, and other natural and man-made hazards (such as hazardous materials).

Mitigation-related actions and objective summaries are as follows:

Goal NS-2: Maintain a safe community and environment.

Policies:
➢ Strive to reduce levels of risk of injury, death, and property damage resulting from reasonably foreseeable safety hazards in the area.
➢ Prepare for emergencies and disasters prior to their occurrence.

Goals NS-3: Reduce the possibility of flooding or drainage issues. ➢ Support and encourage efforts to limit and reduce the potential for community flooding from local waterways.
➢ Manage the risk of flooding by discouraging new development in areas which are likely to flood. ➢ Discourage the creation of new parcels when the presence of easements, floodplain, marsh or riparian habitat and/or other features would leave insufficient land to build and operate structures. This policy shall not apply to open space lots specifically created for dedication to the City or another appropriate party for habitat protection, flood control, drainage, or wetland maintenance. ➢ Ensure that adequate drainage exists for both existing and new development. ➢ Reduce the risk of adverse effects to residents or businesses as a result of geologic or seismic instability. ➢ Support efforts by federal, state, and local jurisdictions to investigate local seismic and geologic hazards and support those programs that effectively mitigate seismic and safety hazards. ➢ Ensure that new structures are protected from damage caused by geologic and/or soil conditions to the greatest extent feasible.
➢ Reduce the probability of fire damage to structures.
➢ The City shall ensure that the Ione Fire Department has sufficient resources and capabilities to reduce fire hazards, assist in fire suppression, and ensure efficient emergency medical response. ➢ Reduce the risks associated with wildfires in and around the City. 742
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-93
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Mitigation Related Ordinances
Civil Defense and Disaster Council (Chapter 2.48)
The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property of the City of Ione in the event of an emergency, the direction of the emergency organization, and the coordination of the emergency services of this city with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons. Any expenditures made in connection with said emergency and related activities, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the residents and property of the city.

The city disaster council is hereby created, and shall consist of the following:
➢ The mayor, who shall serve as chairperson;
➢ The city manager, who shall serve as vice-chairperson and city's director of emergency services; ➢ The county director of emergency services;
➢ Such chiefs of emergency services as are provided for in a current city and Amador Emergency Operations Plan of this county, adopted pursuant to this chapter; ➢ Such representatives of civic, business, labor, veterans, professional, or other organizations having an official emergency responsibility, as may be appointed by the director with the advice and consent of the city council.

It shall be the duty of the city disaster council, and it is empowered, to develop and recommend for adoption by the city council, emergency and mutual-aid plans and agreements, and such ordinances and resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements. The disaster council shall meet upon call of the chairman or, in his/her absence from the city or inability to call such meeting, upon call of the vice chairman.

Burning of Refuse, Vegetation, and Cuttings (Chapter 8.08) This chapter is provided for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city. No person, and no person for and on behalf of himself or herself or of any firm, partnership, association or corporation, shall set fire to or burn, inflame or ignite so as to cause to burn any weeds, brush at any place within the city limits, whether attended or unattended, without first obtaining a written permit to do so from the chief of the fire department of the city. Only burn piles are allowed, and shall not exceed four feet by four feet by four feet in height and shall be only vegetations and cuttings from the property for which the permit was issued.

No person, and no person for or on behalf of himself or herself or of any firm, partnership, association or corporation shall set fire to or burn, inflame or ignite so as cause to burn any trash, garbage, or other refuse at any place within the city limits.

Weed Abatement (Chapter 8.16)
All weeds, as defined in Section 39561.5 of the California Government Code, dry grasses, dead shrubs, dead trees, rubbish, or any material growing upon the streets, sidewalks, or upon private property within the city, which bear seeds of a wingy or downy nature or which by reason of their size, manner of growth 743
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-94
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
and location constitute a fire hazard to any building, improvements, crops or other property, and weeds and grasses which, when dry, will in reasonable probability constitute such a fire hazard, are declared to be a public nuisance.

Cultivated and useful grasses and pastures shall not be considered a public nuisance. However, if the fire chief or his authorized representative shall determine it necessary to protect adjacent improved property from fire exposure, an adequate firebreak may be required. Any lot of less than two acres shall be cleaned of all debris prior to June 1st or the start of fire season, whichever occurs first.

Lots on which weeds, dry grass, or other non-cultivated or non-useful grasses and pastures exist, shall be mowed, and shall be cut to a maximum height of two inches so as to not constitute a fire hazard throughout the calendar year. Dry grass and/or weeds so mowed shall be removed from the premises and not allowed to remain on the lot.

Any lot of two acres or more shall either be cleaned of all debris or have a minimum 20-foot wide firebreak around the perimeter in place prior to June 1st or the start of fire season, whichever occurs first. Firebreaks shall be disked around the entire perimeter of the lot. Scraping will also be allowed, provided that the scraped material is removed or spread evenly over the remaining unscraped property. Weeds and/or dry grass which are disked, cultivated or rotor-tilled should be performed with equipment that will cut the sod growth loose and bury it under any growth existing at that time. Dry leaves or wood chips hauled onto lots must be disked or turned under. If leaves or wood chips are being retained for the purpose of mulch or compost, they must be placed in a container so as to not constitute a fire hazard. Maintenance of parkways are the responsibility of the abutting property owner.

Buildings and Construction (Title 15)
Adoption of Uniform Codes: Note: the City of Ione will be adopting the 2025 CBC in January of 2026. ➢ The 2019 edition of the California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part 1, including tables, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 1 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione. ➢ The 2019 edition of the California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2, including tables and Appendices C, I, and J, as amended herein, based on the 2015 International Building Code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission and codified in Title 24, Part 2 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione, except as to amendments contained in this chapter.
➢ The 2019 edition of the California Residential Building Code, Title 24, Part 2.5, including tables and Appendix H, as amended herein, based on the 2015 International Residential Code, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 2.5 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione. ➢ The 2019 edition of the California Mechanical Code, Title 24, Part 4, including tables, and Appendices B and D based on the 2015 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 4 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione.
➢ The 2019 edition of the California Plumbing Code, Title 24, part 5, including tables and Appendices A, B, D, H, and I, as amended, based on the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, as adopted and amended 744
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-95
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
by the California Building Standards Commission and codified in Title 24, Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione. ➢ The 2019 edition of the California Energy Code, Title 24 Part 6, including Tables and Appendix "1- A", as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione. ➢ The 2015 edition of the International Code Council Property Maintenance Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC), and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione.
➢ The 2019 edition of the California Historical Building Code, Title 24, Part 8, including Tables and Appendix "A", as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 8 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione.
➢ The 2019 edition of the California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9, including Tables and Appendices, as amended, based upon the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC), and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission and codified in Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto are hereby adopted in the City of Ione, except as to amendments and additions contained in this Chapter. ➢ The 2019 edition of the California Existing Building Code, Title 24, Part 10, including tables, based on the 2015 International Existing Building Code, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 10 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione.
➢ The 2019 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11, including tables and appendices, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 11 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione.
➢ The 2019 edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, Title 24, Part 12, including tables, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 12 of the California Code of Regulations, and all future amendments thereto, are hereby adopted in the City of Ione.

A copy of this code is available for use and examination by the public at the Office of the Clerk of the City of Ione
Zoning (Title 17)
The city land use zoning code carries out the policies of the Ione general plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the city, consistent with the general plan and the Municipal Code.

This zoning code is adopted and established to serve the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare and to provide the economic and social advantages resulting from an orderly planned use of land resources, and to encourage, guide and provide a definite plan for the future growth and development of the city. More specifically, the purposes of this zoning code are to:
➢ Provide standards and guidelines for the orderly growth and development of the city that will assist in protecting the characteristics and community identity of Ione; ➢ Create a comprehensive and stable pattern of land uses up on which to plan transportation, water supply, sewerage, and other public facilities and utilities;
➢ Conserve and protect the city's natural features such as creeks, oak trees, and historic and environmental resources;
➢ Minimize automobile congestion by promoting safe and effective traffic circulation, and adequate offstreet parking facilities; and ➢ Ensure compatibility between residential and non-residential development and land uses. 745
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-96
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Subdivisions (Title 16)
It is the purpose of this title to regulate and control the division of land within the city and to supplement the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act concerning the design, improvement, and survey data of subdivisions, the form and content of all required maps provided by the Subdivision Map Act, and the procedure to be followed in securing the official approval of the city regarding the maps. To accomplish this purpose, the regulations contained in this title are determined to be necessary to:
➢ Preserve the public health, safety, and general welfare; ➢ Promote orderly growth and development through implementation of the city's general plan; and ➢ Ensure that properly designed infrastructure necessary to support public service needs, including but not limited to transportation and utility infrastructure, is provided in conjunction with subdivisions.

Floodplain Ordinance (Chapter 18.04)
The flood hazard areas of city are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare. These flood losses are caused by uses that are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or protected from flood damage. The cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities also contributes to flood losses.

It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by legally enforceable regulations applied uniformly throughout the community to all publicly and privately owned land within flood prone, mudslide [i.e. mudflow] or flood related erosion areas. These regulations are designed to:
➢ Protect human life and health;
➢ Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; ➢ Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
➢ Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
➢ Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ➢ Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage; ➢ Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and ➢ Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

In order to accomplish its purposes, this chapter includes regulations to:
➢ Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or flood heights or velocities; ➢ Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
➢ Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;
➢ Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and 746
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-97
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters, or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.

This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of city.

B.5.2. Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table B-37 identifies the City department(s) responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Ione.

Table B-37 City of Ione’s Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities Administration
In
Place
Y/N
Describe capability
Is coordination effective?
Staff
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y Yes Yes
Civil Engineer, including dam and levee
safety
Y Yes Yes
Community Planner Y Yes Yes
Emergency Manager Y Yes Yes
Floodplain Administrator Y Yes Yes
GIS Coordinator N
Planning Commission Y Yes Yes
Other
Technical Y/N
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Grant writing Y Yes Yes
Hazard data and information Y Yes Yes
GIS analysis
Mutual aid agreements Y Yes
Other
747
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-98
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Hire a GIS Coordinator: Establish a local GIS position to conduct detailed hazard mapping for floods, wildfires, and extreme heat, reducing reliance on Amador County. This would improve risk assessments for new developments and support mitigation actions. e.

Expand Training on Best Management Practices: Provide regular training for the Chief Building Official, Civil Engineer, Community Planner, Emergency Manager, and Floodplain Administrator on updated BMPs for flood, wildfire, heat, and wind mitigation
Increase Staffing for Growing Community: As Ione grows add part-time or shared staff for floodplain and emergency management to address financial constraints.

Strengthen Inter-Agency Coordination: Formalize agreements with Amador County, CalFire, and Amador Water Agency for real-time hazard data sharing and response planning Source: City of Ione
B.5.3. Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-38 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table B-38 City of Ione’s Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities Funding Resource
In Place
Y/N
Has the funding resource been used in past
and for what type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future
mitigation actions?
Capital improvements project funding Y Yes Yes
Community Development Block Grant Y Yes Yes
Federal funding programs (non-FEMA) Y No Yes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services Y Yes Yes Impact fees for new development Y Yes Yes
State funding programs Y Yes Yes
Stormwater utility fee N No Yes
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Pursue FEMA and State Grants Aggressively: Apply for FEMA HMGP and BRIC grants to fund high-priority mitigation actions certification) and state grants for flood and wildfire projects.

Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Partner with businesses and community organizations to co-fund mitigation projects like cooling centers or urban forestry to reduce heat and wind risks Increase Impact Fee Utilization: Allocate impact fees from new developments to fund hazard-specific infrastructure Source: City of Ione
B.5.4. Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Table B-39 identifies education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be/or are used to implement mitigation activities and communicate hazard-related information. 748
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-99
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table B-39 City of Ione’s Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Community newsletters N
Hazard awareness campaigns (such as Firewise,
Storm Ready, Severe Weather Awareness Week,
school programs, public events)
Y School Safety programs.

Firewise Certification.

Local news N
Organizations that interact with underserved and
vulnerable communities
N
Social media
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Expand Hazard Awareness Campaigns: Implement Firewise participation to all neighborhoods and introduce Storm Ready and Severe Weather Awareness Week programs to educate on wildfires, floods, heat waves, and wind events.

Partner with schools to expand safety programs to include heat and flood preparedness.

Establish Partnerships with Local News Outlets: Collaborate with local media to broadcast hazard alerts and preparedness tips during events like the 2023-2025 heat waves or 2021 wind storms and wildfires.

Create Partnerships for Underserved Communities: Partner with Amador County Health and Human Services, churches and non-profits to deliver targeted outreach to low-income, elderly, disabled, and non-English speaking residents. Provide multilingual materials and door-to-door campaigns during heat waves or flood risks.

Enhance Social Media Outreach: Increase frequency and targeting of hazard-related posts on the City website, Facebook, and Nextdoor Ione, including real-time alerts for heat waves, wildfires, flood warnings, and wind events.

Source: City of Ione
B.5.5. Other Mitigation Efforts
The City has many other completed or ongoing mitigation efforts that include the following:
➢ The City of Ione has implemented several mitigation efforts to address hazards. These include providing sandbags during flood events to protect vulnerable areas. conducting controlled burning and brush cutting to reduce wildfire fuels in high-risk areas and performing tree removal to mitigate risks from heat- and wind-stressed trees, as seen after the 2021 wind event. School education programs promote hazard awareness among students, focusing on fire safety, while social media outreach targets all populations during heat waves, wildfires, wind events and floods, though efforts are limited by staffing and funding constraints.
➢ Brush cutting to remove fire hazards
B.6 Mitigation Strategy
B.6.1. Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The City of Ione adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Chapter 5 Mitigation Strategy.
749
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-100
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
B.6.2. NFIP Mitigation Strategy
The City of Ione joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on July 8, 1980. As a participant of the NFIP, the City of Ione has administered floodplain management regulations that meet the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The management program objective is to protect people and property within the City. The City of Ione will continue to comply with the requirements of the NFIP in the future.

In addition, the City of Ione actively participates with Amador County to address local NFIP issues through a regional approach. Many of the program activities are the same for the City of Ione as for Amador County since participation at the County level includes all local jurisdictions.

The City of Ione Building Inspector/Public Works Department provides public outreach activities which include map information services, public awareness, public hazard disclosure, and flood protection information. This information is readily available to the public and consists of current and accurate flood mapping. In addition, the Planning and Engineering Department provides information about our stormwater management program and up-to-date information related to the maintenance of our drainage system.

The NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS which are to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, and promote the awareness of flood insurance. The City of Ione is not a current participant in the CRS program.

More information about the floodplain administration in the City of Ione can be found in Table B-40.

Table B-40 City of Ione Compliance with NFIP
NFIP Topic Comments
Staff Resources
Who is responsible for floodplain management in your
community? Provide Department/Title. Do they serve any
roles other than Community Floodplain Administrator
(FPA)?
Planning Department does flood management. Lead
Planner is the main manager and serves other roles.

Is the Community FPA or NFIP Coordinator a Certified
Floodplain Manager?
No
Is floodplain management an auxiliary function? Auxiliary Provide an explanation of NFIP administration services
(e.g., permit review, GIS, education or outreach, inspections, engineering capability)
Permit review
What are the barriers to running an effective NFIP program in the community, if any?
No barriers noted
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies are in the community? What is the total premium and coverage?
51 policies
$46,255 in premiums
$2,730,000 in coverage
750
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-101
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
How many claims have been paid in the community? What
is the total amount of paid claims? How many of the claims were for substantial damage?
6 paid losses
$3,691.57 in paid losses
0 substantial damage claims
How many structures (residential and non-residential) are exposed to flood risk within the community?
371 in 1% annual chance
159 in 0.2% annual chance
Are there Repetitive Loss (RL) and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (SRL) structures in the community?
0 RL
0 SRL
Describe any areas of flood risk with limited NFIP policy coverage
No areas exist in the City with limited NFIP policy
coverage
How does the community teach property owners or other
stakeholders about the importance flood insurance?
City newsletter
What digital sources (like the FEMA Map Service Center, National Flood Hazard Layer) or non-regulatory tools does the community use?
FEMA Map Service Center
Compliance History
Is the community in good standing with the NFIP? Y
Are there any outstanding compliance issues (i.e., current violations)?
N
Who is responsible (Department, Title) for making
substantial damage/improvement determinations? How does the community identify substantially damaged/improved
structures? What is the process to make sure these
structures are brought into compliance?
The City Manager or designee, serving as the
Floodplain Administrator (FPA), is responsible for
making substantial damage and substantial
improvement determinations (Ione Municipal Code
§18.04.140).

The City uses FEMA Publication 213, “Answers to
Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings,” to
develop detailed procedures for identifying and
administering substantial improvement and damage
requirements, including defining “market value”
(§18.04.150(B)(1)).

Structures determined to be substantially damaged or
improved must comply with the City’s Floodplain
Management Ordinance (Chapter 18.04) before permits
are issued. The FPA coordinates with other
departments to ensure corrective action and compliance
(§18.04.150(B)(2), §18.04.080, §18.04.150(G)).

When was the most recent Community Assistance Visit
(CAV) or Community Assistance Contact (CAC)?
CAV – 10/29/2008
CAC – 10/12/2023
Is a CAV or CAC scheduled or needed? N
Regulation
When did the community enter the NFIP? 7/8/1980
Are the FIRMs digital or paper? Digital
Has the community adopted the NFIP minimum floodplain
management criteria via local regulation? Date of current local regulation?
The City adopted the minimum NFIP floodplain
management criteria through Chapter 18.04, Floodplain
Management, of the Ione Municipal Code.

Date adopted: March 17, 2009 (Ord. No. 422, § I).
751
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-102
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
Has the community adopted the latest effective FIRM? Date adopted?
Yes. The City of Ione adopted the Flood Insurance
Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
dated June 6, 2000, with subsequent FEMA
amendments as part of Chapter 18.04 (§18.04.070).

How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Update to be completed; current code reads: The City
of Ione adopted the current effective Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
dated August 28, 2008, as required under Ione
Municipal Code §18.04.070. Subsequent Letters of
Map Revision (LOMRs) are incorporated via regular
DFIRM updates from the FEMA Map Service Center.

Do floodplain development regulations meet or exceed
FEMA or State minimum requirements? If so, in what ways? Meet.

How are Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) tracked and
compiled?
New DFIRMs are downloaded regularly which include
the latest LOMCs, LOMRs, and CLOMRs
Provide an explanation of the permitting process. A Floodplain Development Permit is required for all construction, improvements, or land alterations within
areas of special flood hazard (§18.04.130).

Applications are reviewed by the Floodplain
Administrator to confirm compliance with floodplain
management standards, verify FEMA elevation or
floodproofing certifications, and ensure all other federal and state permits are obtained.

Building permits cannot be issued until floodplain
permit approval is granted (§18.04.150(A)).

Community Rating System
Does the community participate in CRS? If so, what is the community's CRS Class Ranking?
No
What categories and activities provide CRS points and how can the class be improved?
N/A
Does the plan include CRS planning requirements? N/A
Source: City of Ione
B.6.3. Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City of Ione identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on the risk assessment. Background information and information on how each action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline are also included. The following hazards were considered a priority for purposes of mitigation action planning:
➢ Climate Change
➢ Drought & Water Shortage (w/ tree mortality)
➢ Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/levee failure)
➢ Floods: Localized Stormwater
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
➢ Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados
752
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-103
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Wildfire
Low priority hazards for mitigation planning include:
➢ Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species) ➢ Avalanche
➢ Dam Failure
➢ Earthquake (w/subhazards)
➢ Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
➢ Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning) It should be noted that many of the projects submitted by each jurisdiction in Table 5-4 in the Base Plan benefit all jurisdictions whether or not they are the lead agency. Further, many of these mitigation efforts are collaborative efforts among multiple local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, the countywide public outreach action, as well as many of the emergency services actions, apply to all hazards regardless of hazard priority. Collectively, this multi-jurisdictional mitigation strategy includes only those actions and projects which reflect the actual priorities and capacity of each jurisdiction to implement over the next 5- years covered by this plan. It should further be noted, that although a jurisdiction may not have specific projects identified for each priority hazard for the five-year coverage of this planning process, each jurisdiction has focused on identifying those projects which are realistic and reasonable for them to implement and would like to preserve their hazard priorities should future projects be identified where the implementing jurisdiction has the future capacity to implement.

Mitigation Actions
The City has put forward the actions as shown in Table B-41. Details of the actions can be found below the table.

Table B-41 City of Ione Mitigation Actions
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
City of Ione
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of
General Plan
Previous
Action
X X Prevention
Action 2. Enhance Public
Education and Awareness of Natural
Hazards and Public Understanding of
Disaster Preparedness
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 3. Develop a Climate
Adaptation Plan
New Action X X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 4. Implement Water
Conservation and Drought
Preparedness Program
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
753
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-104
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
Action 5. Update Floodplain
Ordinance and Join Community Rating
System (CRS)
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 6. Develop a Storm Water
Master Plan
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 7. Establish a Cooling
Center Network and Shelter Upgrades
Previous
Action
X X Emergency Services
Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 8. Implement Urban
Forestry and Debris Management
Program
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 9. Enhance Wildfire
Preparedness and Defensible Space
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 10. Develop a Sustainable
Sutter Creek Maintenance Program
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of General Plan Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species), Avalanche, Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality), Earthquake (w/subhazards), Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure), Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow, Severe Weather:

Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms (Hail, Lightning), Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornadoes, Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality))
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Local jurisdictional reimbursement for mitigation projects and cost recovery after a disaster is guided by Government Code Section 8685.9 (AB 2140).

Project Description: Specifically, this section requires that each jurisdiction adopt a local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 as part of the Safety Element of its General Plan. Adoption of the LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan may be by reference or incorporation.

Other Alternatives: No action
754
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-105
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action will be Implemented: Safety Element of General Plan
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Planning Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Incorporation of an adopted LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan will help jurisdictions maximize the cost recovery potential following a disaster.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund Timeline: Within 5 years.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 2. Enhance Public Education and Awareness of Natural Hazards and Public Understanding of Disaster Preparedness
Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species), Avalanche, Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality), Earthquake (w/subhazards), Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure), Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow, Severe Weather:

Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms (Hail, Lightning), Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornadoes, Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality))
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City and County play a key role in public outreach/education efforts to communicate the potential risk and vulnerability of their community to the effects of natural hazards. A comprehensive multi-hazard public education program will better inform the community of natural hazards of concern and actions the public can take to be better prepared for the next natural disaster event.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-106
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other Alternatives: Continue public information activities currently in place.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Planning Department in partnership with the County Benefits (Losses Avoided): Increase residents’ knowledge of potential hazards and activities required to mitigate hazards and be better prepared. Protect lives and reduce damages, relatively low cost to implement.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, grant funds (like CA DWR, Cal OESPDM, HMGP, FMA, BRIC, or other sources).

Timeline: Ongoing/Annual public awareness campaign
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 3. Develop a Climate Adaptation Plan
Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Drought & Water Shortage, Floods:
1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Floods: Localized Stormwater, Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Climate change exacerbates Ione’s hazards, increasing heat wave frequency (e.g., 2023-2025, 100-106°F), drought severity (2020-2022), and intense storms (2023), impacting vulnerable populations (13.8% low-income households, Table B-4) and infrastructure (e.g., downtown, $44.1M commercial value, Table B-6).

Project Description: Develop a Climate Adaptation Plan to integrate climate resilience into city planning, including heat-resistant building standards, water conservation measures, and flood mitigation strategies.

Coordinate with Amador County and state agencies for data and funding.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: This action will create the planning mechanism.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Planning Department, City of Ione Administration, Amador County, CalOES, California Natural Resources Agency.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces long-term impacts on infrastructure, economic assets, and vulnerable populations (e.g., Ione Apartments) by addressing climate-driven hazards. 756
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-107
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) or HMA grants, state climate grants, City General Fund.

Timeline: 2–3 years (2025-2028).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.

Action 4. Implement Water Conservation and Drought Preparedness Program Hazards Addressed: Drought & Water Shortage, Climate Change Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Ione’s high-significance drought risk (2020 LHMP, likely/catastrophic) threatens water supplies for residents, businesses (e.g., Mule Creek State Prison, 20.7% employment, Table B-3), and new developments (e.g., Castle Oaks), worsened by climate change (2020- 2022 drought).

Project Description: Launch a water conservation program with public education, low-flow fixture incentives, and xeriscaping requirements for new developments. Partner with Amador Water Agency to monitor supplies and enforce restrictions.

Other Alternatives: Be reactive instead of proactive.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: None.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Public Works, City of Ione Administration, Amador Water Agency, Planning Department, Amador County.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces water shortages, protects economic assets, and supports vulnerable populations during droughts.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State grants (Department of Water Resources), CDBG, City General Fund.

Timeline: 1–2 years (2025-2027), ongoing.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.

Action 5. Update Floodplain Ordinance and Join Community Rating System (CRS) Hazards Addressed: Floods: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Floods: Localized Stormwater, Climate Change Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
757
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-108
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Floodplain Ordinance (Chapter 18.04) ensures NFIP compliance but needs updates to address climate-driven flood risks (e.g., 2023 storms near Sutter Creek, Mule Creek). Joining CRS could reduce insurance costs for residents in flood-prone areas (e.g., downtown).

Project Description: Revise Chapter 18.04 to incorporate updated FEMA standards and CRS requirements, such as stricter development restrictions and public outreach. Enroll in CRS to lower flood insurance premiums.

Other Alternatives: Be out of compliance with FEMA NFIP.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Floodplain ordinance Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Floodplain Administrator, Planning Department, City of Ione Administration, FEMA, Amador County.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces flood damage to downtown ($44.1M value, Table B-6) and vulnerable areas, lowers insurance costs, and enhances grant eligibility.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMGP, state grants, City General Fund.

Timeline: 1–2 years (2025-2027).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.

Action 6. Develop a Storm Water Master Plan
Hazards Addressed: Floods: Localized Stormwater, Floods: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Climate Change Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Localized flooding in W. Marlette Road, Main Street, and Five Mile Drive (2025 Risk Assessment Worksheet) results from outdated clay pipes and insufficient drainage, worsened by 2023 storms and climate-driven rainfall intensity.

Project Description: Create a Storm Water Master Plan to assess and upgrade drainage systems, replace collapsed clay pipes, and implement green infrastructure (e.g., bioswales). Introduce a stormwater utility fee to fund maintenance.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: This will create the planning mech.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Public Works, City of Ione Administration City Engineer, Amador County, FEMA.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces flood damage to infrastructure and vulnerable areas (e.g., Jose’s Apartment Complex), minimizing economic and safety impacts. 758
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-109
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMGP, CDBG, state grants, stormwater utility fee.

Timeline: 2–3 years (2025-2028).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.

Action 7. Establish a Cooling Center Network and Shelter Upgrades Hazards Addressed: Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Climate Change Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Heat waves (2023-2025, 100-106°F) strain Evalyn Bishop Hall’s limited cooling capacity, leaving vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income, elderly at Ione Apartments) at risk. The Ione Branch Library’s part-time hours (e.g., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon/Wed) limit cooling access.

Project Description: Upgrade Evalyn Bishop Hall with high-efficiency air conditioning and accessibility features. Establish additional cooling centers at schools or churches (e.g., Community Methodist Church).

Provide ice chests and water during heat waves, as done in 2023-2025.

Other Alternatives: None.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: None.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Emergency Manager, City of Ione Fire Department, City of Ione Administration, Public Works, Red Cross, Amador County OES.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces heat-related illnesses, protects vulnerable populations, and ensures reliable cooling during heat waves.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMGP, CDBG, state grants.

Timeline: 2–3 years (2025-2028).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.

Action 8. Implement Urban Forestry and Debris Management Program Hazards Addressed: Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornadoes, Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Wildfire, Climate Change
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
759
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-110
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Wind events (e.g., 2021, 40-50 mph) and heat waves (2023- 2025) caused tree falls, leading to cleanup costs and hazards (e.g., Main Street road closures). Dry vegetation increases wildfire risks.

Project Description: Develop a program for regular tree inspections, removal of stressed trees, and planting of heat-resistant species. Enhance debris management to reduce wildfire fuels and wind-related hazards.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Existing program.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Public Works, City of Ione Administration, City of Ione Fire Department, CalFire, Amador Resource Conservation District.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces debris hazards, wildfire risks, and urban heat impacts, protecting infrastructure and residents.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): USDA, state environmental grants, FEMA HMGP.

Timeline: 2–3 years (2025-2028).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium.

Action 9. Enhance Wildfire Preparedness and Defensible Space Hazards Addressed: Wildfire, Climate Change
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): High wildfire risk in grassland areas and was evident during the 2021 Caldor Fire, with smoke and evacuation threats. Current ordinances and Firewise efforts need expansion to cover new developments.

Project Description: Update wildfire ordinances to mandate defensible space and fire-resistant materials in high-risk areas. Expand Firewise certification community-wide and conduct controlled burns/brush cutting.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: None.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Fire Department, City of Ione Administration, Planning Department, CalFire, Planning Commission.
760
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Ione Annex B-111
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces wildfire spread, protects economic assets (e.g., downtown, $44.1M), and enhances safety.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMGP, state grants, impact fees.

Timeline: 1–2 years (2025-2027).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.

Action 10. Develop a Sustainable Sutter Creek Maintenance Program Hazards Addressed: Floods: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Floods: Localized Stormwater, Climate Change Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Sutter Creek’s vegetation and debris accumulation increase flood risks (e.g., 2023 storms), requiring complex permitting from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and coordination with multiple landowners.

Project Description: Establish a multi-year stream maintenance program to streamline permitting, secure landowner agreements, and conduct regular clearing. Distribute sandbags during flood events, as done in 2023.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: This action would create the program.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Ione Public Works, City Engineer, Ione Creek Committee, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Amador County, landowners.

Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduces flood risks to downtown and vulnerable areas (e.g., Jose’s Apartment Complex), minimizing property damage.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMGP, state grants (DWR), CDBG.

Timeline: 2–3 years (2025-2028).

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High.
761
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-1
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Annex C City of Jackson
C.1 Introduction
This Annex details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the City of Jackson, a previously participating jurisdiction to the 2020 Amador County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update. This Annex is not intended to be a standalone document but appends to and supplements the information contained in the Base Plan document. As such, all sections of the Base Plan, including the planning process and other procedural requirements apply to and were met by the City. This Annex provides additional information specific to the City of Jackson, with a focus on providing additional details on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for this jurisdiction.

C.2 Planning Process
As described above, the City of Jackson followed the planning process detailed in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan. In addition to providing representation on the Amador County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), the City formulated their own internal planning team to support the broader planning process requirements. Internal planning participants, their positions, and how they participated in the planning process are shown in Table C-1. Additional details on Plan participation and City representatives are included in Appendix A.

Table C-1 City of Jackson – Planning Team
Name Position/Title How Participated
Carl Simpson City Manager Coordination and oversight
Ryan Pidgeon Fire Chief Coordination/oversight/mitigation analysis and research/ attended HMPC meetings
Erin Ventura Planner Mitigation analysis and research
BJ Wallace Building Inspector Mitigation analysis and research Coordination with other community planning efforts is paramount to the successful implementation of this LHMP Update. This section provides information on how the City integrated the previously approved 2020 LHMP into existing planning mechanisms and programs. Specifically, the City incorporated into or implemented the 2020 LHMP through other plans and programs shown in Table C-2. 762
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-2
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-2 2020 LHMP Incorporation
Planning Mechanism 2020 LHMP Was
Incorporated/Implemented In.

Details: How was it incorporated?
General Plan Safety Element, 2023 LHMP was incorporated by reference General Plan Land Use Element, 2023 LHMP was incorporated by reference C.3 Community Profile
The community profile for the City of Jackson is detailed in the following sections. Figure C-1 displays a City map and the location of City of Jackson within Amador County.

Figure C-1 City of Jackson
C.3.1. Geography and Climate
The City of Jackson, at 1,200-1,600 feet, is located in the heart of California's historic Mother Lode in the Sierra Nevada foothills, 45 miles east of Sacramento and Stockton. Jackson began as a gold mining camp 763
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-3
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
in 1848 and today is the County Seat. Jackson combines the gold rush era downtown district and Victorian era neighborhoods with modern subdivisions and shopping centers. Jackson enjoys a diversified economy supported by agribusiness, government, and tourism. Commercial activities include a vibrant historic downtown district, two major grocery chain stores, and a variety of personal service providers. Jackson is also home to the only movie theater complex in Amador County, and hosts a number of well attended seasonal events and festivities that are famous throughout the Mother Lode, the Sacramento Valley, and Northern California. The Shenandoah Valley and its wineries are also close by.

Generally, Jackson enjoys a relatively mild climate. The climate in Jackson is characterized by warm summer and moderate winter temperatures. The mean annual temperature in the Jackson area is 46°F in January and 78°F in July. The mean annual precipitation is 22 inches, of which 6.2 inches falls in January and only 0.2 inches in July.

Summer temperatures generally range between 80°F and 102°F, with the occasional summer thunderstorm.

During the winter months, temperatures can dip below the freezing mark but not for prolonged periods of time. Occasional snow will fall but normally not enough to impede normal living routines. Jackson rarely has, only about once every 8 years, more than usual snowfall activity. Jackson has very shallow to moderately deep, rocky, or gravelly soils composed of metabasic rocks and metasedimentary slate and schist.

C.3.2. History
Jackson, the person, was born early in the Gold Rush when miners began working the area near Marshall's discovery site. In 1848, Col. Alden Jackson and his party set up camp near a spring in the center of town.

For years, Jackson was known as a “Mother Lode Mecca.” Pits and small shafts were used in the 1850s, but after placers ran out in the 1860s, hard rock mining was king. The downtown area of Jackson was almost totally destroyed by fire in August 1862. Many downtown buildings date from the 1862-63 reconstruction.

C.3.3. Economy and Tax Base
US Census estimates show economic characteristics for the City of Jackson. These are shown in Table C-3 and Table C-4. Mean household income in the City was $89,766. Median household income in the City was $75,051.

Table C-3 City of Jackson – Civilian Employed Population 16 years and Over Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 57 2.9% Construction 170 8.7%
Manufacturing 86 4.4%
Wholesale trade 0 0.0%
Retail trade 273 13.9%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 95 4.8%
764
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-4
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Information 0 0.0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 133 6.8% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
243 12.4%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 208 15.7% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 253 12.9% Other services, except public administration 206 10.5%
Public administration 135 6.9%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates Table C-4 City of Jackson – Income and Benefits
Income Bracket Percent
<$10,000 6.6%
$10,000 – $14,999 9.7%
$15,000 - $24,9999 2.3%
$25,000 – $34,999 9.5%
$35,000 – $49,999 7.6%
$50,000 – $74,999 14.2%
$75,000 – $99,999 19.6%
$100,000 – $149,999 14.6%
$150,000 – $199,999 8.1%
$200,000 or more 7.9%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates According to the California Economic Development Department, major employers in Jackson include:
➢ Amador County Sherriff and Coroner
➢ American Legion Ambulance
➢ Jackson Junior High School
➢ Kit Carson Nursing and Rehab
➢ Lowe’s
➢ Raleys
➢ Safeway
➢ SaveMart
➢ Sutter Amador Hospital and Lab
➢ Timber Products Co
➢ Walmart
765
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-5
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
C.4 Risk Assessment
As defined by FEMA, risk is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. “It is the impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community and refers to the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.” The City of Jackson risk assessment identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment to these hazards. The process allows for a better understanding of the City’s potential risk and vulnerability to hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to reduce risk from future hazard events.

Building on the Community Profile above, a risk assessment was performed for the City. This includes the following sections:
➢ C.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ C.4.2 Hazard Identification
➢ C.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards C.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the City of Jackson’s total assets potentially at risk to hazards and an overview of growth and development trends. This section is broken into two parts:
➢ Asset Inventory – The assets inventory identifies the City of Jackson’s total assets, including the people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; community lifelines; natural, historic, and cultural resources; and economic assets and community activities of value. This data is not hazard specific, but is representative of total assets within the City, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section C.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the City, both current and future, is presented.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-6
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
People and Populations
The most important asset within any community are the people and populations that reside in the community. This section includes an inventory of past and current populations of the City and also discusses vulnerable populations and underserved communities as a subsection of people and populations located within the City and potentially at risk to hazards. Information from the City, US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance, and other sources as detailed below form the basis of this discussion.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
Population growth can increase the number of people living in hazard prone areas. The City of Jackson has 4,822 residents, as of January 1, 2025. The City of Jackson has seen growth rates as shown in Table C-5.

As shown, the City has grown consistently since 1950, with growth slowing recently since the 2020 LHMP.

Table C-5 City of Jackson– Population Changes Since 1950 Year Population % Change
1950 1,879 –
1960 1,852 -1.4%
1970 1,924 3.9%
1980 2,331 21.2%
1990 3,545 52.1%
2000 3,989 12.5%
2010 4,651 16.6%
2020 5,019 7.9%
2025 4,822 -4.1%
Source: US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance (2025) Underserved and Vulnerable Populations and Disadvantaged Communities The City has a socially and economically diverse community, and many residents that are socially or economically disadvantaged or vulnerable due to varying reasons reside within the City. The City and surrounding County are no strangers to large natural disasters which have had a direct impact on the populations of the area. Thus, it is important to consider the potential effects of hazard events and disasters on these more vulnerable populations. Socially vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the City are discussed by the following sources:
➢ CDC Social Vulnerability Index
➢ California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) Special Populations and Disadvantaged Community Mapping
➢ FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
➢ City Planning Team Input
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-7
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
CDC Social Vulnerability Index
Every community must prepare for and respond to a hazard event, including the range of natural hazards addressed in this Plan, from severe weather extremes to large potentially catastrophic events such as wildfires or earthquakes. A number of factors, including poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing may weaken a community’s ability to prevent human suffering and financial loss in a disaster. These factors are known as social vulnerability.

The overall SVI map is shown in Figure C-2; the socioeconomic SVI for the census tracts in and around the City are shown in Figure C-3; the household composition SVI is shown in Figure C-4; the minority and language SVI is shown in Figure C-5; and the housing and transportation SVI is shown in Figure C-6.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-8
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-2 City of Jackson – Overall Social Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Yellow – Low; Green – Low/Medium; Aqua – Medium/High; Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure C-3 City of Jackson – Socioeconomic Status Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Green – Low; Light Green – Low/Medium; Green – Medium/High; Dark Green – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-9
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October 2025
Figure C-4 City of Jackson – Household Characteristics
Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Orange – Low; Light Orange– Low/Medium; Orange – Medium/High; Dark Orange – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure C-5 City of Jackson – Racial and Ethnic Minority Status Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Purple – Low; Light Purple – Low/Medium; Purple – Medium/High; Dark Purple – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-10
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-6 City of Jackson – Housing Type and Transportation Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Blue – Low; Light Blue – Low/Medium; Blue – Medium/High; Dark Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
California DWR Disadvantaged Community Mapping Tool
The State of California’s Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Involvement Program is designated to ensure the involvement of DACs as well as Economically Distressed Areas and Underrepresented Communities, which DWR collectively refers to as DACs. The Cal DWR definition for a Disadvantaged Community is a community with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the Statewide annual MHI (PRC Section 75005(g)), and those census geographies with an annual MHI less than 60% of the Statewide annual MHI are considered “Severely Disadvantaged Communities”. Those areas in the City considered disadvantaged are shown in Figure C-7. As shown, much of the City falls in these DAC areas.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-11
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-7 City of Jackson – Disadvantaged Areas
Source: Cal DWR DAC Mapping Tool – retrieved 12/16/2024 FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
Community Disaster Resilience Zones aim to build and strengthen community resilience across the nation by driving federal, public, and private resources to the most at-risk and in-need communities. The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act uses FEMA’s National Risk Index to identify the most at-risk and in-need communities to identify resilience zones. Designated zones will be prioritized for targeted federal support, such as increased cost-share for resilience and mitigation projects, lessening the financial burden on communities to perform resilience-related activities. On September 6, 2023, FEMA announced the initial 483 designations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Figure C-8 shows these zones in teal green. As shown, these areas do not lie near the City. 772
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-12
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-8 City of Jackson – FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones Source: FEMA. Map retrieved 12/16/2024
City Planning Team Input
There are certain populations in the City that are at greater risk to hazards, due to circumstances beyond their control. These populations in the City present a unique challenge when natural hazards arise.

Approximately 33.8% (2023 US Census American Community Survey Estimates) of the City’s population is over the age of 65. The bulk of these citizens reside in three age restricted (55 and older) subdivisions within the City limits: Rollingwood Mobile Home Park, Village Glen, and Jackson View Estates. A fair number also reside in the five residential care facilities located in the City.

City of Jackson Items from the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element The City Planning Team noted that the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element discusses special populations in the City. While the Housing Element information can be found in the base plan, there are unique elements to the City that are included here. Discussions for seniors, those with disabilities, 773
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-13
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
developmental disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, large households, female headed households, extremely low-income households, and farmworkers were included. These are discussed below.

Seniors
The total population of seniors in the City is 1,397 (29.4%) persons. 35.7% of this population are owners while 5.2% rent their residence.

Disabled Citizens
The total population of disabled citizens in the City is 17.2% of the population.

People with Developmental Disabilities
Due to the method of gathering data using zip codes, it is estimated that there are a total of 85 individuals with developmental disabilities residing in the City.

People Experiencing Homelessness
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency was contacted for homeless data, but there is no collection of data at the individual jurisdiction level. However, it was noted that the City does have a known homeless encampment at Detert Park.

Large Households
Large households are defined as 5 or more persons residing in the same home, which only makes up 6.9% of the total households countywide. In the City, 5.8% of this population owned homes with 5 or more people, with 5.7% renting.

Female Headed Households
Female headed households make up 22% of the City’s population. Of this percentage, 63.6% live below the poverty line.

Farmworkers
The City data shows that 79 persons (4.3%) of 1,842 employed residents work in the agriculture, (also including forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining) industry.

Extremely Low Income
The level of poverty in a jurisdiction often influences the need for housing to accommodate those persons and families in the Very Low and Low-income categories. The U.S. Census Bureau measures poverty by using a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition of who is in poverty. If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty. While the overall County experiences a poverty rate of 9.9%, the City has a 774
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-14
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
percentage of individuals and households likely to be living in poverty. In 2019, 11.2% of individuals and families living in the City were living below the poverty level.

As a result, overall value information is most likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties within the City. It is also important to note, in the event of a disaster, it is often the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. However, depending on the type of hazard and impact of any given hazard event, land values may be adversely affected; thus, land values are included as appropriate. Table C-6 shows the Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data land and structure values and content replacement values (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property use for the City.

Table C-6 City of Jackson – Total Value of Parcels and Structures by Property Use Property Use Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 11 2 $4,610,305 $728,142 $728,142 $6,066,589 Commercial 268 217 $54,861,516 $183,539,907 $183,539,907 $421,941,330 Industrial 12 9 $3,001,381 $6,178,312 $9,267,468 $18,447,161 Miscellaneous 64 2 $616,210 $1,465,924 $0 $2,082,134
Residential 1,754 1,513 $137,725,805 $373,553,795 $186,776,898 $698,056,498 Unknown 15 13 $1,036,771 $2,408,659 $0 $3,445,430
Jackson Total 2,124 1,756 $201,851,988 $567,874,739 $380,312,415 $1,150,039,142 Source: 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Beyond just the buildings and structures that comprise the built environment, it is important to identify the critical facilities and infrastructure that are critical for life safety and property protection. This is done for the City of Jackson below.

For purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as:

Any facility, including without limitation, a structure, infrastructure, property, equipment or service, that if adversely affected during a hazard event may result in 775
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-15
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
severe consequences to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and after the hazard event.

Note: The Hazardous Materials Facilities, while considered critical facilities for purposes of this Plan Update, are not mapped in this Plan due to the lack of an available GIS layer. In addition to the mapped critical facilities, it should further be noted that additional critical facilities, including infrastructure, utilities, and others have been identified for the City of Jackson and the larger Amador County Planning Area but are not included in the mapping and inventory due to privacy and security concerns.

An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Jackson from Amador County GIS is shown on Figure C-9.

Table C-7 gives summary information about the critical facilities in the City. Table C-8 details the facility categories and breaks them down by facility type. Details of critical facility definition, type, name, address, and jurisdiction by hazard zone are listed in Appendix F.

Figure C-9 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-16
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October 2025
Table C-7 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities by Category Critical Facility Category Facility Count
Essential Services Facilities 35
At Risk Population Facilities 13
City of Ione Total 48
Source: Amador County GIS
Table C-8 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities by Category and Type Critical Facility Category Critical Facility Type Facility Count Essential Services
Civic Center 1
Clinic 9
Communications 1
Community Center 2
Court House 1
DMV 1
EOC 1
Evacuation Shelter 2
Fire Station 2
Government Administration 1
Healthcare/School Services 1
Hospital 1
Jail 1
Library 1
Police Station 3
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 2
School District Office 1
Wastewater Facility 2
Wastewater Treatment Plant 1
Essential Services Total 35
At Risk Population
Community Center 1
Other 1
Residential Care Facility 4
School 5
Veterans Services 2
At Risk Population Total 13
Jackson Total 48
Source: Amador County GIS
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-17
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Jackson to natural hazards and disasters also involves reviewing and inventorying the community lifelines in place that could be affected. It is important to include these items in hazard discussions as the continuous operation of critical government and business functions is essential to human health and safety, property protection, and economic security. The importance of community lifelines is discussed below:
➢ Lifelines are the most fundamental services in the community that, when stabilized, enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ FEMA has developed a method for objectives-based response that prioritizes the rapid stabilization of Community Lifelines after a disaster.
➢ The integrated network of assets, services, and capabilities that provide lifeline services are used dayto-day to support the recurring needs of the community and enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ When disrupted, decisive intervention (e.g., rapid re-establishment or employment of contingency response solutions) is required to stabilize the incident.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Jackson to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the natural, historic, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-18
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➢ Environmental and natural resources add to a community’s identity and quality of life. They also help the local economy through agriculture, tourism, and recreation. They support ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.
➢ Conserving the environment may help people mitigate risk. It can also protect sensitive habitats, develop parks and trails, and build the economy.
➢ The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall economy. ➢ If these resources are impacted by a disaster, knowing so ahead of time allows for more prudent care in the immediate aftermath, when the potential for additional impacts are higher. ➢ The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often different for these types of designated resources.
➢ Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural hazards, such as wetlands and riparian habitat, which help absorb and attenuate floodwaters.

The three forks of Jackson Creek converge between the civic center and historic Downtown Jackson. These creeks played a key role in the early settlement of the Jackson area, not just by the American settlers who came in search of placer gold in the 1850s, but for the Native Americans who preceded them as well. There are also abundant areas of oak woodland in developed and undeveloped areas within City limits.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-19
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
filtering of waterborne and dry-deposited anthropogenic pollutants, carbon storage, water flow regulation (e.g., flood abatement), groundwater recharge, and other human and economic benefits.

Wetlands slow the flow of water through the vegetation and soil, and pollutants are often held in the soil.

In addition, because the water is slowed, sediments tend to fall out, thus improving water quality and reducing turbidity downstream.

Preserving and protecting these areas and associated functions are a vital component of sound floodplain management practices for the City.

Wetlands in the City are shown in Figure C-10 and detailed in Table C-9. 780
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-20
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-10 City of Jackson – Wetlands Areas
Table C-9 City of Jackson – Wetland Types and Acreages
Wetlands Area Type Wetlands Count Wetlands Area (in Acres) Jackson
Freshwater Emergent Wetland 20 16.01
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 13 10.61
Freshwater Pond 9 5.88
Lake 0 0.00
Riverine 22 22.25
Jackson Total 64 54.75
Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic and cultural resources are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these properties and locations can be at risk. The City of Jackson has a stock of historically significant homes, public buildings, and landmarks. The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) was the primary source of information. OHP administers the National Register of Historic Places, the 781
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-21
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and the California Points of Historical Interest programs. Each program has different eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

These requirements are detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. Table C-10 shows 16 historic buildings in the City in the OHP Database.

Table C-10 City of Jackson – Historic Resources
Resource Name (Plaque Number)
National
Register
State
Landmark
Point of
Interest Date Listed
City/
Community
Middle Bar (36) X 8/1/1932 Jackson
Pioneer Hall (34) X 8/1/1932 Jackson
Jackson Gate (118) X 3/29/1933 Jackson
Argonaut And Kennedy Mines (786) X 9/18/1963 Jackson
Amador County Hospital Building (N148) X 2/23/1972 Jackson Site of Jackson's Pioneer Jewish Synagogue
(865)
X 11/16/1973 Jackson
Kennedy Mine Tailing Wheels (P397) X 5/9/1975 Jackson
Kennedy Tailing Wheels (N959) X 7/7/1981 Jackson
House and Indian Museum, Grace Blair Depue
(P582)
X 3/1/1982 Jackson
Depue, Grace Blair, House and Indian Museum
(N1101)
X 5/7/1982 Jackson
Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church (N1426) X 3/6/1986 Jackson Chichizola Family Store Complex (N1788) X 8/14/1992 Jackson Jackson Downtown Historic District (N2090) X 4/14/2000 Jackson Paugh, William H., House (N2364) X X 6/5/2007 Jackson
Butterfield, John A., House (N1461) X 9/11/1986 Jackson Butte Store (39) X 8/1/1932 Jackson
Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation. Retrieved 12/3/2024.

Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Jackson to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the economic assets and community activities of value in the City. 782
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-22
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Economic Assets
After a disaster, economic resiliency is one of the major drivers of a speedy recovery. Each community has specific economic drivers. These include:
➢ Primary Economic Sectors
➢ Major employers
➢ Commercial Centers
In the City of Jackson, this includes the following:
➢ Sutter Amador Hospital
➢ Fire Departments (2)
➢ Civic Center
➢ Grocery stores (4)
➢ Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort
➢ Laughton Ranch
Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section C.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, these City’s economic assets may be vulnerable.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-23
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Note: This inventory of community activities of value only occurs in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section C.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the City’s community activities of value may be vulnerable.

Land Use
State planning law requires that the land use element of a general plan include a statement of the standard population density, building intensity, and allowed uses for the various land use designations in the plan (Government Code Section 65302(a)). The City’s land use designations are generally described below and mapped on the Land Use Diagram (Figure C-11). The Jackson Municipal Code provides detailed land use and development standards for development.

With this General Plan, a variety of new land use designations have been established to reflect the more mixed and, in some cases, more intense land uses envisioned for Jackson. New mixed-use designations provide the opportunity for a combination of residential, commercial, and office uses on a single site, depending on the designation. Land Use Designations and Zoning for the City is shown on Figure C-11. 784
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-24
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-11 City of Jackson – Land Use Diagram
Source: City of Jackson General Plan Land Use Element (2023) 785
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-25
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Population Trends and Projections
There are no future City population projections. Amador County as a whole is expected to slowly continue to increase in population. As such, it is assumed that the City may see slow population growth as well.

Development since 2020 Plan
Development has occurred in the City since the last plan. Some of this has occurred in hazard prone areas.

Table C-11 City of Jackson – Total Development Since 2020 Property Use 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 1 2 11 2 1
Commercial 0 0 0 0 0
Industrial 1 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2 2 11 2 1
Source: City of Jackson Planning Department
Table C-12 City of Jackson – Development in Hazard Areas since 2020 Property Use Moderate or
Higher Fire
Hazard Severity
Zones
1% Annual Chance
Flood
Landslide Potential
Areas
Other
Residential 6 0 6 0
Commercial 0 0 0 0
Industrial 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
Total 6 0 06 0
Source: City of Jackson Planning Department
1Moderate or higher wildfire risk area
Development has occurred in the identified hazard areas, including the landslide areas and moderate or higher wildfire risk areas. It was completed in accordance with all current and applicable development codes, including erosion ordinances, wildfire codes, and other applicable standards and should be adequately protected. Thus, with the exception of more people living in the area potentially exposed to natural hazards, this growth should not cause a significant change in vulnerability of the City to identified priority hazards.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-26
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October 2025
Future Development Areas
It is important to review future development plans for the City. Future development should be sited in areas that are away from known hazard risks. If this is not possible, mitigation should be done to ensure that future development is protected against future hazards.

The City noted that development in Jackson is very slow, with very little commercial, industrial, or residential development occurring. There are currently no plans for the development of new City facilities.

There is ongoing development in the Jackson View Subdivision.

GIS Analysis
The City of Jackson provided an area in the City expected to see future development. In the area along Goldstone Avenue is the Jackson View future development area. Lots 87-92 were approved for future development. This will make an addition of 6 residential properties spanning 2.07 acres. The City of Jackson noted that this was approved by the City as:
➢ Tentative Map No. 185 approved 9/16/24; Lots 87-92 of a previously approved subdivision.

These future development areas were provided by the City of Jackson. Using GIS, these areas were mapped. This area is shown on Figure C-12, and detailed by parcels and acres in Table C-13. 787
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-27
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-12 City of Jackson – Future Development Areas
Table C-13 City of Jackson – Parcels and Acres in Future Development Areas Future
Development
/ Property
Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Jackson View Lots 87-92
Residential 1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Jackson View
Lots 87-92
Total
1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Source: City of Jackson
C.4.2. Hazard Identification
The City of Jackson identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance specific to the City (see Table C-14).

Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table C-14 are considered City of Jackson priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact 788
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-28
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October 2025
in the City were determined to be of low significance and not considered a priority hazard. Significance was determined based on the hazard profile, focusing on key criteria such as frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance of a hazard. This assessment was used to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. 789
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-29
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-14 City of Jackson—Hazard Identification Assessment Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Likelihood of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Extensive Highly Likely Limited Low Medium
Avalanche Limited Likely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Extensive Likely Limited Medium --
Dam Failure Limited Unlikely Critical High Medium
Drought & Water shortage (w/
tree mortality)
Extensive Likely Limited Medium High
Earthquake (w/subhazards) Significant Occasional/ Unlikely Catastrophic High Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual
chance (w/ levee failure)
Significant Occasional/ Unlikely Critical High Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris
Flow
Significant Likely Critical Medium Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Cold,
Freeze, and Snow
Significant Highly Likely Limited Medium Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Highly Likely Limited Medium High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains
and Storms (Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds
and Tornadoes
Extensive Highly Likely Limited Medium Medium
Wildfire (w/smoke and air
quality)
Extensive Highly Likely Catastrophic High Medium
Geographic Extent
Limited: Less than 10% of planning
area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Likelihood of Future
Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or happens
every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 10 years or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10%
chance of occurrence in the next year, or
has a recurrence interval of 11 to 100
years.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of
occurrence in next 100 years, or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every
100 years.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
C.4.3. Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards This section includes the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessment for hazards ranked of medium or high significance specific to the City of Jackson (as identified in the Significance column of Table C-14) and also includes a hazard profile and vulnerability assessment to the four primary hazards to the State of California: dam failure, earthquake, flood, and wildfire, regardless of the significance ranking by the City.

After the hazard profile, a vulnerability assessment is presented. As part of the vulnerability assessment, an estimate of the vulnerability of the City to each identified hazard, in addition to the estimate of risk of future occurrence, is provided in each of the hazard-specific sections. Vulnerability is measured in general, qualitative terms and is a summary of the potential impact based on past occurrences, spatial extent, and damage and casualty potential. It is categorized into the following classifications:
➢ Extremely Low – The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is very minimal to nonexistent.
➢ Low – Minimal potential impact. The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is minimal.
➢ Medium – Moderate potential impact. This ranking carries a moderate threat level to the general population and/or built environment. Here the potential damage is more isolated and less costly than a more widespread disaster.
➢ High – Widespread potential impact. This ranking carries a high threat to the general population and/or built environment. The potential for damage is widespread. Hazards in this category may have occurred in the past.
➢ Extremely High – Very widespread with catastrophic impact. 791
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-31
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October 2025
After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
➢ Local Concerns – This includes City provided information on how the City is uniquely affected by or vulnerable to each hazard.
➢ Assets at Risk – A discussion of the assets at risk follows, presented in the same order as in Section C.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures; Critical Facilities and Infrastructure, and Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources. These are discussed in specific terms for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped. Sections on Community Lifelines and Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value are not included in the Sections below, as they are fully covered in Section C.4.1 above. ➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the City and its assets. The type and severity of impacts reflect both the potential magnitude of the hazard and the vulnerability of the asset.
➢ Future Conditions/Future Development – A discussion of how future conditions and future development may affect the hazard is also included. This is addressed specifically for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped.

Electric power disruptions can be generally grouped into two categories: intentional and unintentional.

More information on types of power disruptions can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

In addition to PSPSs, to help prevent wildfires, electric utilities have begun to evolve safety efforts. This includes installing safety settings on powerlines in and around high fire-risk areas. These are known as Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), and they help prevent falling tree branches, animals and other 792
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-32
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
hazards from starting a wildfire. By stopping ignitions, it helps prevent wildfires from starting and spreading. According to PG&E, if ignitions occur, the size of fires are much smaller due to EPSS. In 2022, there was a 99% decrease in acres impacted by ignitions (as measured by fire size from electric distribution equipment (compared to the 2018-2020 average). This decrease occurred despite dry conditions.

Local Concerns
The City noted that there have been no power outages or PSPS events that have affected them.

Climate Change
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
Climate change adaptation is a key priority of the State of California. The 2023 State of California MultiHazard Mitigation Plan noted that climate change is already affecting California. Sea levels have risen by as much as seven inches along the California coast over the last century, increasing erosion and pressure on the State’s infrastructure, water supplies, and natural resources. The State has also seen increased average temperatures, more extreme hot days, fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter precipitation falling as snow, and earlier runoff of both snowmelt and rainwater in the year. In addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity of extreme weather events is also changing.

Location and Extent
Climate change is a global phenomenon. It is expected to affect the whole of the City of Jackson, the Amador County Planning Area, surrounding counties, and State of California. There is no scale to measure the extent of climate change. Climate change exacerbates other hazards, such as drought, extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and others. The speed of onset of climate change is very slow. The duration of climate change is not yet known but is feared to be tens to hundreds of years.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
Climate change has never been directly linked to any declared disasters. 793
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-33
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
NCDC does not track climate change events.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted that no specific events of climate change damages could be recalled.

The 2015 Energy Action Plan for the City noted that the City of Jackson, like all foothill communities in the Sierra Nevada, faces challenges associated with climate change in the region. Increased frequency and altered timing of flooding will increase risks to agriculture, people, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

Potential impacts on water resources include reduced mountain snowpack, delayed snow accumulation, earlier snow melting and ultimately shortages in runoff and water supply. Extended droughts may increase wildland fire risk. Since local economies in the area rely heavily on these resources for agriculture, tourism, recreation and other industries, climate change may negatively affect economic activity in Jackson, and ultimately impact quality of life for community members.

People and Populations
Climate change affects people and populations within a community, especially those climate change issues related to increases in temperature over time. While all populations can be affected by temperature extremes, populations particularly vulnerable include the very old and very young, medically fragile people, people without means of shelter (and air conditioning or heat) or transportation, people who are socially isolated and other vulnerable or underserved populations (as shown in the discussion in Section C.4.1).

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-34
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
Climate change, on its own, does not generally impact structures. However, structures in areas of increased wildfire, flood, or other areas exacerbated by the effects of climate change would be at increased risk, as described throughout this LHMP. More information on how structures may be affected by climate change can be found in Section 4.3.7 of the Base Plan.

8.8°F by 2100 compared to observed and modeled historical conditions. These changes are statewide averages.
➢ Heat waves are projected to become longer, more intense, and more frequent. ➢ Warming temperatures are expected to increase soil moisture loss and lead to drier conditions. Summer dryness may become prolonged, with soil drying beginning earlier in the spring and lasting longer into the fall and winter.
➢ Droughts are likely to become more frequent and persistent through 2100. ➢ The strength of the most intense precipitation and storm events affecting California is expected to increase.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-35
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Snowpack levels are projected to decline significantly by 2100 due to reduced snowfall and faster snowmelt.
➢ Marine layer clouds are projected to decrease.
➢ Extreme wildfires (i.e., fires larger than 24,710 acres) would occur 50 percent more frequently. The maximum area burned statewide may increase 178 percent by the end of the century.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City include the following:
➢ As climate change continues to accelerate over time, climate related impacts to the City will continue to increase.
➢ Climate change can influence population growth in the City over time. While the City is expected to see slow and steady growth, the City could see population fluctuations as a result of climate impacts relative to those experienced in other regions, and these fluctuations are expected to impact demand for housing and other development. While there are currently no formal studies of specific migration patterns expected to impact the City and larger Amador County region, climate-induced migration was recognized within the UNFCCC Conference of Parties Paris Agreement of 2015 and is expected to be the focus of future studies. So, while changes in population and population patterns are not expected to increase the impacts associated with this hazard, climate change may instead influence future population growth in the City which may leave more people vulnerable in the effects of climate change. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The increasing severity and frequency of storms and other weather events and natural hazards due to the changing climate should be taken into account while considering land use planning for the City. Future development is limited in the City consisting of 6 residential properties spanning 2.07 acres. Thus future development is unlikely to increase the impacts of the the City to this hazard. In addition, new development is subject to current building codes which should reduce or mitigate the hazard vulnerability associated with new construction.

Dam Failure
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–High
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-36
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Hazard Profile
Dams are manmade structures built for a variety of uses including flood protection, power generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood protection, they are usually engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence. For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a certain probability of occurring in any given year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped or fail. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States.

Location and Extent
An inventory map of dams located within Amador County was shown in Section 4.3.9 in the Base Plan.

Dams with an inundation area within the City of Jackson are shown on Figure C-13. Only one high hazard dam inundation area (Lake Tabeaud) intersects the City. As such, no extremely high hazard dam maps or analysis are shown for the City.

While a dam may fill slowly with runoff from winter storms, a dam break has a very quick speed of onset.

Geographic flood extent from the DSOD dam inundation areas is shown on Figure C-13, as well as in Table C-15.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-37
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-13 City of Jackson – High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Table C-15 City of Jackson – Dam Inundation Areas Geographical Extents Dam Hazard
Class/ Dam
Inundation
Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
High Hazard Dams
Lake Tabeaud 80 3.5% 31 3.9% 50 3.3%
Source: Cal OES, DSOD, Amador County GIS
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no state or federal disaster declarations for dam failure in Amador County.

NCDC Events
The NCDC does not contain any dam failure events for Amador County. 798
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-38
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
City of Jackson Events
The City noted no dam failure occurrences that have affected the City.

Climate Change and Dam Failure
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with dam failure. More information on future impacts to the City can be found below and in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

The 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that modeling described in California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment projects less frequent but more extreme daily precipitation. Year-to-year precipitation will become more volatile, and the number of dry years will increase by mid-century. As the climate continues to warm, atmospheric rivers will carry more moisture, and extreme precipitation may increase. Climate model projections show a tendency for the northern part of the State to become wetter.

Increases in both precipitation and heat causing snow melt in areas upstream of dams could increase the potential for dam failure and uncontrolled releases in Amador County and the City.

Vulnerability to Dam Failure
The vulnerability of the City to dam failure flooding would vary depending on which dam fails and the nature and extent of the dam failure and associated flooding. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to dam failure begins with an understanding of local exposure to dam failure. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The City is downstream of Lake Tabeaud. While very unlikely, if the dam failed there would be damages in the City.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from dam failure include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All people and populations located in dam inundation areas are vulnerable to dam failure. Certain vulnerable populations may be at increased risk to dam failure, especially during a large event with minimal advance notice. These vulnerable populations may include: the unsheltered, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-39
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
City residents that live in these dam inundation areas are often the most vulnerable. Not only are the residents at risk, but their homes and contents are all at risk, compounding the impacts associated with significant hazard events. To further evaluate the impact to the City of Jackson’s residential populations located in these hazard areas, a separate analysis was performed to determine residential populations in the dam inundation areas. The DSOD dam inundation areas were overlayed on the parcel layer. Those residential parcel polygons that intersect the dam inundation areas were counted and multiplied by the Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Jackson – 2.20. This is shown in Table C-16.

Table C-16 City of Jackson – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by Dam Inundation Area
Dam Hazard Class /Dam
Inundation Area
Improved Residential Parcels Population
High Hazard Dams
Lake Tabeaud 84 185
Source: Cal OES, DSOD, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Structures
Most structures in the City have some measure of risk to dam failure. Dam failure flooding can affect the built environment of the City. Structures in dam inundation areas are at risk and depending on flood depths, can range from slight damage to totally inundated. Analysis by extremely high hazard and high hazard dam follows.

A GIS based analysis was used to determine the possible impacts of dam inundation flooding on parcels and structures within the City of Jackson. The methodology described in Section 4.3.9 of the Base Plan was followed in determining City parcels and structures at risk to dam failure. Parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values that fall within dam inundation areas in the City are presented below by hazard classification and by dam. The results are presented in Table C-17 below for the dam (Lake Tabeaud) that affects the City.

Table C-17 City of Jackson – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Lake Tabeuad Dam Inundation Area by Property Use
Dam
Inundation
Area /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 2 1 $3,161,099 $557,676 $557,676 $4,276,451 Commercial 59 45 $12,824,586 $31,051,404 $31,051,404 $74,927,394 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-40
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Dam
Inundation
Area /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Miscellaneous 6 0 $100 $0 $0 $100
Residential 116 84 $7,408,404 $17,355,494 $8,677,747 $33,441,645 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Lake Tabeaud
Total
183 130 $23,394,189 $48,964,574 $40,286,827 $112,645,590 Source: Cal OES/DSOD, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Dam failure flooding presents a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each DSOD dam inundation area. This was done separately for both extremely high hazard and high hazard dam inundation areas. Using GIS, the extremely high hazard dam inundation areas were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. None fall in the extremely high hazard dam inundation areas; as such, only high hazard dam analysis is presented below.

Using GIS, the high hazard dam inundation areas were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure C-14 for the high hazard dam inundation areas. Table C-18 details which critical facilities fall in the high hazard dam inundation areas. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by extremely high and high hazard dam inundation area are listed in Appendix F. 801
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-41
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-14 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities in High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Table C-18 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities by Category in High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas
Category / Critical Facility Type
Dam Inundation Area
Arroyo Seco CPUD Middle Fork CSP Mule Creek CSP Mule Creek - Saddle am Goffinet Henderson Jackson Creek Jeff Davis Lake Tabeaud Meadow Lake Preston Tiger Creek Afterbay Tiger Creek Regulator Essential Services
Civic Center 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Healthcare/School Services 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Police Station 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Public Administration Building 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 802
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-42
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Category / Critical Facility Type
Dam Inundation Area
Arroyo Seco CPUD Middle Fork CSP Mule Creek CSP Mule Creek - Saddle am Goffinet Henderson Jackson Creek Jeff Davis Lake Tabeaud Meadow Lake Preston Tiger Creek Afterbay Tiger Creek Regulator Wastewater Treatment Plant 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Essential Services Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0
Jackson Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0
Source: Cal OES/DSOD, City of Jackson
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
A major dam failure event and associated flooding could have a devastating impact on the City. Large flood events can affect all natural, historic, and cultural resources that lie in the dam inundation areas. There are a number of ways floodwaters associated with a dam failure event can impact natural resources and the environment: Wildlife habitats can be destroyed by floodwaters. Contaminated floodwater can pollute rivers and habitats. Silt and sediment can destroy natural areas. Riverbanks and natural levées can be eliminated as rivers reach bankfull capacity. Rivers can be widened, and deposition can increase downstream. Trees can be uprooted by high-velocity water flow. Plants that survive the initial flood may die due to being inundated with water. Historic and cultural resources may also be affected. Generally, the impacts are associated with damage to these structures within the inundated areas, but other cultural resources such as those associated with Native Americans and old tribal areas can also be disturbed, damaged, and lost during extreme dam failure flood events.

Impacts from Dam Failure
Impacts to the City from dam failure flooding could include loss of life and injury, flooding and damage to property and structures, damage to critical facilities and infrastructure, loss of natural resources, and all other flood related impacts. Additionally, evacuations may be necessary and compounded by impacts to transportation systems and infrastructure. Economic losses to the City and Amador County Planning Area can also be significant.

Other impacts associated with dam failure include landslides, bank erosion, and destruction of habitat. Dam failures can cause downstream flooding and can transport large volumes of sediment and debris and contaminants from the floodwaters. Other environmental impacts can include contamination from septic system failures and releases of contaminants from hazardous materials facilities, contamination of potable water supplies; changes in configurations of streams; loss of wildlife habitats; and degradation of wetlands.

A large dam failure event could have significant and catastrophic impacts. 803
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-43
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the Climate Change and Dam Failure discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Development
Future dam failure events may occur in the City. Given the number of affected parcels and structures, future development in the City could be affected by dam failures and associated flooding. Siting of future development areas should take dam failure flooding into account. The City enforces its floodplain ordinance, which helps to reduce risk to flooding by requiring structures to be above the base flood elevation, which depending on inundation depths may provide some relief.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to dam failure are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-44
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
GIS Analysis
The City provided a future development area which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each mapped dam inundation area. No facilities intersect extremely high hazard dam inundation areas; as such no maps or tabular analysis are presented. Figure C-15 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the high hazard dam inundation areas. These lie outside of the mapped dam inundation areas; as such, no tabular analysis is presented.

Figure C-15 City of Jackson – Future Development Areas in High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-45
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Drought & Water Shortage
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Drought and water shortage are complex issues involving many factors—it occurs when a normal amount of precipitation and snow is not available to satisfy an area’s usual water-consuming activities. Drought can often be defined regionally based on its effects. Drought is different than many of the other natural hazards in that it is not a distinct event and usually has a slow onset. Drought can severely impact a region both physically and economically. Drought affects different sectors in different ways and with varying intensities. Adequate water supply is the most significant issue and is critical for agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, recreation, and commercial and domestic use. Drought has also affected tree mortality in the area in the past. As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water.

Tree Mortality and Drought
One of the specific impacts of drought in the City of Jackson and the Amador County Planning Area is the increased risk to trees from beetle kill and other insects, pathogens and parasites, and other tree mortality and die back issues. Drought weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to insect infestation and other pathogens. Insects, such as bark beetles and others, frequently attack trees weakened by drought, disease, injuries, or other factors that may stress the tree. These insects and other pathogens can contribute to the decline and eventual death of trees throughout the City. The tree mortality and dieback problems are a high priority because of the issue of hazardous trees and an increased wildfire hazard. In addition to an increase in wildfire fuels, hazardous trees can fall onto structures causing damage and a result in a reduction on the tree canopy within the City that provides relief during extreme heat days.

Location and Extent
Drought and water shortage are regional phenomenon. The whole of the City and County is at risk. The US Drought Monitor categorizes drought conditions with the following scale:
➢ None
➢ D0 – Abnormally dry
➢ D1 – Moderate Drought
➢ D2 – Severe Drought
➢ D3 – Extreme Drought
➢ D4 – Exceptional Drought
The Amador County Planning Area, including the City of Jackson, has been in and out of drought since 2014. Over the last five years since the 2020 LHMP, drought conditions have ranged from none to exceptional. Drought conditions are expected to continue to be cyclical in nature depending on the year.” Current drought conditions in the City are shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan. 806
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-46
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Drought has a slow speed of onset and a variable duration. Drought can last for a short period of time (which does not usually affect water shortages) or for longer periods (which may challenge water supplies).

Should a drought last for a long period of time, water shortage becomes a larger issue.

According to the Amador Water Agency (AWA) 2024-2025 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report, the Agency has a significant surplus of water supply above current and projected demands.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been 2 state and 1 federal disaster declarations for Amador County. This can be seen in Table C-19. Additionally, there have been 16 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations from drought in the County.

Table C-19 Amador County –State and Federal Drought Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Drought 2 1976, 2015 1 1977
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
There have been 249 NCDC drought events in Amador County since 1993. These most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Jackson Events
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the City of Jackson, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan notes that five droughts have occurred in the past 86 years. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-47
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
underscore the need to examine more closely the state’s water storage, distribution, management, conservation, and use policies. The 2021 Climate Adaptation Study (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) stresses the need for public policy development addressing long term climate change impacts on water supplies. The CAS notes that climate change is likely to significantly diminish California’s future water supply, stating that: California must change its water management and uses because climate change will likely create greater competition for limited water supplies needed by the environment, agriculture, and cities.

A 2018 report from the Public Policy Institute of California noted that thousands of Californians – mostly in rural, small, disadvantaged communities – already face acute water scarcity, contaminated groundwater, or complete water loss. Climate change would make these effects worse.

Cal Adapt scenarios for modeled future drought scenarios were shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan.

Periods of actual drought with adverse impacts can vary in duration, and the period between droughts can be extended. Although an area may be under an extended dry period, determining when it becomes a drought is based on impacts to individual water users. The vulnerability of the City of Jackson to drought may vary and include reduction in water supply, turf losses, impacts to natural resources, and an increase in dry fuels and tree dieback.

The HMPC did note that the City is served by AWA, which does have very “senior” water rights on the Mokelumne River, making the City less vulnerable than other areas in the State of California to drought and water shortage.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-48
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
People and Populations
The people and populations of the City are not directly affected by drought; although, their turfed areas, trees, and other water dependent resources can all be affected. In extreme drought conditions, however, residents and other populations within the City may be vulnerability to drought and water shortage issues.

Water quality can be impacted, causing health problems, especially to vulnerable populations. Drought and water shortage can lead to an increase in wildfires, threatening City residents. Water shortages can have an effect on all of the populations in the City, but often have a greater effect on the unhoused and other vulnerable populations that may be unable to access clean drinking water during shortages. During periods of drought as the costs of water usage may increase, especially during mandated conservation times, those who are economically disadvantaged may be unable to afford the increased costs of potable water.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-49
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts from Drought and Water Shortage
The vulnerability of the City to drought is City-wide, but impacts may vary and include reduction in water supply and an increase in dry fuels. The potential for a reduction in water supply during drought conditions generally leads to both mandated and voluntary conservations measures during extended droughts. During these times, the costs of water can also increase. Also of concern, the increased dry fuels, fuel loads, and tree mortality events associated with drought conditions can result in an increased fire danger. In areas of extremely dry fuels, the intensity and speed of fires can be significant. Water supply and flows for fire suppression can also be an issue during extended droughts. Drought can also lead to turf losses and cause tree die off within the City.

According to the HMPC, the City and Amador County has access to large quantities of water through its groundwater as well as surface water. However, any future population growth in the City will add additional pressure to water companies during periods of drought and water shortage. Water companies will need to continue to plan for and add infrastructure capacity for population growth. As the population grows, the nature and makeup of populations will shift and change along with it. Vulnerable and underserved populations, such as those with low incomes and the unhoused that might not always have access to clean water, will need to be considered as future development continues, since they may experience a disproportionate impact from drought and water shortage. Potential population growth will be a challenge not only with regard to the City’s water access for agricultural production, but stateand nation-wide with regard to food production. Should the City see a significant growth in population, it will increase the vulnerability and impacts to the County from this hazard. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. As the City continues to grow, more cropland may be taken out of production to provide housing to accommodate for population 810
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-50
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
growth. As the areas adjacent to the City’s agricultural lands are reduced, it seems likely that there would be less of a competing demand for water. However, more development will also require an increase in water supply and associated infrastructure. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years, with more likely in the extended future. Changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard depending on where and how this future growth occurs.

As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water. The AWA provides water to the City through reliable surface water sources. However, population growth in the City will continue to increase the demand for water. Ongoing planning will be needed by the City and AWA to account for population growth and increased water demands.

Earthquake
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (minor)/ Unlikely (major) Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. Stresses in the earth’s outer layer push the sides of the fault together. Stress builds up, and the rocks slip suddenly, releasing energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that is felt during an earthquake. Earthquakes can cause structural damage, injury, and loss of life, as well as damage to infrastructure networks, such as water, power, gas, communication, and transportation. Earthquakes may also cause collateral emergencies including dam and levee failures, seiches, hazmat incidents, fires, avalanches, and landslides. The degree of damage depends on many interrelated factors. Among these are: the magnitude, focal depth, distance from the causative fault, source mechanism, duration of shaking, high rock accelerations, type of surface deposits or bedrock, degree of consolidation of surface deposits, presence of high groundwater, topography, and the design, type, and quality of building construction.

Location and Extent
Since earthquakes are regional events, the whole of the City is at risk to earthquake. The City of Jackson, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards. Faults in and around the City were shown in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. These include the Carson Range, Great Valley, and Rogers-Hayward Creek faults. A significant seismic event on any of these major faults could cause damage in the City of Jackson.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-51
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
so both magnitude and intensity of earthquakes are expected to remain moderate. Seismic shaking maps for the area in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan show Amador County and the City fall within a low to moderate shake risk.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been no state or federal disaster declarations in Amador County from earthquake.

NCDC Events
The NCDC does not track earthquake events.

City of Jackson Events
As shown in the Base Plan, no disaster declarations have occurred in the County due to earthquake. The City noted no past occurrences of earthquakes that affected the City in any meaningful way.

Climate Change and Earthquake
Climate change is unlikely to increase earthquake frequency or strength. More information on future impacts can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Vulnerability to Earthquake
The combination of plate tectonics and associated California coastal mountain range building geology generates earthquakes as a result of the periodic release of tectonic stresses Earthquake vulnerability is primarily based on population and the built environment. Urban areas in high seismic hazard zones are the most vulnerable, while uninhabited areas are less vulnerable. The primary impacts of concern are life safety and property damage. Although several faults are in and near the Amador County Planning Area, seismic hazard mapping indicates that the City has low to moderate seismic hazard potential. There is the potential for the City and Amador County Planning Area to be subject to some level of moderate seismic shaking.

Some degree of structural damage due to stronger seismic shaking could be expected.

Earthquake shaking can also cause liquefaction to occur. Areas with loose soil and high water tables are at risk from liquefaction. There are limited areas in and near the City prone to liquefaction.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to earthquake. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to earthquakes begins with an understanding of local exposure to earthquakes. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that section, assets at risk are discussed. 812
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-52
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

The City of Jackson General Plan Safety Element noted that the City of Jackson is located in a low earthquake (seismic), hazard area. A major earth shaking might occur with a frequency of once in 50 years.

The maximum probable intensity of an earthquake in the area, (VII on the Modified Mercalli Scale) is described as:

Difficult to stand. Noticed by drivers of motor cars. Hanging objects quiver. Furniture broken. Damage to masonry, including cracks. Weak chimneys broken at roof line.

Fall of plaster, loose bricks, stones, tiles, cornices, unbraced parapets, and architectural ornaments. Some cracks in masonry. Waves on ponds. Water turbid with mud. Small slides and caving in along sand and gravel banks. Large bells ring.

Concrete irrigation ditches damaged.

A more likely earthquake, (Von the Modified Mercalli Scale), is described as:

Felt outdoors; direction estimated. Sleepers wakened. Liquids disturbed, some spilled. Small unstable objects displaced or upset. Doors swing, close, open. Shutters, pictures move. Pendulum clocks stop, start, change rate.

The epicenters of the highest magnitude earthquakes to be felt in this area are likely to be located along the San Andreas and Hayward faults in the Bay Area. The greatest concern for the City is related to the unreinforced masonry buildings in the City.

The City of Jackson General Plan Safety Element also noted that there are pre-1955 structures built of masonry and chimneys, cornices, and second story porches where reinforcing was not provided to withstand seismic stresses and major storms. Many of the older structures, both masonry and wood frame, are historic and should be preserved but they need rehabilitation to provide structural safety, fire safety, sanitation facilities, and adequate exits in order to be used as places of public assembly.

The Uniform Building Code (UBC) identifies four seismic zones in the United States. The zones are numbered one through four, with Zone 4 representing the highest level of seismic hazard. The UBC establishes more stringent construction standards for areas within Zones 3 and 4. All of California lies within either Zone 3 or Zone 4. The City of Jackson is within Zone 3.

Assets at Risk
Many assets in the City are at risk to ground shaking. Assets at risk from earthquake include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources.

These are discussed in the following sections.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-53
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
People and Populations
All people and populations are at risk from earthquake events. Those at heightened risk include:
➢ The unsheltered
➢ Infants and children under age five and their caregivers ➢ Elderly (65 and older)
➢ Individuals with disabilities
➢ Individuals dependent on medical equipment
➢ Individuals with impaired mobility
The greatest risk to people and populations from earthquake is death and injury. More information on people and populations at risk to earthquake shaking events can be seen in the Hazus scenarios developed for this LHMP. More information on the Hazus scenarios and how the County is affected is included in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. Given the nature of earthquake events causing significant ground shaking among other issues, those critical facilities and infrastructure that include underground components such as water and wastewater facilities would be uniquely vulnerable to damaging earthquakes.

Structures
All structures in the City are vulnerable to earthquakes, depending on the severity and location of the event.

The Hazus scenarios conducted for the entire Amador County Planning Area show how structures may be affected.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Earthquake and its related hazards present risks to the City. Earthquakes can damage critical facilities and infrastructure that provide vital services to the City. Damage to critical facilities from the Hazus earthquake scenarios for the Amador County Planning Area, including the City of Jackson, are presented in the Hazus analysis in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. Given the nature of earthquake events causing significant ground shaking among other issues, those critical facilities and infrastructure that include underground components such as water and wastewater facilities would be uniquely vulnerable to damaging earthquakes.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
The 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that environmental problems from earthquakes can be numerous. It is possible for earthquakes to reroute streams, which can change the water quality, possibly damaging habitat and feeding areas. Streams fed by groundwater and/or springs may dry up because of changes in underlying geology. Another threat to the environment from earthquakes is the potential release of hazardous materials into the natural environment causing contamination that can be difficult to contain.

Historical and cultural resources are at risk, often due to their age and construction types. The Hazus scenarios in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan and included below are relatively silent on the vulnerability to natural, historic, and cultural resources, but impacts to these resources could be long lasting. 814
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-54
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts from Earthquake
Earthquakes can strike without warning and cause dramatic changes to the landscape of an area that can have devastating impacts on the built environment. The greatest impact is to life safety of the City of Jackson residents and visitors. Other impacts to the City could include damages to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dams; damages and loss of services to utilities and critical infrastructure, including those related to gas, power, water, wastewater and communication systems; damages to structures and other development; and possible loss of life and injuries.

Earthquakes can also cause failure of dams, levees, and reservoirs. Facilities and land downslope from dams or water reservoirs or behind levees might be subject to flooding, if the dams, reservoirs, or levees fail as a result of an earthquake. The City has locations with significant flood risk that include facilities downslope from dams or reservoirs that could be affected by a significant earthquake event.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the Likelihood of Future Occurrence discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-55
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
to address future earthquake conditions. Depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Although new growth and development corridors would fall in the area affected by earthquake, given the limited chance of major earthquake and the building codes in effect, development in areas prone to earthquakes will continue to occur. The City enforces the state building code, which mandates construction techniques that minimize seismic hazards. Future development in the City is subject to these building codes and land use planning.

Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (1%)/Unlikely (0.2%) Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
This hazard analyzes the FEMA DFIRM 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods. These tend to be the larger floods that can occur in the City and have caused damage in the past. Flooding can be a problem in the City. Historically, the City has been at risk to flooding primarily during the winter and spring months when river systems in the City swell with heavy rainfall and snowmelt runoff. The City has also been at risk during atmospheric river flood events. Normally, storm floodwaters are kept within defined limits by a variety of storm drainage and flood control measures located throughout the Amador County Planning Area and the City of Jackson. Occasionally, extended heavy rains result in floodwaters that exceed normal highwater boundaries and cause damage. Flooding has occurred both within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains and in other localized areas in the City.

Location and Extent
The City of Jackson has areas located in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. This is seen in Figure C-16.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-56
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-16 City of Jackson – FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Table C-20 details the DFIRM mapped flood zones located within the City.

Table C-20 City of Jackson– DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones
Flood Zone Description Present in City of Jackson
A 1% annual chance flooding: No base flood elevations
provided
X
AE 1% annual chance flooding: Base flood elevations
provided
X
AE Regulatory Floodway 1% annual chance flood: Regulatory floodway; Base flood elevations provided
X
AH 1% annual chance flood areas of shallow flooding
between one to three feet deep. Regulatory floodway;
Base flood elevations provided
X
Shaded X 0.2% annual chance flooding: The areas between the limits of the 1% annual chance flood and the 0.2-
percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood
X
X (unshaded) No flood hazard X
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-57
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Additionally, flood extents can generally be measured in volume, velocity, and depths of flooding.

Geographical flood extents for the City from the FEMA DFIRMs are shown in Table C-21.

Table C-21 City of Jackson – Geographical DFIRM Flood Zone Extents Flood Zone Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
104 5% 41 5% 63 4%

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
4 0.2% 2 0.2% 2 0.2%
Other Areas 2,194 95% 740 95% 1,454 96%
Jackson Total 2,302 100% 782 100% 1,520 100%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
California Department of Water Resources Best Available Maps (BAM) The FEMA regulatory maps provide just one perspective on flood risks in the City. Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), enacted in 2007, authorized the California DWR to develop the Best Available Maps (BAM) displaying 100- and 200-year floodplains for areas located within the Nevada-San Joaquin (SAC-SJ) Valley watershed.

This effort was completed by DWR in 2008. DWR has expanded the BAM to cover all counties in the State and to include 500-year floodplains.

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Sutter Creek City Council
April 6, 2026