Agenda packet — Sutter Creek City Council, April 6, 2026 (part 5 of 6)

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-59
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-15 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table E-24 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities by Category and Type in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone AE: Regulatory Floodway
Essential Services
Fire Station 1
Police Station 1
Essential Services Total 2
Zone AE: Regulatory Floodway Total 2
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Total 2

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone X (shaded)
Essential Services
Fire Station 1
Essential Services Total 1
Zone X (shaded) Total 1
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Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Total
1 Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded)
Essential Services
Community Center 2
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
Essential Services Total 4
At Risk Population
Residential Care Facility 1
School 5
At Risk Population Total 6
Zone X (unshaded) Total 10
Other Areas Total 10
Sutter Creek Total 13
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Sutter Creek
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 E-13 would be vulnerable.

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 1069
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-61
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 further 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 Sutter Creek joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on September 24, 1987. The City does not participate in the CRS program. NFIP data indicates that as of March 2, 2020, there were 7 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $1,731,300 of coverage. There have been 11 historical claims for flood losses totaling $53,469.09. Of these, 5 were in A zones and 6 were in B, C, or X zones. 9 of the claims were for pre-FIRM structures, while 2 were for post-FIRM structures in the B, C, or X zone.

NFIP data further indicates that there is 1 repetitive loss (in a B, C, or X zone) and no severe repetitive loss buildings in the City. This repetitive loss building is a single family dwelling. There have been no substantial damage claims since 1978.

Based on this analysis of insurance coverage, the City has values at risk to the 1% annual chance and greater floods. Of the 73 improved parcels within the 1% annual chance flood zone, 7 of those parcels maintain flood insurance. This can be seen on Table E-25.
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-62
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table E-25 City of Sutter Creek – 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 Sutter Creek 73 7 9.6 %
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, NFIP CIS data.

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.

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 flood events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Of the five developments planned over the next five years (as shown in Figure E-16), two have areas that would be near the floodplain. 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 reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future flood conditions. As such, future development is not expected in 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. 1071
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-63
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October 2025
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 future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. These areas 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 DFIRM flood zone. Figure E-16 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the DFIRM flood zones. Some of these future development areas fall within the mapped flood areas as shown on Table E-26.

Figure E-16 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Areas in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones 1072
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Table E-26 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Area Acres and Parcels in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Flood Zones/
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
BLA-Rossi 1 1 0 0.23 0.23 0
Zone AE
Total
1 1 0 0.23 0.23 0
Zone AE: Regulatory Floodway
BLA-Rossi 2 1 1 0.36 0.18 0.18
TM 2917 1 1 0 0.59 0.59 0
Zone AE:

Regulatory
Floodway
Total
3 2 1 0.95 0.77 0.18
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
4 3 1 1.18 1.00 0.18
Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded)
DANCO 1 0 1 2.06 0 2.06
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp.
3 0 3 3.62 0 3.62
TM 2925 1 1 1.06 1.06 0
Zone X
(unshaded)
Total
5 1 4 6.74 1.06 5.68
Other Areas
Total
5 1 4 6.74 1.06 5.68
Grand Total 9 4 5 7.92 2.06 5.86
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Sutter Creek
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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 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 Sutter Creek is subject to localized flooding throughout the City. Areas prone to localized flooding are included in Table E-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.

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 Sutter Creek Events
The City noted that the times of flooding and localized flooding have coincided. These were discussed in the Past Occurrences Section of the Flood:100-/500-Year section above. In addition to those events, the following events occurred”
2022 – New Year’s Eve 2022 Flooding (December 31, 2022): A powerful atmospheric river event brought heavy rainfall to Northern California, causing significant rises in Sutter Creek (the waterway) that runs behind City Hall. This event was part of a broader series of storms between December 31, 2022, and March 25, 2023, which affected multiple regions of California, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and widespread property damage. Sutter Creek experienced significant flooding during the atmospheric river event, which 1074
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-66
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caused Sutter Creek (the waterway) to rise to unprecedented levels, flooding homes and businesses like “Simply Bubbles” on Main Street.
2023 - Karsand tributary bank eroded away back to the road which is now falling into the creek. Previous bank stabilization measures have failed in the 2023 storm event. There was also culvert da Eureka Road (a 45' by 26" culvert) and Gold Strike Court (a 102' by 38" culvert). These culverts were damaged and had to be replaced. In addition, debris was removed, areas were backfilled, and armoring was done to reduce future risk. Over $218,000 in costs were incurred to replace these culverts. Another culvert that had to be repaired on Gopher flat. The grizzly had debris fill up the grate from upstream of the creek and cause creek flow to bypass the underdrain and run over Cole Street which nearly caused water damage to downstream properties. The face of the grate had to have the debris removed to allow water to flow through the grate and under Cole St.

In addition, the City noted that the City Auditorium floods almost every year. The basement double doors of the Auditorium are roughly 6-feet from the bottom of Sutter Creek and when the creek flows to its maximum level during storms water enters the parking lot and then drains into the basement. In 2023, a significant amount of water got into the basement and the sump pumps could not keep up. There were many rooms that experienced water damage and many historic records were damaged/destroyed. The City has since added more sump pumps and have backups on hand in case they fail but the amount of water that enters is typically too much to handle during a storm.

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.
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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.

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.

Over the years culverts have clogged from silt and sediment, organic debris, vegetation and “volunteer” trees. Clogged culverts contribute to obstructed water flow leading to water backing up and causing localized flooding and can damage property, roads and surrounding areas. When water cannot pass efficiently it can erode the surrounding embankments, roads and walkways compromising infrastructure integrity. One area that experiences regular flooding is the Auditorium building and parking lot. As the creek backs up water is diverted to the Auditorium parking lot and filters into the basement of the Auditorium.

The City tracks localized flooding areas. Affected localized flood areas identified by the City of Sutter Creek are summarized in Table E-27.

Table E-27 City of Sutter Creek – List of Localized Flooding Problem Areas Area Name Flooding Pavement
Deterioration
Washout High
Water
Landslide/
Mudslide
Debris Downed
Trees
Eureka Rd X X X X X X
Spanish Street X
Broad Street/Gopher Flat X X
Bryson X X X X X
Gold Strike Ct X X X X X
Cemetery X X X X X
Source: City of Sutter Creek
Localized flooding, outside of the 100-year floodplain, also occurs due to drainage problems that restrict flows in the following areas:
➢ Bryson Drive undercrossing
➢ Bryson Creek Drainage near Badger Street, David Drive and Raylan Drive ➢ 300 Handford at Lincoln
➢ Gopher Gulch Creek along Gopher Flat Road between Manor Court and Sutter Creek ➢ Sutter Creek Cemetery and Mahoney Mill Road
➢ Oro Madre Road drainage between Oro Madre and Amador High School ➢ China Gulch drainage between the Sutter Creek Fire Hall and Badger Street ➢ Drainage on Fiefield Alley behind Belotti's and Skunk Hollow gulch near Greenstone Terrace 1076
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➢ Sutter Hill Rd at Oro Monte road intersection sink hole ➢ Drainage from the Amador airport and Old Sutter Hill Road The City of Sutter Creek does not have a Storm Water Master Plan to address storm water issues and plan for capital improvements.

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.

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 1077
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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.

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 Sutter Creek 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 Sutter Creek has recently slowed. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. This can also impact the vulnerable populations, like lowincome 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 flood events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The City has five areas it is planning to see development in the next five years. 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 1078
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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.

Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
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.

Natural conditions that contribute to landslide, mudslides, debris flows, hillside and streambank erosion, include the following:
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➢ 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 bordering the City to the east where the topography is characterized by rolling hills and ridges.

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 and debris flows may also occur in fire burn scar areas.

Figure E-17 shows the CGS areas at susceptible to deep-seated landslides. The legend on Figure E-17 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 E-28. 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 the eastern portions of the City and surrounding area are at high to very 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.
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Figure E-17 City of Sutter Creek – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides Table E-28 City of Sutter Creek – 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 1,164 68% 546 72% 618 65%
III 315 18% 134 18% 181 19%
V 33 2% 9 1% 23 2%
VI 137 8% 57 7% 80 8%
VII 48 3% 14 2% 34 4%
VIII 10 0.6% 2 0.2% 8 0.9%
IX 2 0.1% 0 0.01% 2 0.2%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Sutter Creek Total 1,709 100% 762 100% 947 100%
Source: CGS
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Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no disaster declarations associated with solely landslides in Amador County; however, as shown in Table E-29, there have been 9 state and 10 federal disaster declarations for flood which included landslides as a component.

Table E-29 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 Sutter Creek Past Occurrences
The City Planning Team noted the following past occurrences of landslides:
➢ In 2017, during two peak storm events, unreinforced mine tailings began to cause a mudslide onto Old Highway 49 causing a pile up of debris into the roadway. Smaller mudslides on Gopher Flat also occurred. Worley at Main Street: 2017-2018 storms caused the hillside to fall onto main street. Road was dug out and ultra block installed as temporary fix. After 3-5 years ultra block was removed and Jute netting and Rice waddle were installed until vegetation returned to the hillside. Natural vegetation is impeding erosion currently.
➢ In 2022 Worley Street, debris from houses above during storms in 2022 had water and mud debris slide into lower house garage and block safe passage into lower residence. City installed curtain drain along road and connected it to existing DI to prevent further erosion. Problem has been solved ➢ In 2023 on the Karsan Tributary – Storm in Dec 2023 caused high tributary flows which washed out the South bank of the tributary. Some road has fallen into the tributary. Currently monitoring road to see if any further bank erosion is occurring. Currently erosion is being controlled, need to reinforce south bank and road. Crestview Drainage on Meadow Crest – Sept 2023 Homeowner called City about drainage issues. No drainage was provided from upper development and too much flow was entering the residence on 310 Gopher Flat. City investigated and determined that the existing drainage pipe was too small and had be compromised. In fall of 2024, the City installed a 100 LF of new 18-inch pipe and 30 LF of 24-inch pipe, two new DI’s and 2 DI’s.
➢ 2020 to 2023 – Pump Station Debris – Over time dirt from unfinished road washed down into pump station vault. Vault was not above storm flows which would allow storm flow to enter pump station.

Debris was removed and vault lip is now above storm flows. Issue solved for next 10 years, possible issue if high storm flows return, monitor debris accumulation and remove as necessary. Pump station vault needs to be lifted.
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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.

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 HMPC noted that the Karsand tributary has a road that is falling into Sutter creek. The Karsan tributary which collects storm drain flows from approximately one third of the storm flows from the South side of Sutter Creek. The tributary has caused a landslide on the South bank of the tributary which has begun to erode Karsan Dr. The road on the south side of the tributary is falling into the creek. Previous stabilization has failed.

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 1083
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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 Sutter Creek – 2.07. Analysis results are shown in Table E-30. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 221 residents of the City at high or very high risk to landslides.

Table E-30 City of Sutter Creek – 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
Sutter Creek 62 128
VIII
Sutter Creek 0 0
IX
Sutter Creek 1 2
X
Sutter Creek 0 0
Total 63 130
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 E-17. Table E-31 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 E-32 shows the same analysis further broken out by property use. 1084
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Table E-31 City of Sutter Creek – 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
0 744 634 $72,757,839 $184,632,211 $120,864,415 $378,254,465 III 367 303 $29,373,095 $77,110,330 $39,376,477 $145,859,902 V 3 2 $575,072 $736,206 $700,166 $2,011,444
VI 199 155 $17,159,592 $47,724,542 $26,224,294 $91,108,428 VII 100 62 $10,397,559 $20,672,537 $10,336,269 $41,406,365 VIII 11 2 $1,262,463 $48,045 $48,045 $1,358,553
IX 10 2 $2,149,585 $415,990 $70,000 $2,635,575
Sutter Creek Total 1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data
Table E-32 City of Sutter Creek – 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
0 Agricultural 1 1 $22,308 $78,085 $78,085 $178,478
Commercial 107 87 $19,877,872 $56,579,901 $56,579,901 $133,037,674 Industrial 1 1 $169,016 $481,314 $721,971 $1,372,301
Miscellaneous 16 0 $1,231 $0 $0 $1,231
Residential 615 543 $50,571,272 $126,968,915 $63,484,458 $241,024,645 Unknown 4 2 $2,116,140 $523,996 $0 $2,640,136
0 Total 744 634 $72,757,839 $184,632,211 $120,864,415 $378,254,465 III
Commercial 22 15 $2,045,221 $2,843,360 $2,843,360 $7,731,941 Industrial 1 1 $191,587 $400,831 $601,247 $1,193,665
Miscellaneous 11 $7,342 $0 $0 $7,342
Residential 331 285 $26,751,464 $71,863,741 $35,931,871 $134,547,076 Unknown 2 2 $377,481 $2,002,398 $0 $2,379,879
III Total 367 303 $29,373,095 $77,110,330 $39,376,477 $145,859,902 V
Commercial 2 1 $488,078 $664,126 $664,126 $1,816,330
Residential 1 1 $86,994 $72,080 $36,040 $195,114
VI Total 3 2 $575,072 $736,206 $700,166 $2,011,444
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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
VI
Agricultural 1 1 $187,404 $92,585 $92,585 $372,574
Commercial 5 4 $1,021,943 $4,631,460 $4,631,460 $10,284,863 Miscellaneous 7 0 $7,186 $0 $0 $7,186
Residential 186 150 $15,943,059 $43,000,497 $21,500,249 $80,443,805 VI Total 199 155 $17,159,592 $47,724,542 $26,224,294 $91,108,428 VII
Agricultural 3 0 $755,536 $0 $0 $755,536
Commercial 1 0 $219,799 $0 $0 $219,799
Miscellaneous 5 0 $318 $0 $0 $318
Residential 91 62 $9,421,906 $20,672,537 $10,336,269 $40,430,712 VII Total 100 62 $10,397,559 $20,672,537 $10,336,269 $41,406,365 VIII
Agricultural 1 0 $130,513 $0 $0 $130,513
Commercial 6 2 $1,088,957 $48,045 $48,045 $1,185,047
Residential 4 0 $42,993 $0 $0 $42,993
VIII Total 11 2 $1,262,463 $48,045 $48,045 $1,358,553
IX
Commercial 5 0 $1,246,187 $0 $0 $1,246,187
Residential 2 1 $336,809 $140,000 $70,000 $546,809
Unknown 3 1 $566,589 $275,990 $0 $842,579
IX Total 10 2 $2,149,585 $415,990 $70,000 $2,635,575
Sutter Creek Total 1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 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 class. Using GIS, the deep-seated landslide classes were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure E-18 for the deep-seated landslide classes. Table E-33 summarizes Table E-34 details which critical facilities fall within which landslide class. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by deep-seated landslide class are listed in Appendix F. 1086
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Figure E-18 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes Table E-33 City of Sutter Creek– Critical Facilities by Category in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes
Jurisdiction / Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Class / Critical Facility Category Facility Count 0 Essential Services 6
At Risk Population 6
0 Total 12
III
Essential Services 1
At Risk Population 0
III Total 1
Sutter Creek Total 13
Source: CGS, City of Sutter Creek
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Table E-34 City of Sutter Creek – 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
Community Center 2
Fire Station 2
Police Station 1
Public Administration
Building
1 Essential Services
Total
6 At Risk Population
Residential Care
Facility
1 School 5
At Risk Population
Total
6 0 Total
III
Essential Services Facilities
Post Office 1
Essential Services
Total
1 III Total 1
City of Sutter Creek Total 13
Source: CGS, City of Sutter Creek
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 E-17 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 City, since most of this occurs in the in the undeveloped portion 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.
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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;
➢ 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 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. The City has five areas that may see development over the next five years. These are all in lower risk areas. In addition, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future landslide conditions. It should be noted that most of the growth in the City is occurring in areas outside the landslide risk areas. Thus, depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in 1089
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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.

GIS Analysis
The City provided future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. These areas 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 E-19 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the deep-seated landslide classes. These lie in the III deep-seated landslide class, as shown in Table E-35. 1090
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Figure E-19 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Areas in Deep Seated Landslide Classes
Table E-35 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Parcels and Acres in Deep Seated Landslide Classes
Susceptibility
to DeepSeated
Landslide
Class /
Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
III
BLA-Rossi 3 2 1 0.59 0.41 0.18
DANCO 1 0 1 2.06 0 2.06
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp.
3 0 3 3.62 0 3.62
TM 2917 1 1 0 0.59 0.59 0
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TM 2925 1 1 0 1.06 1.06 0
III Total 9 4 5 7.92 2.06 5.86
Source: CGS, City of Sutter Creek
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–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.

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. 1092
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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 Sutter Creek Events
The City Planning Team noted that since extreme heat is a regional phenomenon, events that affected the County also affected the City. Those past occurrences were shown in the Base Plan in Section 4.2.2.

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.

During drought and extreme heat periods the City of Sutter Creek gets hot due to its lowland location. The City noted that the population of elderly and individuals below the poverty level are the most vulnerable to 1093
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extreme temperatures. Students attending schools built before modern climate control systems were a necessity or those lacking working HVAC systems are at risk during extreme heat events. Nursing homes, elder care facilities and their residents are especially vulnerable to extreme heat events if power outages occur and air conditioning is not available. In addition, individuals below the poverty level may be at increased risk to extreme heat if use of air conditioning is not available or affordable. This is especially true of homeless people and the transient population.

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.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets, including those located in City park and open space 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. 1094
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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.

As such, the vulnerability to this hazard is expected to decrease. However, any future 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 nature and intensity of future extreme heat events. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The City has five areas where growth is expected 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 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.

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. 1095
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Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–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 E-27 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 E-36.

Table E-36 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
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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 Sutter Creek Events
The HMPC noted an extreme rain event in 2023: Impacts included localized flooding resulting in FEMA damage claims and included trees and branch debris coming down in high winds. The City noted that heavy rains and storms are an annual occurrence. Other events causing issues are listed in the Past Occurrences section of the Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance and Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding discussions above.

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 Sutter Creek. 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.

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.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-89
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
The City noted that when large storms drop substantial quantities of water, the river nearby becomes a hazard to the population and structures of the City. This flooding can cause issues for the WWTP along with the Auditorium that stores important documents and information. Local storm drains are not equipped to accommodate increased rainfall which can cause other areas to experience localized flooding.

Concerns at Gopher Flat and Cole Street, as a grizzly (vertically slotted grate) gets clogged from trees and debris washed down from upstream tributary; flow enters under roadway at Cole Street and follows Gopher Flat down to Sutter Creek. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the grizzly clear all winter.

There are concerns on the Karsan Tributary – All of uptown (uphill) flows are captured at Raylan Drive and flow down into Karsan through Allen Ranch Road. High flows could wash out Badger Street.

There are also concerns regarding Sutter Creek debris caught at Flushing Dam approximately 1500 feet upstream of auditorium. City regularly clears logs at the dam to allow them to flow downstream. During high storm events flows are too high to clear area safely.

The City also noted that heavy rains and storms cause localized flooding in the City. The problem areas area shown on Table E-27 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. 1098
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-90
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, such as water and wastewater facilities, 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, landslides, and erosion that would likely have the greatest impact.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-91
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 growth in the City of Sutter Creek has recently slowed; however, the vulnerability may change depending on changes to the makeup of more vulnerable populations. Certain vulnerable populations, such as the those who work or spend extended periods outdoors, could experience disproportional effects from this hazard. and should be addressed as the City continues to grow.

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. The City has five areas where growth is expected over the next five years. Changes in land use in these and other future areas may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City.

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.

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.

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 Sutter Creek. 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.

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, urbanized 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. 1100
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-92
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 Sutter Creek were created. Figure E-20 shows the CAL FIRE State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. Figure E-21 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 range from non-wildland to Very High.
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-93
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-20 City of Sutter Creek – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1102
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-94
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-21 City of Sutter Creek – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Wildfires tend to be measured in structure damages, injuries, and loss of life as well as 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. Geographical FHSZ extents in the FRA/SRA are shown in Table E-37, while extents in the LRA are shown on Table E-38.

Table E-37 City of Sutter Creek – 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 5 0.3% 2 0.2% 3 0.4%
High 2 0.1% 0.6 0.1% 2 0.2%
Moderate 0.4 0.02% 0.3 0.04% 0.1 0.01%
SRA Total 8 0.5% 3 0.4% 5 0.6%
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-95
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire
Responsibility/
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Sutter Creek
Total
8 0.5% 3 0.4% 5 0.6%
Source: CAL FIRE
Table E-38 City of Sutter Creek – 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 780 46% 357 47% 423 45%
High 857 50% 368 48% 489 52%
Moderate 34 2% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Non-Wildland 34 2% 21 3% 13 1%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

4.2 0.2% 1.1 0.1% 3.2 0.3%
Sutter Creek
Total
1,709 100% 762 100% 947 100%
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 E-39.

Table E-39 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 Sutter Creek Events
A list of state and federal disaster declarations for Amador County from wildfire is shown on Table E-39.

These events also likely affected the City to some degree. 1104
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-96
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, 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.

Sutter Creek is not immune to numerous types of grass and brush fires and any one of them may accelerate into an urban interface wildfire. Such a situation could lead to evacuation of large portions of the population and the potential for significant loss of personal property, structures, and open space areas. The natural fuels available in or near the City vary greatly in the rate and intensity of burning. Fires in heavy brush and stands of trees burn with great intensity but more slowly than in dry grass and leaves. Dense fuels will propagate fire better than sparse fuels. The City of Sutter Creek borders are surrounded by open dry grassland making the residential areas 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 needs to be removed to prevent wildfire propagation through the City
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-97
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
The General Plan Safety Element also noted that that most of the downtown historic district can be considered an urban fire hazard area. This is because of common walls, building materials, and the lack of adequate fire protection standards when the area was built. A major fire in the area could destroy a block of buildings or more.

The City noted that during periods of wildfire, smoke settles in Sutter Creek, which causes school and sports closures. It also affects elderly and sensitive population with respiratory issues related to poor air quality.

The City has passed an ordinance to remove fire debris and or to create a fire break on residents property.

The City has worked to clear dense vegetation areas throughout town including the Mine head site which is a known area of vegetation overgrowth. The City is working with CAL FIRE to clear dense vegetation along roads. The ordinance allows the City to hire clearing crews for lots deemed with excessive vegetation growth. Vegetation management is a considerable expense to the City that is occurring every year around town.

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 Sutter Creek – 2.07.

According to this analysis, there is a total population of 0 residents of the City of Sutter Creek falling within the moderate or higher SRA/FRA FHSZs. This is shown in Table E-40. There is a total population of 2,156 residents of the City of Sutter Creek falling within the moderate or higher LRA FHSZs, as shown on Table E-41.
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-98
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table E-40 City of Sutter Creek – 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
Sutter Creek 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 E-41 City of Sutter Creek – 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
Sutter Creek 773 1,600 263 544 6 12
Source: CAL FIRE, 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor’s Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

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 Sutter Creek. 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. Analysis results for the SRA/FRA in the City of Sutter Creek are not shown since this layer doesn’t intersect with the City. Analysis results for the LRA in the City of Sutter Creek are shown in Table E-42, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by FHSZs.

Table E-42 City of Sutter Creek – 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 5 1 $1,073,453 $92,585 $92,585 $1,258,623
Commercial 51 37 $7,463,137 $12,231,981 $12,231,981 $31,927,099 Industrial 1 1 $191,587 $400,831 $601,247 $1,193,665
Miscellaneous 29 $14,846 $0 $0 $14,846
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-99
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
Residential 900 773 $74,211,158 $202,493,519 $101,246,760 $377,951,437 Unknown 5 3 $754,063 $1,038,941 $0 $1,793,004
Very High Total 991 815 $83,708,244 $216,257,857 $114,172,572 $414,138,673 High
Agricultural 1 1 $22,308 $78,085 $78,085 $178,478
Commercial 81 64 $14,676,502 $43,905,948 $43,905,948 $102,488,398 Industrial 1 1 $169,016 $481,314 $721,971 $1,372,301
Miscellaneous 9 0 $1,231 $0 $0 $1,231
Residential 318 263 $28,634,367 $59,956,232 $29,978,116 $118,568,715 Unknown 4 2 $2,306,147 $1,763,443 $0 $4,069,590
High Total 414 331 $45,809,571 $106,185,022 $74,684,120 $226,678,713 Moderate
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 13 8 $3,298,072 $8,628,963 $8,628,963 $20,555,998 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 1 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 10 6 $308,972 $268,019 $134,010 $711,001
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Moderate Total 24 14 $3,607,044 $8,896,982 $8,762,973 $21,266,999 Non-Wildland
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0$0 $0
Commercial 3 0 $550,346 $0 $550,346
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 2 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Non-Wildland
Total
5 0 $550,346 $0 $0 $550,346
Sutter Creek
Total
1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 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 1108
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-100
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 E-18 for the LRA fire hazard severity zones. Table E-43 details which critical facilities fall in which LRA fire hazard severity zone. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by LRA fire hazard severity zones are listed in Appendix F.

Figure E-22 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Table E-43 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities by Category 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
Essential Services Total 2
At Risk Population
School 3
At Risk Population
Total
3 Very High Total 5
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-101
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count High
Essential Services Facilities
Community Center 2
Fire Station 1
Police Station 1
Public Administration
Building
1 Essential Services Total 5
At Risk Population
Residential Care Facility 1
School 2
At Risk Population
Total
3 High Total 8
Sutter Creek Total 13
Source: CGS, City of Sutter Creek
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, 1110
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-102
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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:
➢ 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 Sutter Creek 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 Sutter Creek 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, magnitude, and severity of future wildfire 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. The City has five areas where growth is expected over the next five years. These are located in the High and Very High FHSZs. 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 1111
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-103
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 of high and very high 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, it should reduce vulnerability on new construction especially in the higher hazard zones.

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.

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

GIS Analysis
The City provided future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. These areas 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 LRA fire hazard severity zone. No facilities fell in the SRA/FRA fire hazard severity zones. Figure E-23 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the LRA fire hazard severity zones. As shown in Table E-44, the future development areas falls within areas of High and Very High fire hazard severity zones.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-23 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Areas in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Table E-44 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Parcels and Acres in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard
Severity
Zone/ Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High
TM 2925 1 1 0 1.06 1.06 0
Very High
Total
1 1 0 1.06 1.06 0
High
BLA-Rossi 3 2 1 0.59 0.41 0.18
DANCO 1 0 1 2.06 0 2.06
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-105
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity
Zone/ Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp.
3 0 3 3.62 0 3.62
TM 2917 1 1 0 0.59 0.59 0
High Total 8 3 5 6.86 1.00 5.86
Grand Total 9 4 5 7.92 2.06 5.86
Source: CAL FIRE, City of Sutter Creek
E.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.

E.5.1. Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table E-45 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 Sutter Creek.

Table E-45 City of Sutter Creek’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, Yes, the CIP was updated this year and was adopted by the city council on Feb 18, 2025.

Climate Change Adaptation Plan N
Community Wildfire Protection Plan N
Comprehensive/Master Plan Y Yes, Yes, Yes. 2019
Continuity of Operations Plan N
Economic Development Plan N
Land Use Plan Y General plan element, Yes, Yes, 2019
Local Emergency Operations Plan Y Yes, Yes, Early in 2024 Stormwater Management Plan N
Transportation Plan Y General plan element, Yes, Yes, 2019 1114
Section 7, Item B.

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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other Y Sewer System Management Plan was last updated in July of 2020. It addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation actions.

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 Yes
Flood insurance rate maps N
Floodplain ordinance Y Yes
Natural hazard-specific ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
N Wildfire needs improvement
Subdivision ordinance Y Yes, Yes
Zoning ordinance Y Yes, we are currently updating it.

Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? The City is seeking to incorporate some of the above into our development standards which are currently underway.

Source: City of Sutter Creek
City of Sutter Creek General Plan (2019)
The City of Sutter Creek 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 hazards. Mitigation-related actions and objective summaries are as follows:

Earthquakes
Objective S-1.1: To minimize possible threat to life or property due to earthquakes. ➢ Policy S-1.1.1: State building code requirements pertaining to earthquake safety for seismic Zone 3 shall be applied to new construction and remodeling projects that require a building permit.

Other Geologic Hazards
Objective S-1.2: To minimize possible threat to life or property due to geological hazards such as soils related damage or hazards and mine-related hazards.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Policy S-1.2.1: Site-specific soils investigations will be required for construction projects when and wherever there is concern for soils-related hazards.
➢ Policy S-1.2.2: Development proposals involving the creation of more than four lots, parcels, or units shall be required to investigate the potential for mine collapse and other mine-related hazards in parts of the City known or suspected of being underlain by mine shafts, drifts, or vents. ➢ Policy S-1.2.3: Mine hazards such as vent, drift, or shaft openings should be plugged, covered, fenced, signed, and/or otherwise managed to protect public health and safety. ➢ Policy S-1.2.4: Site-specific soils investigations will be required to evaluate the health risk from proposed projects within or adjacent to mine waste materials. Schools, day care centers, hospitals, and residential subdivisions should not be located in areas where hazardous materials are present in mine waste materials.
➢ Policy S-1.2.5: Records concerning mining activities within the planning area should be collected and maintained at City Hall for reference and use by the City and developers.

Flooding and Dam Failure
Objective S-1.3: To minimize possible threat to life or property due to flooding. ➢ Policy S-1.3.1: Building and planning permit applications proposing improvements within the FEMA/FIRM map Zones ‘A’ or ‘AE’ shall comply with the City’s flood plain management ordinance. ➢ Policy S-1.3.2: The City of Sutter Creek and County of Amador should require new development projects within the Sutter Creek drainage area to control peak flow runoff such that post-development discharge rates are not greater than pre-development discharge rates, ensuring new development does not significantly add to flooding hazards.
➢ Policy S-1.3.3: The County of Amador should give the City of Sutter Creek the opportunity to review development projects within the Sutter Creek drainage area to ensure flood hazards within the City are not increased.
➢ Policy S-1.3.4: Reduce the extent of flooding that threatens existing developed areas within the City.

Wildland and Urban Fires
Objective S-1.4: To minimize possible threat to life or property due to wildland and urban fires. ➢ Policy S-1.4.1: The Sutter Creek Fire District shall be asked by the City to review development plans, land division projects, and planned developments to ensure compliance with fire suppression and prevention requirements.
➢ Policy S-1.4.2: New development shall ensure there is sufficient water supply and facilities for fire suppression units in the event of a wildland fire.
➢ Policy S-1.4.3: Looped water systems shall be installed within new developments, where feasible, and new water systems shall provide for adequate pressure and volumes at each hydrant installed. ➢ Policy S-1.4.4: In new developments there shall be sufficient access for emergency vehicles and evacuation of residents. Two or more routes of access should be provided, preferably on different sides of the development.
➢ Policy S-1.4.5: Roads in wildland fire areas shall be well marked and homes shall have addresses in plain view.
➢ Policy S-1.4.6: New roadways shall comply with City standards. ➢ Policy S-1.4.7: Vehicular access shall be provided to within 150 feet of a structure. ➢ Policy S-1.4.8: Buildings in urban-wildland interface areas shall comply with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recommendations on defensible space. 1116
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October 2025
➢ Policy S-1.4.9: Property owners in the Main Street Historic District should become organized to plan for and fund a program to reduce or eliminate the threat of urban fire.

Evacuation and Emergency Preparedness
Objective S-1.5: To minimize possible threat to life or property through evacuation and emergency preparedness.
➢ Policy S-1.5.1: The County Office of Emergency Services should complete an upgrade of the County’s Emergency Management Plan making the document more usable by jurisdictions involved. ➢ Policy S-1.5.2: Coordinated interagency emergency drills should be conducted on a regular basis, especially in hazard areas identified in this plan.
➢ Policy S-1.5.3: Major developments and large commercial or industrial activities should have their own emergency plans and periodic drills.

Mitigation Related Ordinances
Buildings and Construction (Sutter Creek Code Title 15) The following codes are adopted by the City.
➢ The 2019 California Building Standards Administrative Code contained in Part 1 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Building Standards Administrative Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 2019 California Building Code contained in Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendix C (Group U—Agricultural Building), Appendix H (Signs), Appendix I (Patio Covers) and Appendix J (Grading) is hereby adopted by reference as the Building Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 2019 California Residential Building Code contained in Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted by reference as the Residential Building Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 2019 California Electrical Code contained in Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including Article 89, is hereby adopted by reference as the Electrical Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 2019 California Mechanical Code contained in Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted by reference as the Mechanical Code of the City of Sutter Creek. ➢ The 2019 California Plumbing Code contained in Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted as the Plumbing Code of the City of Sutter Creek. ➢ The 2019 California Energy Code contained in Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendix 1-A is hereby adopted by reference as the Energy Code of the City of Sutter Creek. ➢ The 2019 California Historical Building Code contained in Part 8 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Historical Building Code of the City of Sutter Creek. ➢ The 2019 California Fire Code contained in Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Sutter Creek. ➢ The 2019 California Existing Building Code contained in Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted by reference as the Existing Building Code of the City of Sutter Creek. 1117
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The 2019 California Green Building Standards Code contained in Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 2019 California Referenced Standards Code contained in Part 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Referenced Standards Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 2018 International Property Maintenance Code as published by the International Code Council and referenced in Title 24, Part 2, of the California Building Code is hereby adopted by reference as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Sutter Creek.
➢ The 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is hereby adopted by reference as the Dangerous Buildings Code of the City of Sutter Creek.

The above-identified codes in this Section 15.04.010 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Building Codes") are adopted for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the erection, construction, modification, repair, maintenance, demolition, use and occupancy of buildings and structures. One copy of each of the Building Codes shall be maintained for use and examination of the public in the office of the building official.

Zoning (Sutter Creek Code Title 18)
An official land use zoning ordinance for the city is adopted and established to assist in implementing the General Plan, to serve the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare, to provide for 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.

Subdivisions (Sutter Creek Code Title 17)
This title is adopted:
➢ To establish minimum permissible regulations and standards for the division and subdivision of land, for the design, improvement, and survey data related thereto, and for the physical alteration of the land involved therein, and;
➢ To provide a guide for owners in the proper division of their land, and to provide for orderly development of the city consistent with the general plan.

Floodplain Management (Title 15, Chapter 15.20)
The flood hazard areas of the 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 the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas.

Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 provisions designed:
➢ To protect human life and health;
➢ To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; ➢ To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
➢ To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
➢ To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ➢ To 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 flood blight areas; ➢ To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and ➢ To 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 methods and provisions for:
➢ Restricting or prohibiting 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; ➢ Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
➢ Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;
➢ Controlling fill, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood damage; and ➢ Preventing or regulating 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, areas of flood-related erosion hazards and areas of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazards within the jurisdiction of Sutter Creek Storm Drainage (Title 17, Chapter 17.16.170)
Storm drainage falls under the subdivision zoning ordinance. When developing subdivisions in the City:
➢ The subdivider shall dedicate a 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. ➢ In cases 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.

E.5.2. Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table E-46 identifies the City department(s) responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Sutter Creek.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-111
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table E-46 City of Sutter Creek’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, Yes
Civil Engineer, including dam and levee
safety
Y Yes, Yes, Yes
Community Planner N
Emergency Manager N
Floodplain Administrator N
GIS Coordinator N
Planning Commission Y Yes, Yes, Yes
Other
Technical Y/N
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Grant writing Y The City has hired a consultant to assist with Grant writing Hazard data and information N
GIS analysis Y The City has GIS of the sewer system and uses it regularly to identify sewer lines that need to be cleaned or repaired when a spill occurs.

Mutual aid agreements Y The City has service contracts with local contractors in the case of emergencies
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Additional enforcement for education of and enforcement of fire fuel mitigation efforts would assist in reducing fire risks. Working on fuel mitigation ordinance.

Source: City of Sutter Creek
E.5.3. Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table E-47 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table E-47 City of Sutter Creek’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
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October 2025
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?
Community Development Block Grant N
Federal funding programs (non-FEMA) N
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services Y Yes, the City collects sewer fees Impact fees for new development Y Yes
State funding programs Y SRF Planning grant for new WWTP, can apply for construction grant
Stormwater utility fee N
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? There is too much administrative overhead to receive grant funding making it extremely cumbersome for small jurisdictions to be competitive without having to hire additional staff. The City has hired a consultant to look for grant opportunities in Jan 2025.

Source: City of Sutter Creek
E.5.4. Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Table E-48 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 E-48 City of Sutter Creek’s Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Community newsletters Y We continually place information in our monthly newsletters.

Hazard awareness campaigns (such as Firewise,
Storm Ready, Severe Weather Awareness Week,
school programs, public events)
N
Local news Y Monthly newsletter, regional newspaper, radio station in Jackson
Organizations that interact with underserved and
vulnerable communities
N
Social media Y City has a website that is updated as needed How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? The City lacks staffing to do many of these activities. Additional money is needed to expand staffing.

Source: City of Sutter Creek
E.5.5. Other Mitigation Efforts
The City engages in the following mitigation efforts:
1121
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-113
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Earthquake – Compliance with Building Codes for Earthquake Safety ➢ Floods: Localized Stormwater – continuous cleaning of storm drain inlets and system. ➢ Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow – Bank stabilization, natural vegetation ➢ Wildfire – Aggressive fire fuel mitigation program including education and enforcement.

Examples of this include:
➢ Landslides
✓ Worley at Main Street: 2017-2018 storms caused the hillside to fall onto main street. Road was dug out and ultra block installed as temporary fix. After 3-5 years ultra block was removed and Jute netting and Rice waddle were installed until vegetation returned to the hillside. Natural vegetation impeding erosion currently.
✓ Worley Street, debris from houses above during storms in 2022 had water and mud debris slide into lower house garage and block safe passage into lower residence. City installed curtain drain along road and connected it to existing DI to prevent further erosion. Problem has been solved. ➢ Wildfires
✓ Yearly vegetation management of City owned properties. ✓ Fire break being installed around Minehead site. This has taken over 30 days of clearing over the past two years.
➢ Dam Failure
✓ Obtained permit to fix underdrain for Henderson Reservoir. Repair currently underway. ➢ Floods
✓ Removed debris from Flushing Dam.
✓ Reinforced WWTP flood wall with rip rap
✓ Reinstalled Eureka St crossing with new storm drain and tunnel ✓ Crestview Drainage on Meadow Crest – Sept 2023 Homeowner called City about drainage issues.

No drainage was provided from upper development and too much flow was entering the residence on 310 Gopher Flat. City investigated and determined that the existing drainage pipe was too small and had been compromised. In fall of 2024, the City installed a 100 LF of new 18-inch pipe and 30 LF of 24-inch pipe, two new DI’s and 2 DI’s. Problem has been solved.

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

E.6.2. NFIP Mitigation Strategy
The City of Sutter Creek joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on September 24, 1987. As a participant of the NFIP, the City of Sutter Creek 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 Sutter Creek will continue to comply with the requirements of the NFIP in the future.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-114
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
In addition, the City of Sutter Creek 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 Sutter Creek as for Amador County since participation at the County level includes all local jurisdictions.

The City of Sutter Creek Planning 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 Sutter Creek is not a current participant in the CRS program.

More information about the floodplain administration in the City of Sutter Creek can be found in Table E-49.

Table E-49 City of Sutter Creek 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)?
Building Inspector (Larry White), Serves as the City
building inspector
Is the Community FPA or NFIP Coordinator a Certified
Floodplain Manager?
No
Is floodplain management an auxiliary function? Yes
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?
Funding
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies are in the community? What is the total premium and coverage?
7 policies
$9,872 in premiums
$1,538,000 in coverage
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?
16 paid losses.
$112,809.14 in paid claims
0 substantial damage claims
How many structures (residential and non-residential) are exposed to flood risk within the community?
73 structures in 1% annual chance
19 structures in 0.2% annual chance
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Section 7, Item B.

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October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
Are there Repetitive Loss (RL) and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (SRL) structures in the community?
0 RL or SRL
Describe any areas of flood risk with limited NFIP policy coverage
No known areas with limited NFIP coverage.

How does the community teach property owners or other
stakeholders about the importance of flood insurance?
Owners are taught to apply for permits, hire a local
surveyor, go get outside help
What digital sources (like the FEMA Map Service Center, National Flood Hazard Layer) or non-regulatory tools does the community use?
FEMA.gov/flood-maps
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?
Building Inspector is responsible. He determines
substantially damages structures. Measures can be used
to bring these structures into compliance.

When was the most recent Community Assistance Visit
(CAV) or Community Assistance Contact (CAC)?
5/17/2011 (CAV)
10/5/2017 (CAC)
Is a CAV or CAC scheduled or needed? No
Regulation
When did the community enter the NFIP? 8/24/1987
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?
Adopted per ordinance
Has the community adopted the latest effective FIRM? Date adopted?

15.20.060 - Basis for establishing the areas of special flood hazard.

The areas of special flood hazard identified by the
Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Flood
Insurance Study (FIS) dated September 24, 1990, and
the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), dated
September 28, 1990, and all subsequent amendments
and/or revisions, are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. This Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and attendant mapping is the minimum area of
applicability of this chapter and may be supplemented
by studies for other areas which allow implementation
of this chapter, and which are recommended to the city
council by the floodplain administrator. The study and
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are on file at
(Address: City Hall/Administration Building/Planning
Department/Public Works, etc.).
(Ord. 252 §3.2, 1991)
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Through Building permits to improvements to
buildings
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. Applicants submit building plans for review and approval. They are examined by our Building Inspector
who reviews and approves for compliance with the
Zoning Code and Building Code.

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 Sutter Creek
E.6.3. Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City of Sutter Creek 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
➢ 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, and Debris Flow
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
➢ Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning) ➢ Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality)
Low priority hazards for mitigation planning include:
➢ Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species) ➢ Avalanche
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
➢ Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados
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October 2025
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 E-50. Details of the actions can be found below the table.

Table E-50 City of Sutter Creek Mitigation Actions
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
City of Sutter Creek
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 Prevention
Public Education
Action 3. Auditorium, Community
Center, and WWTP Backup Power
Generators
New Action X X Structural
Action 4. Development of Walking
Paths, Native Tree Protection, and
Native Tree Species Planting
Previous
Action
X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 5. Henderson Underdrain New Action X X Structural Action 6. Recycled Water System
for New Development
New Action X X Structural
Action 7. Early EQ Warning
Program
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 8. Sutter Creek
Excavation/Annual Cleaning Projects
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
1126
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-118
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 9. Stormwater Masterplan
Development and Implementation
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 10. Culvert Cleaning Projects Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 11. Karsan Drive Tributary
Slope and Road Stabilization
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 12. Cooling Center/Severe
Weather Center
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 13. Vegetation Management
Enforcement and Perimeter Wildfire
Protection Fuel break
Previous
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). 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 Sutter Creek Planning Department 1127
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-119
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.): Local budgets like the City General Fund Timeline: As soon as possible. Likely 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 (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.

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. 1128
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-120
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 Sutter Creek 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.): Local budgets or 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. Auditorium, Community Center, and WWTP Backup Power Generators Hazards Addressed: Multi-Hazard (Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water shortage, Earthquake, Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance, Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Wind, Hail, Lightning), Wildfire)
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Auditorium and the Community Center are essential City facilities that are susceptible to power outages. Neither facility has a backup source of power. The WWTP must operate even if power is out to continue essential sewer services. Currently the WWTP has a noncompliant air board generator.

Project Description: Identify all essential City Facilities which currently have or do not have fixed generators or generators that are out of compliance with current air regulations. Consult, design, and install fixed air board compliant generators.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Currently none Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department 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, Cost estimates are estimated at $350,000.
1129
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-121
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Timeline: Next 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 4. Development of Walking Paths, Native Tree Protection, and Native Tree Species Planting
Hazards Addressed: Multi-Hazard (Climate Change, Drought, Extreme Heat, Severe Weather, and Wildfire
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): To reduce our carbon footprint, safe walking spaces are needed that encourage walking as a mode of travel. Walking in and around Sutter Creek can be difficult without paths and shaded spaces during the hotter months. During drought and extreme heat periods the City of Sutter Creek gets hot due to its lowland location.

Project Description: The project would develop walking paths in and around Sutter Creek with native tree planting that would provide shade.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Safety Element of the General Plan, Subdivision ordinance, Landscape Ordinance Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduction in energy consumption, reduction in carbon footprint Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, Parks grants, CDBG, Urban forestry Grants, community sponsorship
Timeline: Ongoing and annually reviewed as funding is available.

Action 5. Henderson Underdrain
Hazards Addressed: Dam Failure (Henderson Reservoir)
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The 20-inch diameter low-level outlet pipe of the Henderson Dam has no bottom and has lost all structural integrity. The pipe must be replaced per Division of Dam Safety (DSOD).

Project Description: The work generally includes 1. Slip lining of existing 20-inch concrete outlet pipe using 16-inch DR-17 HDPE pipe for approximately 170 LF total and grouting the annulus between the host pipe and the slip lined pipe. 2, Removal and replacement of approximately 965 LF of 20-inch AC Concrete 1130
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-122
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
pipe with 16-inch DR17 HDPE. 3. Removal and replacement of approximately 100 LF of 20-inch AC Concrete pipe with 24-inch DR17 HDPE. 4. Field verification of post0installation conditions using a rover with a tilt and pan CCTV.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Alternatively, the jurisdiction may collect an annual remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video inspection along with an engineer’s evaluation to prove that the pipe is not further deteriorating.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department (uses reservoir for wastewater disposal), California Department of General Services (owner of the Reservoir), Amador Regional Sanitation Authority (Lessee), Division of Dam Safety (Regulatory body) Benefits (Losses Avoided): Improves the structural integrity of the Dam face reducing the chance of Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, CWSRF funding has been applied for. FEMA HHPD. Budget is approximately $750,000 for the repair Timeline: Fall of 2025 or Fall of 2026 (dependent on weather and ability to lower reservoir volume) Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 6. Recycled Water System for New Development
Hazards Addressed: Drought and Water Storage
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Sutter Creek is looking to provide recycled water to a newly proposed development that would include residential housing, commercial properties, a hotel and resort, and a golf course in the Southwest portion of Sutter Creek. The recycled water would come from a new pipeline from the WWTP to the development.

Project Description: The current WWTP produces secondary treated wastewater. The City has produced an RFP for a tertiary wastewater plant. With tertiary treated water being produced a pipeline would be built to transfer water from the WWTP up to the new development for land application on the golf course and purple pipe within the development.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Internal City departments
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department, developers, AWA (possibly) 1131
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-123
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Benefits (Losses Avoided): The new pipeline would allow for reduced use of water from AWA sources thus reducing the burden on water storage systems
Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA, City General Fund, CWSRF Recycled Water, budget estimated in the millions of dollars
Timeline: Dependent on funding. Within 5 years if funding is available.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 7. Early EQ Warning Program (Cal OES)
Hazards Addressed: Earthquake
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Sutter Creek faces a significant and unmitigated risk from potential seismic events. A moderate to large earthquake poses an imminent danger of widespread structural damage to residential and commercial buildings. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the potential for secondary hazards including landslides. The current lack of comprehensive public awareness could result in significant loss of life and severe injuries.

Project Description: The City is participating in an Earthquake Earth Warning (EEW) Datacasting Receiver Pilot Program through Cal OES powered by ShakeAlert with television towers located throughout California. Once these receivers are installed, they will provide EEW alerts, giving individuals crucial seconds to take proactive actions such as Drop, Cover and Hold On. This will be especially beneficial with limited or no cellular network reception or broadband access. Although most of Amador County is covered by television networks, cellular reception is spotty in Sutter Creek. The project will assess the viability of the sensors and if successful install throughout town to alert residents.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City has signed up for the pilot program which includes two receivers that will be positioned around town.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Provides precious seconds to minutes for individuals to take protective actions to prevent and or reduce injuries and loss of life
Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, Cal OES grant Timeline: Next 2 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
1132
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-124
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Action 8. Sutter Creek Excavation/Annual Cleaning Projects Hazards Addressed: Flood, Localized Flood, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Over the years Sutter Creek has become clogged from silt and sediment, organic debris, vegetation and “volunteer” trees. Clogged creeks contribute to obstructed water flow leading to water backing up and causing localized flooding and can damage property, roads and surrounding areas. When water cannot pass efficiently it can erode the surrounding embankments, roads and walkways compromising infrastructure integrity. As the creek backs up water is diverted to the Auditorium parking lot and filters into the basement of the Auditorium.

Project Description: The City will clear blockages including but not limited to silt and debris, remove root balls and small saplings under three feet in height. The projects are to be done in the Creek. A plan was also developed to raise and/or fortify the auditorium parking lot but funds were not available.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City has received a 5-year fish and game permit to conduct cleaning of the culverts in town.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Public Works Benefits (Losses Avoided): Reduce the changes of localized flooding, localized landslides, and infrastructure destruction
Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, project estimated at $1.2M for Bank stabilization and $400,000 for basin upgrade
Timeline: Next 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 9. Stormwater Masterplan Development and Implementation Hazards Addressed: Flood, Localized Flood, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Sutter Creek does not have a Storm Water Master Plan to address storm water issues and plan for capital improvements.

Project Description: A Storm Water Master Plan will be developed to address storm water issues in the City of Sutter Creek and will also address development in the City’s Sphere of Influence which identifies future areas of residential, commercial, and industrial growth. 1133
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-125
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Internal City departments
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Public Works Benefits (Losses Avoided): A new Storm Water Master Plan will identify improvements to the current storm water collection system and improve drainage which will reduce localized flooding on the creek that runs through town resulting from heavy rains.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMA grants, CA DWR grants, City General Fund.

Timeline: Dependent on Funding. Desired as soon as possible or inside the lifecycle of this LHMP Update.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 10. Culvert Cleaning Projects
Hazards Addressed: Flood, Localized Flood, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Over the years culverts have clogged from silt and sediment, organic debris, vegetation and “volunteer” trees. Clogged culverts contribute to obstructed water flow leading to water backing up and causing localized flooding and can damage property, roads and surrounding areas. When water cannot pass efficiently it can erode the surrounding embankments, roads and walkways compromising infrastructure integrity.

Project Description: The City will clear blockages including but not limited to silt and debris, remove root balls and small saplings under three feet in height. The projects are to be done around town in various culverts including “The Grizzly”, “The big ditch” and many other local culverts that feed Sutter Creek.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City has received a 5-year fish and game permit to conduct cleaning of the culverts in town.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-126
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 11. Karsan Drive Tributary Slope and Road Stabilization Hazards Addressed: Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Karsan tributary which collects storm drain flows from approximately one third of the storm flows from the South side of Sutter Creek, The tributary has caused a landslide on the South bank of the tributary which has begun to erode Karsan Dr.

Project Description: The south slope of the Karsan tributary has eroded. Temporary slope stabilization efforts have started to fall into the tributary. The slope needs to be stabilized, and the road needs to be repaired once a stable surface has been created. The tributary needs to be expanded to handle the increased flows to protect the road.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Existing road surface is being monitored to gauge rate of landslide. Tributary is cleared annually to reduce debris in the tributary and allow more flow. A permit has been obtained from Fish and Game to remove saplings and root balls from the tributary.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Public Works Benefits (Losses Avoided): Improves stormwater flow from the south third of town into Sutter Creek.

Karsan Drive is the only access road for approximately 10 houses. This is the only route in an emergency.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund. Project is estimated at approximately $200,000 for the repair
Timeline: Planning is underway but budget does not exist to begin the repairs yet. It is hoped to be completed inside of 5 years.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 12. Cooling Center/Severe Weather Center
Hazards Addressed: Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Sutter Creek is disadvantaged and has a large vulnerable population (elderly) that without a cooling/extreme weather center is susceptible to a cascade of negative impacts including but not limited to exacerbated health risks and mortality, socioeconomic disparities and increased heat-related illnesses.
1135
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-127
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Project Description: The City has identified the Auditorium and the community center as critical infrastructure that could be used as a cooling/extreme weather centers. Upgrades to the HVAC and backup power would be needed to both buildings to make them suitable as cooling/extreme weather centers for the residents
Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City has identified critical infrastructure and deficiencies needed to upgrade the infrastructure to cooling/extreme weather centers.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Protecting vulnerable populations of exacerbated health risks and mortality Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, upgrade project budget estimated at $500,000
Timeline: Next 5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 13. Vegetation Management Enforcement and Perimeter Wildfire Protection Fuel Break Hazards Addressed: Wildfire
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): the City of Sutter Creek borders are surrounded by open dry grassland making the residential areas 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 needs to be removed to prevent wildfire propagation through the City.

Project Description: The project would provide for establishment of perimeter firebreaks surrounding the City. The project would also identify areas of town that are overgrown and in need of vegetation management including but not limited to the Mine head site, Sutter Hill Road and out Eureka St. The project would include the initial clearing and annual ongoing maintenance of the fire break, the fuel reduction projects, and fuel mitigation enforcement on private properties.

Other Alternatives: Currently the City contracts with CalFire to obtain crews to reduce vegetation around town.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Safety Element of the General Plan
Responsible Office/Partners: Public works department, CalFire, Sutter Creek Fire Protection District 1136
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-128
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Residential Fire Protection and limiting loss of life Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): FEMA HMA grants, City General Fund, CalFire, budget estimated around 1M dollars and annually approximately 500K Timeline: Ongoing and annual.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
1137
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-1
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Annex F Amador Water Agency
F.1 Introduction
This Annex details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the Amador Water Agency (AWA or Agency), 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 Agency.

This Annex provides additional information specific to the AWA, with a focus on providing additional details on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for this jurisdiction.

F.2 Planning Process
As described above, the AWA 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 Agency 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 F-1. Additional details on Plan participation and Agency representatives are included in Appendix A.

Table F-1 AWA – Planning Team
Name Position/Title How Participated
Rick Ferriera Operations Manager Coordinated effort and led internal efforts. Attended HMPC meetings Lucas Carthew Assistant Engineer Researched data and submitted information. Attended HMPC meetings
Antero Acierto Mapping/GIS Attended HMPC meetings
Brandt Cook Attended HMPC meetings
Coordination with other community planning efforts is paramount to the successful implementation of this LHMP Update. This section provides information on how the Agency integrated the previously approved 2020 LHMP into existing planning mechanisms and programs. Specifically, the Agency incorporated into or implemented the 2020 LHMP through other plans and programs shown in Table F-2. 1138
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-2
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table F-2 2020 LHMP Incorporation
Planning Mechanism Previous LHMP
Was Incorporated or Implemented
Through
Details
2020 AWA Water Master Plan The 2020 AWA Water Master Plan was completed in tandem with the previous LHMP. The data used to compile the previous LHMP AWA Annex was also used in the creation of the 2020 AWA Water Master Plan. This Plan created a 20-year Capital Improvement Plan prioritizing AWA projects to complete, with natural hazard mitigation incorporated into the decision-making process. AWA intends to have the 2025 AWA Water Master Plan completed by the time the 2025 LHMP is adopted.
2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan The 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan was completed in tandem with the previous LHMP. The data used to compile the previous LHMP AWA Annex was also used in the creation of the 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan. This Plan created a 20-year Capital Improvement Plan prioritizing AWA projects to complete, with natural hazard mitigation incorporated into the decision-making process. AWA intends to have the 2025 AWA Wastewater Master Plan completed by the time the 2025 LHMP is adopted.
2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan The previous LHMP was included as Appendix C to the 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2020 Urban Water Management Plan The previous LHMP was included as Appendix C to the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan.
2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity
Study
The 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study was completed following the 2020 AWA Water Master Plan and utilized a large percentage of the same data used in the previous LHMP.
2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand
Assessment Shortage Report
The 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report was completed using data from the 2020 AWA Water Master Plan and the 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study, both of which utilized the same or a large percentage of the same data from the previous LHMP.

F.3 Community Profile
The community profile for the AWA is detailed in the following sections. Figure F-1 displays an Agency map and the location of AWA and its Service Area within Amador County. Figure F-2 shows who the AWA provides water to, while Figure F-3 shows the AWA wastewater systems. 1139
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-3
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-1 AWA
1140
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-4
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
F.3.1. Overview and Background
In 1959, the AWA was formed for the purpose of providing water and wastewater services to the residents of Amador County. The AWA is the main water supplier for the western portion of Amador County. The Agency has two sources of water: surface water and groundwater. Surface water accounts for approximately 94% of total supply. AWA is the primary supplier of water to Amador County. The Amador Water Agency owns and operates 11 small community wastewater systems.

The primary source of consumptive water is the Mokelumne River which is supplied from rainfall and snowmelt from the Sierra Mountain Range. This water is diverted from the Tiger Creek afterbay or Lake Tabeaud forebay and then either it gravity flows or is pumped to AWA treatment plants. The Agency’s two main water systems are the Amador Water System (AWS) and the Central Amador Water Project System (CAWP). The Agency supplies drinking water to the communities of Jackson, Ione, Sutter Creek, Amador City, Drytown, Plymouth, the communities along the Highway 88 corridor, and the Lake Camanche and LaMel Heights areas. The agency is located on Ridge Road in Sutter Creek; however, their assets are located throughout the County and beyond. The geography and climate of the Agency are the same as that of the County, which was discussed in the Base Plan.

Water Sources and System
The North Fork of the Mokelumne River, located in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains, is the primary source for the CAWP system, the AWS, and the PG&E Tiger Creek Powerhouse system. Water supplied from rainfall and snowmelt is stored in Tiger Creek Afterbay and gravity feeds to the PG&E Tiger Creek Powerhouse Memcor Plant where it is treated and serves the PG&E Conference Center. Water from the Tiger Creek Afterbay is gravity fed via the Gravity Supply Line to the Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant where it is treated and ready for use by Agency customers in Pine Grove, Pine Acres, Sunset Heights, Fairway Pines, Jackson Pines, Pioneer, Gayla Manor, Ranch House Estates, Toma Lane, Sierra Highlands, Silver Lake Pines, Ridgeway Pines, Rabb Park, and Mace Meadows. Water from the Mokelumne River is also stored in Lake Tabeaud and conveyed by pipeline to the Tanner Water Treatment Plant where it is treated for use by the customers of Jackson, Sutter Creek, Amador City, Drytown, and Plymouth. The Ione Pipeline transports raw water from the Tanner Reservoir to the Ione Water Treatment Plant where it is treated for use by customers of Ione. The Agency’s La Mel Heights customers get their water from a pair of wells located in the La Mel Heights Subdivision and Lake Camanche residents get their water from four wells located in the Lake Camanche area.

The Agency’s five potable water distribution systems and a description of the areas they serve are presented below. Figure F-2 shows the location of these systems.
1141
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-5
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-2 AWA – Water Systems
Source: 2020 AWA Urban Water Management Plan
1142
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-6
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The Amador Water System (AWS) is made up of two distribution and WTP systems:
✓ The AWS-Tanner system serves the town of Sutter Creek, Amador City, the unincorporated area of Martell, and the wholesale customers of the City of Jackson, City of Plymouth, and Drytown.

The source of water for this system is Lake Tabeaud. From the lake, water is conveyed to the Tanner WTP by a gravity pipeline system. The Tanner WTP is located just outside of Sutter Creek by the Westover Field Amador County Airport. The Agency’s headquarters are also located adjacent to the Tanner WTP site. In addition to supplying the Tanner WTP, water from this raw water supply line also supplies water for seasonal irrigation of vineyards and pastures. ✓ The AWS-Ione system serves the City of Ione and the State-owned Mule Creek Correctional Facility. The source of water for this system is also Lake Tabeaud. Water is diverted from the Tanner facility and conveyed by a gravity pipeline system down to the Ione Reservoir and from there to the Ione WTP. There are multiple raw water customers served off the raw water gravity line from the Tanner WTP to the Ione WTP.
➢ The Central Amador Water Project (CAWP) system serves unincorporated developments in the upcountry (higher elevations in the more mountainous/forested areas) portion of the County. This system is the composite of several smaller systems being combined over the past decades. This system also provides water to the wholesale customers of First Mace Meadow Water Association Inc. (Mace Meadows) and Pine Grove Community Service District (Pine Grove). The source of water for this system is water from the Tiger Creek Regulating Reservoir which is conveyed to the Buckhorn WTP by a gravity pipeline system. There is a potential large raw water user on the CAWP gravity raw water pipeline system (golf course) that may use raw water for irrigation. The timing of the golf course making this connection and using raw water is unknown at this time and has the potential to not occur. ➢ The Lake Camanche Village (CAM) system serves a large development in the southwest corner of the County near the north shore of Lake Camanche. This system is also located in the unincorporated area of the County. The source of water for this system is four groundwater wells. ➢ The La Mel Heights (LaMel) system is the smallest of the systems owned by the Agency. This system serves a small development of about 55 homes in the unincorporated County area. The source of water for this system is two groundwater wells. This system is located slightly northwest of Volcano near the center of the County.

Wastewater System
The Amador Water Agency (AWA) wastewater systems are comprised of one WWTP near Lake Camanche along with an associated conventional collection system, one WWTP serving a portion of the Gayla Manor system, nine community septic and leach field systems (including both STEF and STEP systems), and one conventional conveyance-only system in Martell which collects and transports raw wastewater to the Sutter Creek WWTP.
1143
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-7
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-3 AWA – Wastewater Systems
Source: 2020 AWA Urban Water Management Plan
1144
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-8
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
F.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 AWA 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 Agency’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 Agency. This includes the following sections:
➢ F.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ F.4.2 Hazard Identification
➢ F.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards F.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the AWA’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 AWA’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 Agency, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section F.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the Agency, both current and future, is presented.

Assets Inventory
The Agency’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
A discussion of each of these assets follows and serves as the template for the asset discussion for each hazard in Section F.4.3.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-9
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. People and populations in the Agency include both Agency staff and workers as well as those populations located within Agency boundaries and served by the Agency. This section includes an inventory of past and current populations of the Agency and also discusses vulnerable populations and underserved communities as a subsection of people and populations located within the Agency and potentially at risk to hazards. Information from the Agency and other sources as detailed below form the basis of this discussion.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
The most important asset within any community are the people and populations that reside in the Agency which include both Agency staff and workers and those populations served by AWA. The Amador Water Agency is one of the major employers in Amador County and currently employs a work force of about 47 staff who are challenged to meet the growing service demands of a diverse county of 568 square miles, ranging in elevation from 200 to 9,000 feet and including 5 cities and unincorporated Amador County.

Special and Vulnerable Populations
The population in the Amador Water Agency’s jurisdiction is significantly people of White descent, with a much smaller percentage of Hispanic or Latino. Migrant workers, non-English speaking, elderly, disabled, and low-income populations are present in the Agency’s jurisdiction. The Agency has implemented SB998 which provides assistance to its special populations in regards to their water and wastewater bills.

Special and vulnerable populations in the Agency include:
➢ Elderly – 27.2% of AWA Service Area population (US Census data). This population is severely impacted by wildfire, extreme heat, droughts, and flood hazards within AWA Service Areas due to mobility issues and those with medical hydration requirements. ➢ Disabled – 17% of AWA Service Area population (2023 California Report for County-Level Data:

Prevalence, University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability). Similar to the elderly population, this population is severely impacted by wildfire, extreme heat, droughts, and flood hazards within AWA Service Areas due to mobility issues and those with medical hydration requirements. ➢ Low Income – Roughly 80% of the population in the AWA Service Area is in a disadvantaged community (Department of Water Resources Mapping Tool, Disadvantaged Communities – Census Tracts (ACS:2016 – 2020)). Low-income residents may live in older or less stable housing with older plumbing systems more susceptible to damage from wildfires, extreme winds, storms, freezes, floods, or earthquakes. A significant portion of AWA water and wastewater infrastructure was installed over 40 years ago, with some infrastructure still in use being over 100 years old. (from the 2020 AWA Water Master Plan)
All of these populations reside in Moderate, High or Very High State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ), according to CAL FIRE maps. This includes all of the Tanner, Ione, Camanche, La Mel, CAWP, and Tiger Creek Water Systems. Additionally, a large percentage of AWA customers live in Wildland Urban Interface intermix and interface zones, according to the U.S. Forest Service. 1146
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-10
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures and Critical Facilities
This section considers the AWA’s assets at risk, with a focus on key Agency assets such as critical facilities, infrastructure, and other Agency assets and their values. With respect to Agency assets, the majority of these assets are considered critical facilities as defined for this Plan. Critical facilities are defined for this Plan 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.

Table F-3 lists critical facilities and other Agency assets identified by the Agency Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster. AWA’s physical assets, valued at over $541 million, consist of the buildings and infrastructure to support the Agency’s operations.

Table F-3 AWA Critical Facilities, Infrastructure, and Other Agency Assets Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
AWS/Ione Pump Station Prison Station &
backwash tanks
$1,615,906 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Ione WTP Ione WTP $17,778,741 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage
AWS/ Ione Tank Prison Tank, welded
steel, Telemetry
$2,532,153 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/ Ione Tank Wildflower Tank $2,532,153 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/ Ione Transmission Line Ione Transmission
Line - ITL
$24,050,388 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Landslide,
Seismic, Debris Flow
AWS/ Ione Distribution Pipelines AWS-Ione
Distribution Pipelines
$73,920,000 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide
AWS/Sutter Creek AWA Tanner WTP Building,
Trailer & Shop
$25,722,485 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/ Sutter Creek Backwash Facility Backwash Recycling
System & Controls
$5,222,789 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek Pump Station Ridge Pump Station $368,122 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
1147
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-11
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
AWS/Sutter Creek Pump Station Canal Bypass Pump
Station
$562,909 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek Pump Station Trent Pump Station $442,085 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek Pump Station Airport Pump Station $381,563 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek Supply Pump Lake Tabeaud Canal
Supply
$167,780 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek Canal Flumes $385,808 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage,
Landslide/Debris
AWS/Sutter Creek Tank Trent Ridge Tank,
bolted steel
$306,628 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek WTP Tanner WTP Yard $1,330,874 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek WTP Tanner Reservoir $340,658 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage
AWS/Sutter Creek Transmission Line Amador Transmission
Line - ATL
$24,050,388 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide/Debris Flow
AWS/Sutter Creek Transmission Line Plymouth Pipeline $14,366,241 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide/Debris Flow
AWS/Sutter Creek Building & Controls Amador Transmission Line - ATL
$401,422 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/ Sutter Creek Hydroelectric Plant Tanner Hydro $2,333,991 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/Sutter Creek Building Administration
Building
$2,538,404 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-12
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
AWS/Sutter Creek Building Storage Building $46,920 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/ Sutter Creek Plant Cummings fixed
generator
$113,571 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
AWS/ Sutter Creek Distribution Pipelines AWS-Tanner
Distribution Pipelines
$102,432,000 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide
Camanche Lift Station Lift Station A $468,079 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Camanche Lift Station Lift Station B $468,079 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Camanche Lift Station Lift Station C $672,663 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Camanche Lift Station Lift Station D $722,046 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Camanche Pump Well #10 $391,467 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank 12A, 12b Wood
Storage Tank
$1,837,716 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank #6 Storage Tank,
wood
$312,110 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank Well #9 Storage,
wood
$467,939 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank Tank #10, redwood $391,467 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank #9 Telemetry $17,179 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank Tank #8, redwood $126,465 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Tank/Booster Pump Tank 8, bolted steel $332,653 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
1149
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-13
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
Camanche Warehouse Camanche Warehouse $1,230,578 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Well Well #12 $1,682,890 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage
Camanche Well #12 CAT fixed generator $198,148 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Well Well #6 $338,162 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage
Camanche Well Well #14 $188,722 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage
Camanche Well Well #9 $90,790 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage
Camanche WWTP Camanche WWTP $17,294,902 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Well #9 Generator Cummings Fixed $87,453 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Camanche Distribution Pipelines AWS-Camanche
Distribution Pipelines
$29,568,000 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide
CAWP system Buckhorn WTP Buckhorn WTP $10,451,901 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought,
Water Shortage,
Landslide/Debris Flow
CAWP system Transmission Line Gravity Supply Line -
GSL
$13,721,347 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide/Debris Flow
CAWP System Backwash Backwash Recycling $3,061,318 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Storage Shed Storage Shed $46,920 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
1150
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-14
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
CAWP system Tank Madrone Tank, bolted
steel
$181,714 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Frank's Tank, welded
steel
$166,012 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank CSA 2 Tank 1, wood $110,715 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Building GSL Regulator
Building – Tiger Creek
$778,651 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Jackson Pines, bolted
steel, telemetry
$351,212 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Mace Meadows #5
Tank, bolted steel,
telemetry
$300,150 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Sunset Heights Tank,
welded steel
$156,965 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Mace Meadows #3,
bolted steel, Telemetry
$356,105 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Mace Meadows #4,
bolted steel, Telemetry
$356,105 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Alpine Tank #2,
welded steel
$447,383 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Tank A Storage Tank,
welded steel
$2,672,265 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP system Tank Tank A Storage Tank,
welded steel
$2,672,265 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP System Storage Shed Building & Equipment $51,858 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP System Plant CAT fixed generator $303,970 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
CAWP System Tiger Creek Regulator Generac fixed
generator
$61,135 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
1151
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-15
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
CAWP System Distribution Pipelines CAWP Distribution
Pipelines
$126,720,000 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide
Eagles Nest Chlorine Station Eagles Nest Chlorine
Station
$44,345 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Gayla Manor WWTP Gayla Manor WWTP $331,213 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Seismic,
Dam Failure
La Mel Heights Pump Station La Mel Heights Pump
Station & Generator
$917,915 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds, Drought
La Mel Heights Tank La Mel Heights Tank,
bolted steel
$267,403 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
La Mel Distribution Pipelines La Mel Distribution
Pipelines
$2,112,000 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Drought, Water Shortage,
Landslide
Martell Lift Station Martell Lift Stations $1,723,973 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station Wal-Mart Lift Station $339,708 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station Kmart Lift Station $500,044 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station Lift Station 1 $741,878 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station Lift Station 2 $1,008,274 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station Ford fixed generator $114,106 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station Sierra West Lift
Station
$1,034,497 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station General fixed
generator
$87,610 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
1152
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-16
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
Martell Lift Station Amador Central List
Station
$909,901 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Martell Lift Station General fixed
generator
$103,671 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Mt Crossman Pump Station Mt. Crossman Pump
Station
$816,883 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Mt Crossman Pump Station CAT fixed generator $69,933 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Pine Acres Pump Station Pine Acres Pump
Station
$306,773 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather ,
High Winds
Pine Acres Tank Pine Acres tank,
welded steel
$665,888 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather ,
High Winds
Pine Acres Tank Pine Acres tank,
welded steel
$828,402 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Ranch House Pump Station Ranch House Pump
Station
$67,206 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Ranch House Tank Ranch House Tank,
bolted steel
$676,386 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Raven Rd Vault Raven Rd Vault Pit A
& B Tank Site
$168,719 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Ridge Rd Lift Station Ridge Lift Station $270,555 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
Ridgeway Pines Tank Ridgeway Pines Tank,
Welded Steel
$464,245 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Ridgeway Pines Tank Ridgeway Pines Tank,
Bolted Steel
$267,403 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Rocky Lane Pressure Regulating
Station
Rocky Lane Pressure
Sta.
$47,872 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
High Winds
Silver Lake Pines Pump Station SLP Pump Station $1,691,064 Wildfires, Climate Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
1153
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-17
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Service Area Facility Type Facility Name Replacement
Value
Which Hazards Pose
Risk
Tiger Creek Pump Station Tiger Creek Pump
Station
$1,252,066 Wildfires, Climate
Change, Severe Weather,
Flooding, High Winds
TOTAL $541,629,408
Source: AWA
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the AWA 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 Agency’s community lifelines overlap with the County Planning Area’s. It should also be noted that these lifelines collectively include many of the critical facilities and infrastructure assets inventoried for this LHMP, including those 1154
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-18
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
assets owned by the Agency. As such, specific information on these community lifelines in the Agency 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 AWA 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
AWA has a variety of natural resources of value to the Agency. These natural resources parallels that of Amador County Planning Area as a whole. Information can be found in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan and the jurisdictional annexes for the cities.

Historic and Cultural Resources
AWA has a variety of historic and cultural resources of value to the Agency. These historic and cultural resources parallels that of Amador County Planning Area as a whole. Information can be found in Section

4.2.1 of the Base Plan.

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

Economic Assets
After a disaster, economic resiliency is one of the major drivers of a speedy recovery. Each community has specific economic drivers. Economic assets for the County were discussed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan and are assumed to be the same or similar for the Agency. In addition to these, the Agency noted specific economic assets in the Agency. This includes:
1155
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-19
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ All Customers and Businesses – All AWA water, wastewater, and wholesale residential, commercial and industrial customers within AWA Service Areas are the primary economic assets for AWA. ➢ AWA Water Treatment Plants – All AWA water treatment plants (WTPs) are primary economic drivers for the Agency. This includes the Buckhorn, Tanner, Ione, La Mel and Camanche water treatment plants. This includes all transmission, treatment, distribution, and electrical and communication equipment used to properly operate the WTPs.
➢ Raw Supply Water Pipelines – Four AWA transmission pipelines supplying raw (untreated) water to the Buckhorn, Tanner, and Ione WTPs, respectively:
✓ The Gravity Supply Line (GSL)
✓ The Amador Water System Transmission Pipeline (AWSTP) ✓ The Upper Ione Transmission Line (ITL)
✓ The Lower Ione Transmission Line
➢ Tiger Creek Regulator (PG&E owned and operated)– single point of water intake for the entire AWA Central Amador Water Project (CAWP) water system for all customers from Pioneer to Sunset Heights and Jackson Pines, including Pine Grove.
➢ Lake Tabeaud (PG&E owned and operated)– single point of water intake for the entire AWA Tanner and Ione water systems for all customers in Sutter Creek, Martell, Jackson, Plymouth, Drytown, Amador City and Ione.

Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the Agency.

To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section F.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the Agency’s economic assets may be vulnerable.

Community Activities of Value
Inventorying economic assets in the Agency 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 or other activities that bring money into the communities such as sports tournaments and other recreational activities. Community Activities of Value for the County were discussed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan and are assumed to be the same or similar for the Agency.

Note: This inventory of community activities of value only occurs in this overall asset inventory for the Agency. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section F.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the Agency’s community activities of value may be vulnerable.

Growth and Development Trends
As part of the planning process, the Agency 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. In addition to evaluating population growth and expansion in the AWA Service Area, this inventory section details future AWA development plans and projects that are likely to occur over the next five years covered by this 2025 LHMP. For the Agency, this generally includes the following:
1156
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-20
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Plans for expansion or building out of the Agency’s Service Area, including new service hookups, and other Agency functions related to where the Agency will be expanding services. This is discussed in the Population Trends and Projections: AWA Service Area section below. ➢ Construction/development projects related to adding new Agency facilities, infrastructure, land acquisition, etc. This is discussed in the Future Development section below.

Population Trends and Projections: AWA Service Area
The Agency tracks population trends in its water and wastewater Service Area as it plans for future expansions of its Service Area. Current population and Service Area expansion projections from the most recent AWA Water Master Plan are shown in Figure F-4, while the current population and Service Area expansion projections from the most recent AWA Wastewater Master Plan are shown in Figure F-5. This data includes information on Equivalent Dwelling Unit requirements to determine future wastewater service expansion needs of the Agency.
1157
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-21
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-4 AWA – Water Growth Projections by City and Unincorporated Area Source: 2025 AWA Water Master Plan
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Amador County AWA Annex F-22
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-5 AWA – Wastewater Flow Growth Projections for Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs)
Source: 2021 AWA Wastewater Master Plan
Development since 2020 Plan
The Agency has seen development in Service Area since 2020. Changes in numbers of service connections can be seen in Table F-4. AWA noted that these new service connections were located in identified hazard areas throughout the Amador County Planning Area, as shown on Table F-5.

Table F-4 Total Development Since 2020 (# of Service Connections) Account Types 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 7082 7305 7333 7362 7385
Commercial 439 425 422 424 424
Industrial 0 1 1 0 0
Agriculture/Landscape 1 24 24 24 24
Wholesale/Other 8 8 8 8 8
Total 7,530 7,763 7,788 7,818 7,841
Source: Amador Water Agency
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Amador County AWA Annex F-23
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table F-5 Development in Hazard Areas since 2020 (Service Connections)* Property Use Moderate or
Higher Fire
Hazard Severity
Zones
1% Annual Chance
Flood
Landslide Potential
Areas
Drought and
Water Shortage
Residential X X X X
Commercial X X X X
Industrial X X X X
Landscape X X X X
Wholesale/Other X X X X
Total – – – –
Source: Amador Water Agency
*the X in the table indicate that there was development in those areas. AWA has no way to tally the number of service connections in each zone due to data limitations.

Future Development
It is important to review future development plans for the Agency. Depending on the type of asset, 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.

Water Treatment Future Development: Assets and Projects The AWA noted their 2024 Capital Improvements Program has numerous projects planned for the next five years. Projects include development and acquisition of new assets, facility expansions and improvements, as well as a variety of water projects to maximize AWA operations. These are shown on Figure F-6 and detailed in Table F-6 for water service updates and upgrades. These areas were not supplied in GIS, as such no tabular analysis by hazard was performed.
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Amador County AWA Annex F-24
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-6 AWA Water Future Growth - Assets and Projects Source: 2024 AWA 5-Year Water Capital Improvement Plan
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Amador County AWA Annex F-25
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table F-6 AWA Water Future Growth - Assets and Projects Agency Ranking Project ID#1 Project Name
Priority 1A Improvements (2021-2025)
1 AWA 1A.1 (WTP) Tanner and Ione Treatment Plant Capacity Study 2 IONE 1A.1 (WTP) Ione Clearwell Cover Hypalon Replacement 3 TAN 1A.1 (WTP)5 Tanner WTP PLC Upgrade
4 TAN 1A.2 (WTP)5 Tanner WTP Filter Media Replacement
5 AWA 1A.2 (WTP) Distribution Tank Mixing & Chlorine Decay Analysis 6 IONE 1A.7 (WTP) Ione WTP Geotechnical Analysis
7 TAN 1A.10 (WTP) Tanner Clearwell Feed Line (Not Required if TAN 1A.3 is Completed)
8 TAN 1A.3 (WTP) Tanner Clearwell Replacement
9 CAWP 1A.1 (B) Mt. Crossman Pump Station Firm Capacity and Ridgeway Pump Station Generator
10 TAN 1A.4 (B) Ridge Pump Station Generator
11 TAN 1A.5 (P) Amador City PRV Relocation
12 CAWP 1A.2 (WTP)5 Buckhorn Membrane Replacement
13 CAWP 1A.3 (S) Buckhorn WTP Finish Water Pumps Control Upgrade 14 LAMEL 1A.1 (WTP)5 LaMel Air Stripper Pilot
15 LAMEL 1A.2 (B &
WTP)
LaMel Booster Station and Water Treatment Upgrades
16 CAWP 1A.4 (P) Tank C Service Area Individual PRV Installation 17 IONE 1A.2 (P) Tanner to Ione Transmission Line Cathodic Protection 18 TAN 1A.6 (P) Tanner Raw Water Transmission Line Cathodic Protection 19 IONE 1A.3 (T) Prison and Wildflower Tanks Cathodic Protection Upgrades 20 CAWP 1A.5 (T) CAWP System Tanks Cathodic Protection Upgrades 21 TAN 1A.7 (T) Trent Tank Cathodic Protection Upgrades 22 TAN 1B.1 (WTP) Tanner WTP Flow Control & Reliability Improvements 23 IONE 1A.4 (WTP) Ione Site Security & Access Improvements 24 TAN 1A.8 (P) Hayden Alley, Broadway, Borgh, Eureka, and Tucker Hill Pipeline Replacements
25 CAWP 1A.6 (P) Lynn Way Service Line Replacement
26 CAWP 1A.7 (P) Robin Lane Pipe Replacement
27 CAWP 1A.8 (P) Upsize Madrone Tank Fill Line and McKenzie PRV 28 IONE 1A.5 (P) Arroyo Seco and Amador Street Pipeline Replacements 29 CAM 1A.1 (P) Camanche Service Lateral Replacement
30 TAN 1A.9 (B) Amador City High Service Individual Boosters 31 IONE 1A.6 (P) Oak Ridge Pressure Zone Creation
32 CAWP 1A.9 (P) CAWP Transmission Main Improvements and Tank D Replacement 1162
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Amador County AWA Annex F-26
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Agency Ranking Project ID#1 Project Name
33 TAN 1A.12 (WTP) Plant Operations Software Update
34 IONE 1A.8 (WTP) Ione Reliable Capacity Expansion
35 IONE 1A.9 (WTP) Ione Backwash Handling Improvements
36 TAN 1A.11 (WTP) Tanner Backwash Drying Beds
Priority 1B Improvements (2025-2030)
1 IONE 1B.1 (P) New WTP Transmission Line
2 IONE 1B.2 (WTP) Ione Reservoir Site Treatment Expansion 3 TAN 1B.2 (WTP) Tanner Pump Station Improvements
4 CAWP 1B.1 (B) Replacement of the McKenzie PS; Pine Needle, Meadowbrook and Guili Firm Capacity Upgrades; Toma Ln PS Improvements
5 CAWP 1B.2 (T) Replace Ranch House Tank
6 CAWP 1B.3 (T) Replace Jackson Pines Tank
Source: AWA 2024 5-Year Water Capital Improvement Plan
Wastewater Treatment Future Development: Assets and Projects The AWA noted their Capital Improvements Program has numerous projects planned for the next five years. Projects include development and acquisition of new assets, facility expansions and improvements, as well as a variety of wastewater projects to maximize AWA operations. These are shown on Figure F-7 and detailed in Table F-8 for wastewater service updates and upgrades. These areas were not supplied in GIS, as such no tabular analysis by hazard was performed. 1163
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-27
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-7 AWA Wastewater Future Growth - Assets and Projects Source: 2024 AWA 5-Year Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan 1164
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-28
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table F-7 AWA Wastewater Future Growth - Assets and Projects CIP Item No.(1) System Project Name Fiscal Year(s)
Near Term CIP (1-5 YRS): FY 22/23 - FY 26/27
16 Camanche Collection System Flow Monitoring and I&I Study 2023 17 Camanche Lift Station A, B, and D Security Fencing 2022 18 Camanche Lift Station C and D Backup Power 2022
19 Camanche Lift Station C Conversion 2023
20 Camanche Lift Station A, B, and D Corrosion Mitigation (Wet Well Liners and Discharge Pipe Replacement)
2024
21 Camanche Lift Station A, B, and D Controls and SCADA Integration (Flow Meters for LS A & B)
2024
22 Camanche WWTP Preliminary Engineering Report &
Environmental Impact Report Amendment
2022
23 Camanche WWTP Treatment, Disposal, and Effluent Storage Upgrades
2023-2026
24 Martell Collection System Flow Monitoring and I&I Study 2022 25 Martell Martell Radio Telemetry Study 2023
26 Martell Regional Lift Station Engineering Analysis 2023 27 Martell Regional Lift Station and Collection System
Improvements
2024
28 Martell Lift Station 2 Improvements 2022
29 Martell Lift Station 2 Security Fencing 2022
30 Martell Sierra West Lift Station SCADA Upgrades 2026 35 Martell Backup Power for Lift Station 1, Walmart LS, Kmart LS (3)
2025
42 Wildwood Estates Upgradient Monitoring Well 2024
43 Wildwood Estates Preliminary Engineering Report 2022 44 Wildwood Estates Groundwater Nitrogen Mitigation 2023 45 Gayla Manor Lift Station Security Fencing 2022
46 Gayla Manor Lift Station Electrical Stand and Shade Structure Replacement
2023
48 Gayla Manor Storage Pond Dam Geotechnical Investigation and Engineering Evaluation
2026
55 Buckhorn WTP Buckhorn WTP Discharge Related Improvements (4) 2024 58 Jackson Pines Lift Station Security Fencing 2024
56 Pine Grove HWY 88 Sewer Relocation Project 2022
15 All Systems Trailer-Mounted Portable Generator (All Systems) 2022 1-6 All Systems Repair and Replacement Budget 2022-2027 7-11 All Systems Preventative Maintenance Budget 2022-2027 12 All Systems Sewer Budget Analysis and Rate Review (Every 5 YRS) 2026 1165
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Amador County AWA Annex F-29
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
CIP Item No.(1) System Project Name Fiscal Year(s)
13 All Systems SSMP Updates (Every 5 YRS) 2026
Long Term CIP (6-10 YRS): FY 27/28 - FY 31/32
34 Martell Hwy 49 Gravity Sewer Pipeline Replacement (5) 2027 36 Martell Kmart Lift Station I&I Repairs (3) 2028
37 Martell LS 1 Parallel Force Main (3) 2028
38 Martell Flow Meters, Controls and SCADA Integration for LS 1, LS 2, Walmart LS, and Kmart LS (3)
2028
47 Gayla Manor WWTP Controls and SCADA Integration 2029 49 Gayla Manor Storage Pond Dam Repair 2027
52 Fairway/Mace Lift Station Controls and SCADA Integration 2027 59 Jackson Pines Flow Meters at Lift Stations A & B 2029 60 Jackson Pines Lift Stations Controls and SCADA Integration 2029 62 Tiger Creek Lift Station Controls and SCADA Integration 2027 1-6 All Systems Repair and Replacement Budget 2027-2032 7-11 All Systems Preventative Maintenance Budget 2027-2032 12 All Systems Sewer Budget Analysis and Rate Review (Every 5 YRS) 2031 13 All Systems SSMP Updates (Every 5 YRS) 2031
14 All Systems Sewer Master Plan Updates (Every 10 YRS) 2031 Future / Developer Driven Improvements (2022-2041)
31 Martell Sierra West Lift Station Capacity Improvements 2027 32 Martell Collection System Capacity Upgrades 2027
33 Martell Capacity Purchase from Sutter Creek WWTP 2037 53 Fairway/Mace Lift Station Capacity Upgrades 2027
54 Fairway/Mace Mace Meadows Phase 2 Leach Field Expansion 2027 57 Pine Grove Pine Grove Phase 2 Leach Field Expansion & Additional Monitoring Wells
2031
Source: AWA 2024 5-Year Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan F.4.2. Hazard Identification
The AWA identified the hazards that affect the Agency and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance (or priority of a hazard) specific to the Agency.

Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table F-8 are considered AWA priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact in the Agency 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 1166
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Amador County AWA Annex F-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
was also considered as to the significance of a hazard. This assessment was used to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the Agency to focus resources where they are most needed. 1167
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Amador County AWA Annex F-31
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table F-8 AWA—Hazard Identification Assessment
Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Likelihood of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Extensive Likely Critical Medium High
Avalanche Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Extensive Highly Likely Critical High -- Dam Failure Extensive Unlikely Catastrophic Medium Medium Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree
mortality)
Extensive Likely Catastrophic High High
Earthquake (w/subhazards) Significant Likely Critical Medium Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/
levee failure)
Significant Occasional Critical Medium Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Significant Likely Limited Medium Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow Limited Likely Critical High Medium Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze,
and Snow
Significant Likely Limited Medium Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Likely Limited Medium High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
(Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Likely Critical Medium Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds and
Tornadoes
Extensive Likely Limited Medium Low
Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality) Extensive Likely Catastrophic 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.

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 AWA Annex F-32
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
F.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 AWA (as identified in the Significance column of Table F-8). This section focuses on where and how the Agency is affected by their priority hazards. 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 Agency 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 Agency 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 Agency 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.

After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
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Amador County AWA Annex F-33
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Local Concerns – This includes Agency provided information on how the Agency 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 F.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures and 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 F.4.1 above and Chapter 4 of the Base Plan.
➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the Agency, its assets, and the ability to provide continued and reliable services. 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 affected 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.

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 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, 1170
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Amador County AWA Annex F-34
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 Agency was affected by a PSPS event on September 7-8, 2020. This event caused AWA temporary electrical generators to be moved in order to keep critical infrastructure running in the affected areas around Pioneer and Pine Grove.

Agricultural Hazards (Severe Weather/Pests/Invasive Species) Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Farming and related agricultural industries are not only important to Amador County’s economy, but they also play a central role in the way of life of County residents and help define the character of the County.

Agriculture has always been an integral part of Amador County and has continually grown and changed along with the County. Agriculture in the County can be affected by a variety of natural hazards. This Agricultural Hazard focuses on severe weather, as well as native and invasive species (insects, pests and weeds), all which can significantly affect the agricultural industry in the County. This hazard does not address pest and plants that cause impacts to human health, as those issues are addressed in other planning mechanisms in the County.

Agricultural losses occur on an annual basis and are often associated with severe weather events, including heavy rains, floods, heat, and drought and issues associated with insects, pests, agricultural diseases, and invasive species. Invasive species are organisms that are introduced into an area beyond their natural range and become a pest in the new environment. The 2023 State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan attributes most of the agricultural disasters statewide to drought, freeze, and insect infestations. Other agricultural hazards include fires, crop and livestock disease, insects, and noxious weeds.

Location and Extent
Agricultural hazards, including issues associated with severe weather as well as nuisance insects, pests and weeds, occur throughout the County where lands are used for farming, grazing, timber production, and other agricultural uses. The larger County has large swaths of agricultural lands. Areas of the County, such as the incorporated communities and higher elevations of the County, contain fewer agricultural lands, and are thus not as greatly affected by agricultural hazards. In the Amador Planning Area, a notable exception is the wine industry where some of the incorporated communities include businesses and vineyards related to wine production. While cities and special districts may not always be directly affected, they are indirectly affected economically when agricultural losses occur.

There is no scale that measures agricultural hazards. Agriculture in the County is at risk to many hazards:
severe weather, as well as native and invasive insects, pests and weeds. Each of these has a different duration and speed of onset. Some, such as freeze, can have a short onset and a short duration. Drought 1171
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Amador County AWA Annex F-35
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
can have a long onset and long duration. Agricultural hazards like nuisance pests and weeds can have short or long onset, and short or long durations. All agricultural losses can have a significant impact on affected communities.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There are no state or federal disaster declarations issued by Cal OES or FEMA. There have been 20 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations for the County since 2012 (as shown in the Past Occurrences in Section

4.3.6 of the Base Plan). 16 were from drought, 2 were from freeze, and 2 were from other severe weather events.

NCDC Events
The NCDC does not track agricultural events.

AWA Events
The AWA has a Taste and Odor (T&O) Monitoring Program that tracks events. In the summers of 2016 and 2017, the number of complaints regarding T&O in the City of Ione spiked with many people noting earthy/musky flavors in the water, thought to be attributed to algae blooms. Algae blooms were not observed at the Ione Reservoir prior to 2016. These events caused AWA to flush large portions of distribution water mains, water storage tanks, and modify the method in which water is transported from the Ione Reservoir to the Ione Water Treatment Plant. This caused several days of work for operators to combat the taste & odor issues, and many thousands of gallons of water to be flushed. Another occurrence of taste and odor issues caused by geosmin was in 2018. In 2019, Tanner Raw Reservoir Samples indicated geosmin levels were above historical high levels. Since 2020 no major T&O events have occurred.

Climate Change and Agricultural Hazards
According to the CAS, addressing climate change in agriculture will encompass reducing vulnerability through adapting to the ongoing and predicted impacts of climate. Agriculture in California is vulnerable to predicted impacts of climate change, including less reliable water supplies, increased temperatures, and increased pests.

The 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that California farmers contend with a wide range of crop-damaging pests and pathogens. Continued climate change is likely to alter the abundance and types of many pests, lengthen pests’ breeding season, and increase pathogen growth rates. It also noted that change in climate can directly impact crop growth through new temperature patterns and northward shifts of pests and disease. Additionally, longer growing seasons may enable pest species to complete more reproductive cycles, which can increase severity of infestations.

Finally, the 2023 State Plan noted that temperature is not the only climatic influence on pests. For example, some insects are unable to cope in extreme drought, while others cannot survive in extremely wet conditions. Furthermore, while warming speeds up the life cycles of many insects, suggesting that pest 1172
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Amador County AWA Annex F-36
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
problems could increase, some insects may grow more slowly as elevated carbon dioxide levels decrease the protein content of the leaves on which they feed.

Vulnerability to Agricultural Hazards (Severe Weather/Pests/Invasive Species) According to historical hazard data, both severe weather affecting agriculture and insects, pests, and weeds are an annual occurrence in the Agency. If left unchecked, severe weather, and agricultural pests and weeds can threaten native species, biodiversity, ecosystem services, recreation, water resources, agricultural and forest production, cultural resources, economies and property values, public safety, and infrastructure.

An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to this hazard begins with an understanding of local exposure to the AWA. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that, vulnerability is discussed in multiple sections that detail how this hazard can affect the entire Agency. These sections include assets at risk, impacts, and how future conditions and development can be affected by this hazard.

Local Concerns
The Agency 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.

Primary concern is invasive species by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) producing geosmin in supply water. Geosmin causes taste and odor issues in potable waters. AWA does have a Taste and Odor Monitoring Program in response to previous taste and odor issues. Additionally, the Agency is concerned about providing continuous and reliable water for irrigation.

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

People and Populations
People and populations in the Agency include both Agency staff and workers as well as those populations located within Agency boundaries and served by the Agency. Agricultural hazards have a minimal effect on people and populations in the Agency, including Agency staff and vulnerable populations. However, damage to crops from both severe weather and invasive and nuisance insects, pests, and weeds can cause significant increases in food prices and food insecurity among low-income communities. In addition, algae blooms that develop in water bodies can produce geosmin which causes taste and odor issues in the water.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the Agency, including their owned assets, may be affected by agricultural hazards. Structures and the severe weather that affect crops in the County are discussed in other sections of this annex. Regarding nuisance species, some species can impact vegetation and can result in stream bank instability, erosion, and increased sedimentation, impacting ground 1173
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Amador County AWA Annex F-37
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
stabilization and possibly causing foundation issues for nearby structures. If species cause trees and other vegetation to die, there is an increased risk of damage to roadways, powerlines, and buildings, and increased risk to wildfire. Some nuisance plants have been shown to destabilize soil due to high densities and shallow root systems, negatively impacting nearby buildings and septic systems. Other nuisance plant species have been known to clog culverts and streams, increasing flooding risk. Additionally, soil that becomes unstable due to decaying vegetation can impact critical facilities that are built on or around these soils.

As shown in Table F-3, no AWA facilities are thought to be at direct risk from agricultural hazards.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resources can be affected by agricultural hazards. Natural, historic, and cultural resources and the severe weather that affect crops in the County are discussed in other sections of this annex. Negative impacts of nuisance species to natural resources include the following:
➢ Loss of wildlife habitat and reduced wildlife numbers; ➢ Loss of native plant species;
➢ Reduced livestock grazing capacity;
➢ Increased soil erosion and topsoil loss;
➢ Diminished water quality and fish habitat.

Impacts from Agricultural Hazards: (Severe Weather/Pests/Invasive Species) The consequences of agricultural disasters to the Agency and larger Amador County include ruined plant crops, dead livestock, ruined feed and agricultural equipment, monetary loss, job loss, and possible multiyear effects (i.e., trees might not produce if damaged, loss of markets, food shortages, increased prices, possible spread of disease to people, and loss or contamination of animal products). Overall, any type of severe agricultural disaster can have significant economic impacts on both the agricultural community, the AWA, and the entire Amador County Planning Area. They can also cause significant increases in food prices to the consumer due to shortages. Under some conditions, insects that have been present and relatively harmless can become hazardous. For example, severe drought conditions can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to destruction from insect attacks. Other potential impacts to the Agency include impacts to water quality.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the Agency may be affected in the future by climate change, 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.

Amador County AWA Annex F-38
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future agricultural hazards and associated impacts and vulnerability of the Agency.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which limits additional impacts to the Agency. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services.
➢ It is unknown how changes in land use and development will affect agricultural hazards in the Agency’s Service Area, but it is unlikely that projected changes will increase the vulnerability of the Agency to this hazard AWA planning efforts are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future agricultural hazard conditions.

Future development in the Agency is not likely to have an impact on agricultural hazards in Amador County except to the extent that agricultural lands are taken out of production as new development occurs reducing available land for agricultural uses, including those related to farming, timber production and grazing.

Further, with additional development in the Agency, there may be additional competition for water resources thus possibly impacting the Agency’s ability to serve the water needs of the agricultural industry in the County.

Climate Change
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly 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.

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 Agency 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 AWA, 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, 1175
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October 2025
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.

NCDC Events
NCDC does not track climate change events.

AWA Events
In Amador County and the Agency, the HMPC noted that each year it seems to get a bit warmer and snow seems to start at higher levels. The impacts AWA has experienced from climate change are linked with other hazards, specifically in regards to droughts, water shortages and wildfires. This includes:
➢ Dam failure due to increasing severity of storms and heavy precipitation (2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2022- 2023)
➢ Drought and water shortages due to increasing severity of droughts and mega-droughts ➢ 1%/0.2% chance floods due to increasing severity of storms and heavy precipitation (2019-2020, 2021- 2022, 2022-2023)
➢ Localized stormwater flooding due to increasing severity of storms and heavy precipitation (2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023)
➢ Landslide, mudslide and debris flow due to increasing severity of storms and heavy precipitation (2019- 2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023)
➢ Severe cold weather storms, heavy precipitation and high wind (2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2022-2023) ➢ Extreme heat - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that summer 2024 was the hottest summer in California in the last 130 years. ➢ Wildfires threatening extensive damages to AWA infrastructure (2021 Caldor Fire, 2022 Electra Fire, 2023 Carbon Fire)
The storms in 2023 were particularly impacting causing widespread damages across the County and specifically to the AWA Administrative Office, two water storage tanks in the Camanche Service Area, the Camanche Wastewater Storage Pond, Ione Water Treatment Plant (electrical poles, water filters, ancillary electrical equipment, and water treatment plant roof)
Vulnerability to Climate Change
The whole of the Agency is at some measure of vulnerability to climate change. The Agency Planning Team has concerns that the vulnerability of the Agency 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 Agency’s assets at risk, and impacts to this hazard. 1176
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Local Concerns
The Agency 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 concerns AWA from climate change are linked with other hazards, specifically in regards to droughts, water shortages and wildfires as detailed in the past occurrences section above. The Agency has many plans that take climate change into account in the Agency. This includes:
➢ 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update ➢ 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan
➢ 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study
➢ 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
➢ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
➢ 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report ➢ 2025 Water Capital Improvement Plan
➢ 2025 Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan
Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from this hazard include people and populations served; structures and critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

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 F.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 and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Climate change, on its own, does not generally impact structures. However, structures in areas of increased wildfire, drought, extreme heat, or flood areas exacerbated by the effects of climate change would be at increased risk, as described throughout this LHMP. Due to the slow onset of climate change, many structures in the Agency are expected to undergo improvements and adapt over time to a new climate normal.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
The rivers, streams, agricultural areas, and open space areas of the Agency supports rich biodiversity, including many special-status species and habitat areas. These are all at risk from the effects of climate 1177
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change. In addition, if heat continues to contribute to changes in wildfire patterns, all areas (on land) of the Agency are at increased risk from fire – including natural, historic, and cultural resources. Extreme heat conditions also contribute to algae blooms. Higher temperatures cause the water to become more stagnant, which, along with sunlight and nutrients, creates ideal conditions for blooms to form and persist.

Furthermore, as climate change exacerbates the drought hazard, areas of wetlands in the Agency 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 Agency 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

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.
➢ 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.

The Agency noted that fire hazard severity zones have become more widespread with the recent 2025 CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps adding significant portions of AWA customers into the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This may be attributed in part, to climate change.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the Agency 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. 1178
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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 Agency include the following:
➢ As climate change continues to accelerate over time, climate-related impacts to the Agency will continue to increase.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which is unlikely to affect this hazard and associated impacts to the Agency. The Agency may add staff, but this number would be small. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes in its Service Area, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services. ➢ Changes in land use and development in the Agency are expected to be limited in the near future and thus are not likely to affect climate change impacts to the Agency. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard.

In addition, climate change can influence development in the Agency over time. The Agency 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 Agency, 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.

Climate change will influence future development in the Agency overtime as wildfires become more prevalent and AWA facilities will have to be replaced by CMU concrete block walls and metal roofs instead of wood structures. AWA facilities around Lake Camanche and the City of Ione will have increased hot summers that will require more air conditioning demands to keep chemicals and electrical equipment safe.

In La Mel, the Water Treatment Plant/Pump Station was recently retrofitted to be fire resistant.

Dam Failure
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–Extremely High
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. 1179
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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 AWA are shown on Figure F-8. The Agency owns the Ione Canal Dam, the Gayla Manor wastewater storage pond dam, and the Lake Camanche wastewater storage pond dam, all of which are low hazard dams. The primary risk from these low hazard dams involves property and potential environmental damage.

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 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 Agency would be affected for as long as the flood waters from the dam failure took to drain downstream.

Geographic flood extent from the DSOD dam inundation areas is shown on Figure F-8 for extremely high hazard dams and Figure F-9 and Table F-10 for high hazard dams. 1180
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Figure F-8 AWA – Extremely High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas 1181
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Table F-9 AWA – Extremely High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Geographical Extents AWA Jurisdiction/
Dam Inundation
Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Unincorporated Amador County
Bear River 760 2.0% 28 0.1% 732 4.1%
Lower Bear River 760 2.0% 28 0.1% 732 4.1%
Pardee 470 1.2% 5 0.02% 466 2.6%
Salt Springs -
Scenario 1
857 2.3% 50 0.3% 806 4.5%
Salt Springs -
Scenario 2
25 0.1% 6 0.0% 19 0.1%
Source: Cal OES, DSOD, Amador County GIS
*This represents the percentage of the total of AWA’s Planning Area. It is not a percentage of each jurisdiction served by the AWA. 1182
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-9 AWA – High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas
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Table F-10 AWA – High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Geographical Extents AWA Jurisdiction/
Dam Inundation
Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Ione
CSP Mule Creek -
Saddle Dam
44 0.1% 0 0.0% 44 0.2%
Goffinet 123 0.3% 18 0.1% 0 0.0%
Jackson
Lake Tabeaud 68 0.2% 31 0.2% 0 0.0%
Unincorporated Amador County
CSP Mule Creek 53 0.1% 45 0.2% 8 0.04%
CSP Mule Creek -
Saddle Dam
191 0.5% 186 0.9% 5 0.03%
Lake Tabeaud 135 0.4% 119 0.6% 3 0.01%
Preston 18 0.05% 14 0.1% 0 0.0%
Henderson 23 0.1% 18 0.1% 4 0.02%
Goffinet 11 0.03% 9 0.04% 0 0.0%
Meadow Lake 73 0.2% 1 0.003% 0 0.0%
Tiger Creek
Regulator
10 0.03% 0 0.0% 0.02 0.0001%
Tiger Creek
Afterbay
1 0.004% 1 0.01% 10 0.1%
West Point
Regulating

0.3 0.001% 0.2 0.001% 0.01 0.0001%
Source: Cal OES, DSOD, Amador County GIS
*This represents the percentage of the total of AWA’s Planning Area. It is not a percentage of each jurisdiction served by the AWA.

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.

AWA Events
The Agency noted no dam failure occurrences that have affected the Agency. 1184
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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 Agency 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 Agency.

Vulnerability to Dam Failure
The vulnerability of the Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The Agency owns the Ione Reservoir Dam, Ione Canal Dam, the Gayla Manor wastewater storage pond dam, and the Lake Camanche wastewater storage pond dam, all of which are low hazard dams. The primary risk from these low hazard dams involves property and potential environmental damage. If a dam failure hazard event occurs it will be a medium-level significance to affected areas below each dam.

In addition to the three dams owned by AWA, AWA also is concerned with seven PG&E owned and operated dams which store AWA raw (untreated) supply water. These dams include the Upper Blue Lake dam, the Lower Blue Lake Dam, the Twin Lake Dam, the Meadow Lake Dam, the Salt Springs Reservoir Dam, the Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam, and the Tiger Creek Afterbay Dam.

The recently completed Ione Hydro facility depends on the Ione Reservoir to contain the discharged water for future use at the Ione Water Treatment Plant. If the dam fails, the water would be wasted down the natural drainage and not captured for future potable water treatment. Dam failure would also inundate the future site of the new Ione Reservoir Water Treatment Plant. Careful consideration of treatment plant layout will be needed to correct for this potential risk.
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Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from this hazard include people and populations served; structures and critical facilities; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All people and populations (including both Agency staff and the population served by the Agency) 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 unhoused, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Some structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the Agency have some measure of risk to dam failure. Dam failure flooding can affect the built environment of the Agency. Structures in dam inundation areas are at risk and depending on flood depths, can range from slight damage to totally inundated.

As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from dam failure.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
A major dam failure event and associated flooding could have a devastating impact on the Agency. 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 Agency from dam failure flooding could be extensive and widespread and 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, mass evacuations may be necessary and compounded by impacts to transportation systems and infrastructure. Economic losses to the Agency and Amador County Planning Area can also be significant.

Amador County AWA Annex F-50
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the Agency 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.

The Agency noted it has no control over population changes, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services.
➢ 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 dam failure risk may put additional development at risk. 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 Agency to this hazard.

Future Development
Future dam failure events may occur in the Agency. Although new growth and development may fall in the area flooded by a dam failure, given the limited potential of total dam failure and the large area that a dam failure would affect, development in the dam inundation area will continue to occur. Dam failure would also inundate the future site of a new Ione Reservoir Water Treatment Plant. 1187
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Drought & Water Shortage
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–High
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 Amador County Planning Area, which can also affect AWA, 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 Agency. 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 Agency that provides relief during extreme heat days.

Location and Extent
Drought and water shortage are regional phenomenon. The whole of the Agency 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 AWA, 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 Agency are shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan. 1188
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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 AWA2024-2025 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 F-11. Additionally, there have been 16 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations from drought in the County.

Table F-11 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 Agency.

AWA Events
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the AWA, 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 Agency also noted that:
➢ The recent drought period saw an increase in infrastructure breaks (from 2015 – 2017) within the water distribution systems.
➢ In 2021, the Governor of California declared a state of drought emergency to exist in most counties in California, including Amador County, and by executive order called for a 15% voluntary reduction in water use statewide. While the Governor of California declared a drought in 2021 and called for a 15% voluntary reduction in water use statewide, the water supply stored in the mountain reservoirs was never diminished to a point each year that AWA was concerned the water supply to the water treatment plants would run out. In August 2021, Amador Water Agency received orders from the State Water Resources 1189
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Control Board curtailing most pre- and post-1914 water rights, which stopped Amador Water Agency's ability to draw water from the Mokelumne River which is the single source of water for approximately 94% of AWA water customers. These orders significantly impacted AWA as AWA was then only authorized to use the limited stored water in the mountain reservoirs. This limited AWAs ability to produce potable water as there was no end date associated with the curtailment at the time. Following the Governor’s drought declaration, AWA Board of Directors issued Resolution No. 2021-10 declaring a water shortage in Amador County and the surrounding region, implemented voluntary and mandatory conservation measures and created six water supply shortage stages. Each stage targeted water usage reductions throughout all AWA systems. Two additional AWA Resolutions were issued in 2022 (2022- 03 and 2022-09).
➢ Droughts and the following water conservation measures impact AWAs revenue as less water is utilized by residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout all AWA systems. In 2024 the AWA Board of Directors declared a water shortage emergency to exist in the Ione Water Treatment Plant Service Area under Resolution No. 2024-02.

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 Agency 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 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.

Vulnerability to Drought and Water Shortage
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought and water shortage in California, including the Agency, 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 AWA 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.
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The whole of the Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

According to the 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 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 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. The total well capacity for the portion of both systems reliant on groundwater are larger than current and projected demands.

Surface water accounts for approximately 94% of the Agency’s total water supply. Surface water is the sole supply source for both the Amador Water System and the Central Amador Water Project and is obtained from the Mokelumne River watershed. The Agency’s main water supply is the Mokelumne River, a snow- and rain-fed river originating in the Sierra Nevada. The Mokelumne River watershed is a relatively narrow and steep watershed located northeast of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The watershed, upstream of Camanche Dam, covers an area of 627 square miles and extends from Highland Peak (elevation 10,934 feet above sea level) near the crest of the Sierra Mountains to Camanche Reservoir (elevation 235 feet above sea level) located in the lower western foothills near Clements.

Annual precipitation (rainfall and snowfall) in the Mokelumne River Watershed, and thus river runoff, is extremely variable in Northern California. Within a year, precipitation is highly seasonal with most precipitation normally occurring between November and May and very little occurring between late spring and fall. Peak flows in the Mokelumne River normally occur during winter storms or during the spring snow-melt season from March through June. River flows decrease to a minimum in late summer or fall.

Amador County has a varying range of temperature and precipitation. The Sierra Nevada foothill areas experience hot, dry summers and mild winters. The higher elevations, about 5,000 feet, experience long and severe winters accompanied by heavy snowfall. The Agency is the main water purveyor for the western portion of Amador County. The Agency has the legal jurisdiction to serve water throughout Amador County
Relatively high water losses have been historically attributed to the Agency’s raw water ditch conveyance and delivery system, specifically the Amador Canal and Ione Canal. The new Amador Transmission Pipeline, completed in July 2007, replaced the majority of the conveyance requirement for the canal by 1191
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constructing a 30-inch pipeline between Lake Tabeaud and the Tanner Reservoir. The new pipeline mitigates for water historically lost during conveyance through the Amador Canal, lowering effective system demand and allowing the Agency to more efficiently use its water entitlements. Also, by eliminating canal losses, the Agency has been able to better identify residential, commercial and industrial losses.

Agency operational experience during normal, dry and multiple dry year conditions, such as 1988 to 1994, indicates that the spring runoff will continue to fill PG&E reservoirs to near capacity. These reservoirs form the head of both the AWS and CAWP surface water diversions. Even during unusually severe droughts, such as occurred in 1976/1977, and the prolonged drought of 1988 to 1994, the PG&E storage capacity and the priority of the water rights for such storage enables PG&E to deliver the full annual contract entitlements to the Agency. For the limited groundwater sources utilized by the Agency, the firm yield determined at the time of well installation indicates that the supply is consistent for normal, dry or multiple dry years. Climatic change is not considered to be a factor in the Agency’s water supply reliability.

The original La Mel Heights groundwater well has been run continuously through a variety of seasonal and climatic conditions and has continued to produce a steady yield. The Agency also operates a second well in the La Mel Heights area to provide additional supply as well as to provide redundancy.

The Agency has completed a Groundwater Sustainability Study for the Lake Camanche Village Service Area, as directed by the State Department of Public Health (CDPH). To date, the water Cosumnes Subbasin that supplies Lake Camanche Village has supplied sufficient water, but it should be noted that the Agency did not receive ownership of the system until 2001, therefore supply data for dry and multiple dry years is not available. With the existing four (4) wells and the requirement to be able to take the largest producing well (well 14) offline, there is limited ability to extend services.

There is potential for a huge impact in the Lake Camanche Village area as 2 of the 4 groundwater drinking water wells cannot be utilized because of contamination. It is difficult to find good producing groundwater wells in the area, but AWA may be able to work with EBMUD for production from their south shore membrane water treatment facility.

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

People and Populations
The people and populations (both staff and those served by the Agency) of the Agency are not directly affected by general drought conditions; 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 Agency may be vulnerable to drought and water shortage issues. Water quality can be impacted causing health problems, especially to vulnerable populations where access to clean water supplies can be more challenging. Water shortages can have an effect on all of the populations in the Agency, but often have a greater effect on the unhoused and other vulnerable populations that may be unable to access and afford clean drinking water during shortages. During periods of drought as the costs of water usage may 1192
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increase, those who are economically disadvantaged may be unable to afford the increased costs of potable water.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Most Agency structures, 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 (like those of the Agency) 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 Agency facilities. 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.

As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from drought.

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. Water quality can also be diminished in periods of drought. Further, all of the trees in the Agency are at risk to drought impacts and a reduction in water supply. These trees provide a wealth of social and environmental benefits to Agency 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 Agency.

Impacts from Drought and Water Shortage
The vulnerability of the Agency to drought is Agency-wide, but impacts may vary and include reduction in water supply and quality 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 Agency.

Other qualitative impacts associated with drought in the Agency 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 1193
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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 Agency 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.

The Agency has access to large quantities of water through its groundwater supply. However, population growth in the Agency will add additional pressure to the AWA as a water company during periods of drought and water shortage.

Earthquake
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely (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.
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Location and Extent
Since earthquakes are regional events, the whole of the Agency is at risk to earthquake. The AWA, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards. Faults in and around the Agency 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 AWA.

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 Agency 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 Agency 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.

AWA Events
AWA has experienced three moderately sized earthquakes within a 250-mile radius of its Service Area in the last 5 years:
➢ July 8, 2021 – 6.0 magnitude earthquake Antelope Valley, CA (50 miles from AWA facilities), ➢ December 5, 2024 – 7.0 magnitude earthquake Mendocino, CA (240 miles from AWA facilities), and ➢ December 9, 2024 – 5.7 magnitude earthquake Parker Butte, NV (90 miles from AWA facilities).

No damage was reported to AWA facilities during any of these earthquakes, however each one was felt in AWA Service Areas.

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.
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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 Agency has low to moderate seismic hazard potential. There is the potential for the Agency 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 Agency prone to liquefaction.

The whole of the Agency 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.

Earthquakes are common in California and a large earthquake would have a devastating effect on AWA older facilities that are not up to current Seismic Code from the building requirements. The primary concerns for AWA regarding earthquake hazards are damages to underground and aboveground piping, tanks, pump stations, water treatment plants, communication and electrical equipment, and personnel safety. As the ground shifts, it may cause massive breaks to the piping underground, or cause structures aboveground to become unstable or even damaged. This loss of operability would take a very significant amount of time for AWA to repair or recover from.

People and Populations
All people and populations (both Agency staff and those residing in the Agency Service Area) are at risk from earthquake shaking and associated hazards. Those at heightened risk include:
➢ The unsheltered
➢ Infants and children under age five and their caregivers ➢ Elderly (65 and older)
➢ Individuals with disabilities
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➢ 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.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
All structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the Agency 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. 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.

As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from earthquake.

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.

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 AWA staff, residents and visitors. Other impacts to the Agency 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 might be subject to flooding, if the dams, reservoirs, or other flood control structures fail as a result of an earthquake. The Agency has locations with 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:
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➢ 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 Agency 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.

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 AWA include the following:
➢ As discussed in the hazard profile section, climate change is not anticipated to affect this hazard over time.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which is unlikely to affect this hazard and associated impacts to the Agency. The Agency may add staff, but this number would be small. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes in its Service Area, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services. ➢ Changes in land use and development are expected to be limited in the near future and thus are not likely to affect earthquake and associated impacts to the Agency. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard. With adherence to development standards, future losses to new development should be minimal.

Although new growth and development 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 Agency enforces the state building code, which mandates construction techniques that minimize seismic hazards. Future development in the Agency 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 Agency and have caused damage in the past. Flooding can be a significant 1198
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problem in the Agency. Historically, the Agency has been at risk to flooding primarily during the winter and spring months when river systems in the Agency swell with heavy rainfall and snowmelt runoff. The Agency 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 AWA. 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 Agency.

Location and Extent
The AWA has areas located in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. This is seen in Figure F-10. 1199
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Figure F-10 AWA – FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
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Table F-12 details the DFIRM mapped flood zones located within the Agency.

Table F-12 AWA– DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones
Flood Zone Description Present in Agency
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) Area of minimal 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 Agency vary, depending on the nature and extent of a flood event; specific depths are unknown. Flood durations in the Agency 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 Agency tends to have a shorter speed of onset, due to the amount of water that flows through the Agency.

Geographical flood extents for the Agency from the FEMA DFIRMs are shown in Table F-13.

Table F-13 AWA – Geographical DFIRM Flood Zone Extents
AWA
Jurisdiction/Flood
Zone
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Amador City
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Other Areas 165 0.4% 49 0.2% 116 0.6%
Amador City Total 165 0.4% 49 0.2% 116 0.6%
Ione
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
251 0.7% 68 0.3% 183 1.0%

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
108 0.3% 76 0.4% 31 0.17%
Other Areas 2,601 6.9% 546 2.8% 2,055 11.4%
Ione Total 2,960 7.8% 690 3.5% 2,270 12.6%
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AWA
Jurisdiction/Flood
Zone
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Jackson
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
97 0.3% 41 0.2% 57 0.31%

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
4 0.01% 2 0.01% 2 0.0%
Other Areas 1,852 4.9% 697 3.5% 1,155 6.4%
Jackson Total 1,953 5.2% 740 3.7% 1,214 6.7%
Plymouth
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
18 0.05% 3 0.01% 16 0.09%

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Other Areas 549 1.4% 264 1.3% 285 1.6%
Plymouth Total 567 1.5% 267 1.3% 300 1.7%
Sutter Creek
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
27 0.07% 15 0.07% 12 0.07%

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
9 0.02% 5 0.02% 5 0.03%
Other Areas 1,209 3.2% 527 2.7% 682 3.8%
Sutter Creek Total 1,245 3.3% 546 2.8% 699 3.9%
Unincorporated Amador County
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
672 1.8% 427 2.2% 245 1.4%

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
4 0.01% 2 0.01% 2 0.01%
Other Areas 30,334 80.0% 17,114 86.3% 13,220 73.2%
Unincorporated
Amador County
Total
31,009 81.8% 17,543 88.4% 13,466 74.5%
Grand Total 37,900 100.0% 19,835 100.0% 18,065 100.0%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
*This represents the percentage of the total of AWA’s Planning Area. It is not a percentage of each jurisdiction served by the AWA.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
A list of state and federal disaster declarations for Amador County from flooding is shown on Table F-14.

These events also likely affected the Agency to some degree. 1202
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Table F-14 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
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 Agency.

AWA Events
The Agency noted that the following events had effects and damages to the Agency:

In 2005, the north side of Ridge Road near Sutter Creek failed. A landslide took out 300 feet of water supply ditch. This supply fed 6 cities/towns. The area was affected for one week. No towns were out of water due to the conservation, stored reserves of water and quick action. No one was completely out of water. Primary water supply is now delivered via pipeline.

The AWA noted that flooding affected the Agency in February of 2017. Flooding and heavy rains eroded an embankment at the Preston Pump Station. The erosion extended up to and underneath the pump slab, threatening the stability of the structure. The Agency removed the building, pumps, and pump station from the AWA system. The AWA was granted $377,841 in HMGP funds to replace the pumps and structure.

In addition to the Preston Pump Station, the Amador Canal was damaged near Highway 88. The earth foundation supporting the berm is steep (45° angle). When the supporting earth became saturated, the berm lost support. AWA lowered the water in the canal to reduce pressure on the damaged berm. The AWA was granted $769,920 by FEMA and Cal OES to repair the damages. $12,000 in damages were sustained by the Agency.

Flooding at Mace Meadows on 2/6/2017 created runoff that twice overtopped the AWA Mace Meadow Pump Station. Once floodwaters overtopped the station, 2 60 horsepower electric pumps and contactor switches were burned out. This caused almost $12,000 in damages. On the same day, heavy rains and discharge from a nearby culvert inundated Eggiman Lane, which AWA uses as an easement for pipe access.

When the road was washed away, it exposed a 6" pipeline. 480' of pipe was damaged as a result. $50,915 in damages was sustained by the Agency.
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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 Agency can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the CAS, climate change may affect flooding in California, the Amador County Planning Area, and the AWA. 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 Agency’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 Agency. As waterways grow in size from local drainages, so grows the threat of flood and dimensions of the threat.

The whole of the Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

AWA is traversed by several stream systems and is at risk to 1% and 0.2% floods. Additionally, AWA does have three wastewater lift stations in Martell in the DWR 100-Year floodplain delineation, part of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Best Available Maps (BAM) Floodplain Awareness program. These lift stations have all been subject to the same effects of the 1%/0.2% flooding events since 2020. These flooding events overload the lift stations as rainwater rapidly infiltrates into the wastewater system. Other concerns from flooding are impacts or losses to or of AWA infrastructure.

The root cause of flood issues is too much rain in narrow drainage areas with poor diversion. Specifically the Camanche and Martell Area Wastewater Lift Stations are most impacted by this as they fall within a flood area known to DWR to be a flood risk
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Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from this hazard include people and populations served; structures and critical facilities; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All people and populations (both Agency staff and those in the Service Area) 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 unhoused, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

Agency staff and 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.

Structures and Critical Facilities
Certain structures in the Agency are at risk of DFIRM flooding and primarily include those structures located within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. Agency assets listed in Table F-3 would be at risk to flooding.

Flooding presents a threat to threat to both critical facilities and infrastructure, as well as community lifelines. Critical infrastructure plays an immensely important role in our communities. As previously noted, communities rely on roads, rail corridors, and related biking and pedestrian routes for transportation, and on water infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater service, and draining streets of rainwater.

Damage to any one of these systems can threaten public safety, wreak havoc on daily life, impact properties far from flood zones, and result in economic impacts that cascade throughout California.

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. Water quality issues can occur. 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 F-10 would be vulnerable. 1205
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-69
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.

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 Agency 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.

Amador County AWA Annex F-70
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ As discussed in the hazard profile section, climate change is anticipated to exacerbate this hazard over time.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which is unlikely to affect this hazard and associated impacts to the Agency. The Agency may add staff, but this number would be small. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes in its Service Area, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services. ➢ Changes in land use and development in the Agency are expected to be limited in the near future and thus are not likely to affect flooding and associated impacts to the Agency. Additional development traditionally leads to additional flooding. Adherence to protective building codes for new development should assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard.

Future Development
Future development in the AWA may be built in the floodplain, as long as it conforms to the standards of the floodplain ordinance. The County and each City enforce their floodplain management ordinance on areas inside the Agency. More detail on the specifics of the floodplain ordinance can be found in Section

4.4.1 of the Base Plan as well as in the City annexes. New AWA facilities and assets will be sited in such a way as to reduce the risk from flooding to the AWA.

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 Agency and the Amador County Planning Area, especially 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 AWA is subject to localized flooding throughout the Agency. Areas prone to localized flooding are included in Table F-15 below. Flood extents are usually measured in areas affected, velocity of flooding, and depths of flooding. Expected flood depths in the Agency vary by location. Flood durations in the Agency 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 Agency tends to have a shorter speed of onset, especially when antecedent rainfall has soaked the ground and reduced its capacity to absorb additional moisture.
1207
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-71
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no state or federal disaster declarations specific to localized floods. There would most likely have been localized flood events during the 22 state and 20 federal disaster declarations for flood events, including heavy rains and storms, 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. These include 43 flood related events for the entire County Planning Area.

AWA Events
The AWA noted that flooding affected the Agency in February of 2017. Flooding and heavy rains eroded an embankment at the Preston Pump Station. The erosion extended up to and underneath the pump slab, threatening the stability of the structure. The Agency removed the building, pumps, and pump station from the AWA system. The AWA was granted $377,841 in HMGP funds to replace the pumps and structure.

When the road was washed away, it exposed a 6" pipeline. 480' of pipe was damaged as a result. $50,915 in damages was sustained by the Agency.

In 2023, localized stormwater flooding occurred at the Eagle’s Nest Leach Field which limited the operability of the leach field. Additional localized stormwater flooding occurred in the Martell area around Rock Creek where AWA Martell Wastewater Lift Stations 1 &2, and Kmart Lift Station are located. This area is known by DWR to be an area prone to flooding in the DWR 100-Year floodplain delineation, part of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Best Available Maps (BAM) Floodplain Awareness program. This caused the lift stations to run continuously for long periods of time, unnecessarily wearing out the lifespan of, and risking damage to, the lift station infrastructure.

Amador County AWA Annex F-72
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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. Atmospheric river events, occurring in recent years, is thought to be attributed to climate change and reflect storms of greater volume and intensity. More information on future impacts to the Agency 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 and storm 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 Agency 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 Agency. 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 Agency are minor, localized flood events that are more of a nuisance than a disaster.

Many areas of the Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The primary concern is damage to infrastructure and inability to operate and access equipment and systems as needed. The Eagle’s Nest Wastewater Leach Field can become saturated and localized flooding can occur during heavy storms preventing proper operation of the system. Other concerns from localized flooding are impacts or losses to or of AWA infrastructure. In 2005, the north side of Ridge Road near Sutter Creek failed. A landslide took out 300 feet of water supply ditch. This supply fed 6 cities/towns. The area was affected for one week. No towns were out of water due to the conservation, stored reserves of water and quick action. No one was completely out of water. Primary water supply is now delivered via pipeline. In February of 2017, flooding and heavy rains eroded an embankment at the Preston Pump Station.

The erosion extended up to and underneath the pump slab, threatening the stability of the structure. The Agency removed the building, pumps, and pump station from the AWA system. The AWA was granted $377,841 in HMGP funds to replace the pumps and structure. In addition to the Preston Pump Station, the Amador Canal was damaged near Highway 88. The earth foundation supporting the berm is steep (45° angle). When the supporting earth became saturated, the berm lost support. AWA lowered the water in the canal to reduce pressure on the damaged berm. The AWA was granted $769,920 by FEMA and Cal OES 1209
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-73
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
to repair the damages. $12,000 in damages were sustained by the Agency. Flooding at Mace Meadows on 2/6/2017 created runoff that twice overtopped the AWA Mace Meadow Pump Station. Once floodwaters overtopped the station, 2 60 horsepower electric pumps and contactor switches were burned out. This caused almost $12,000 in damages. On the same day, heavy rains and discharge from a nearby culvert inundated Eggiman Lane, which AWA uses as an easement for pipe access. When the road was washed away, it exposed a 6" pipeline. 480' of pipe was damaged as a result. $50,915 in damages was sustained by the Agency.

The Agency tracks localized flooding areas. Affected localized flood areas identified by the AWA are summarized in Table F-15.

Table F-15 AWA – List of Localized Flooding Problem Areas Area Name Flooding Pavement
Deterioration
Washout High
Water
Landslide/
Mudslide
Debris Downed
Trees
LaMel Heights X X X X X X X
Tanner X X X X X X X
Buckhorn/CAWP X X X X X X X
Ione X X X X X X X
Lake Camanche X X X X X X X
PG & E at Tiger Creek X X X X X X X
Source: AWA
Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from this hazard include people and populations served; structures and critical facilities; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All Agency staff and populations served (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 Agency.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Structures and critical facilities and infrastructure 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.

As shown in Table F-3, there are structures in the AWA at risk from localized flood. 1210
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-74
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 Agency 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.

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 Agency infrastructure. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can break utility lines and interrupt services to Agency facilities. Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, and foundations of Agency facilities. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, losses of environmental resources, and certain health hazards.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the Agency 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 AWA Annex F-75
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
traditionally leads to additional flooding. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard.

The Agency noted that post-construction runoff impact occurs by changing the natural hydrology of a land area through the creation of new impervious surfaces during development. Increased impervious surfaces interrupts the natural cycle of gradual percolation of water through vegetation and soil by altering the timing and quantity of peak flows. Instead, water is collected from surfaces such as asphalt and concrete and routed to drainage systems where large volumes of runoff quickly flow to the nearest receiving waterway.

The effects of this process include stream bank scouring, bank erosion and downstream flooding, which often lead to a loss of aquatic life and damage to property. The risk of stormwater/localized flooding to the Agency, including future development, can be minimized by accurate recordkeeping of repetitive localized storm activity. Mitigating the root causes of the localized stormwater or choosing not to develop in areas that often are subject to localized flooding will reduce future risks of losses due to stormwater/localized flooding. Future development in the Agency will add to the drainage issues already faced by the Agency, unless adequate drainage facilities are installed in new development locations.

Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–High
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.

Amador County AWA Annex F-76
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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.

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.

Figure F-11 shows the CGS areas at susceptible to deep-seated landslides. The legend on Figure F-11 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 F-16. 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 portions of the Agency and surrounding area are at high to very 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.
1213
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-77
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-11 AWA – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides 1214
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-78
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table F-16 AWA – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Geographical Extents by Class AWA
Jurisdiction /
Susceptibility
to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Amador City
0 34 0.009% 13 0.008% 21 0.009%
III 57 0.01% 21 0.01% 36 0.02%
V 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
VI 59 0.02% 16 0.009% 43 0.02%
VII 43 0.01% 9 0.005% 34 0.02%
VIII 5 0.001% 2 0.001% 3 0.001%
IX 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Amador City
Total
198 0.05% 61 0.04% 137 0.06%
Ione
0 2,023 0.52% 507 0.30% 1,516 0.69%
III 134 0.03% 0 0.00002% 134 0.06%
V 570 0.15% 126 0.07% 444 0.20%
VI 60 0.02% 0 0.0% 60 0.03%
VII 102 0.03% 35 0.02% 68 0.03%
VIII 59 0.02% 16 0.009% 44 0.02%
IX 25 0.006% 6 0.004% 18 0.008%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Ione Total 2,973 0.77% 690 0.41% 2,283 1.04%
Jackson
0 1,569 0.40% 561 0.33% 1,009 0.46%
III 419 0.11% 132 0.08% 287 0.13%
V 61 0.02% 30 0.02% 31 0.01%
VI 145 0.04% 38 0.02% 107 0.05%
VII 70 0.02% 12 0.01% 57 0.03%
VIII 33 0.01% 8 0.00% 25 0.01%
IX 3 0.001% 1 0.0005% 3 0.00%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Jackson Total 2,302 0.59% 782 0.47% 1,520 0.69%
Plymouth
0 1,271 0.33% 572 0.34% 698 0.32%
1215
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-79
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
AWA
Jurisdiction /
Susceptibility
to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
III 267 0.07% 26 0.02% 240 0.11%
V 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
VI 124 0.03% 1 0.001% 124 0.06%
VII 34 0.009% 0 0.0% 34 0.02%
VIII 1 0.0004% 0 0.0% 1 0.001%
IX 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Plymouth Total 1,698 0.44% 600 0.36% 1,098 0.50%
Sutter Creek
0 1,164 0.30% 546 0.33% 618 0.28%
III 315 0.08% 134 0.08% 181 0.08%
V 33 0.008% 9 0.006% 23 0.01%
VI 137 0.04% 57 0.03% 80 0.04%
VII 48 0.01% 14 0.008% 34 0.02%
VIII 10 0.00% 2 0.001% 8 0.004%
IX 2 0.0005% 0 0.0001% 2 0.001%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Sutter Creek
Total
1,709 0.44% 762 0.45% 947 0.43%
Unincorporated Amador County
0 140,569 36% 77,398 46% 63,170 29%
III 54,223 14% 25,575 15% 28,647 13%
V 35,424 9% 14,510 9% 20,914 10%
VI 42,155 11% 17,541 10% 24,614 11%
VII 47,138 12% 15,997 10% 31,141 14%
VIII 36,230 9% 8,611 5% 27,619 13%
IX 23,505 6% 5,578 3% 17,927 8%
X 137 0.04% 21 0.01% 116 0.1%
Unincorporated
Amador
County Total
379,381 98% 165,231 98% 214,150 97%
Grand Total 388,260 100% 168,125 100% 220,134 100%
Source: CGS
*This represents the percentage of the total of AWA’s Planning Area. It is not a percentage of each jurisdiction served by the AWA. 1216
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-80
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no disaster declarations associated with just landslides in Amador County; however, as shown in Table F-17, there have been 9 state and 10 federal disaster declarations for flood (including heavy rains and storms) which included landslides as a component.

Table F-17 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 Agency.

AWA Past Occurrences
In 2005, the north side of Ridge Road near Sutter Creek failed. A landslide took out 300 feet of water supply ditch. This supply fed 6 cities/towns. The area was affected for one week. No towns were out of water due to the conservation, stored reserves of water and quick action. No one was completely out of water. Primary water supply is now delivered via pipeline.

Flooding at Mace Meadows on 2/6/2017 created runoff that twice overtopped the AWA Mace Meadow Pump Station. Once floodwaters overtopped the station, 2 60-horsepower electric pumps and contactor switches were burned out. This caused almost $12,000 in damages. On the same day, heavy rains and discharge from a nearby culvert inundated Eggiman Lane, which AWA uses as an easement for pipe access.

When the road was washed away, it exposed a 6" pipeline. 480' of pipe was damaged as a result. $50,915 in damages was sustained by the Agency.
1217
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-81
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
AWA has had multiple small landslides/hillside erosions on canals which washout portions of canal embankments requiring continuous maintenance and repairs since 2020. In October 2021, the Tanner Water Treatment Plant experienced an inability to produce potable water due to fluctuating quality of intake water coming from Lake Tabeaud suspected to be caused by debris flow. The treatment operations became so disrupted that wholesale water delivery was terminated temporarily to the towns of Plymouth and Jackson for several hours to prevent the AWA clearwell cover from being damaged, prompting the City of Plymouth to issue a CodeRed alert to immediately conserve water. The location of the debris flow was never determined, but the debris was determined to be an inundation of moss, and was suspected to be caused by a landslide or mudslide of some kind due to the heavy rains in that month.

Climate Change and Landslide and Debris Flows
According to the 2021 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 Agency are at some measure of vulnerability to landslide. This is true when atmospheric rivers 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Land/mudslides, and debris flow occur at various times throughout the year, there are several areas of concern unique to the Agency. Historically the Agency has been at risk for the above referenced events, primarily during the winter and spring months when waterways swell due to heavy rainfall. These events may produce hazards in multiple areas of the Agency, and can cause an impact to their canals, tanks, pipelines, treatment plants, private roadways, and pump stations. Historically the Agency has suffered loss or financial burden due to past events. Overall vulnerability to land/mudslides in the Agency is low to moderate but the Agency continues to monitor known areas at risk with the intent to minimize the impact to customers.

The main concerns AWA has regarding landslides, mudslides, hillside erosion and debris flow are severe or complete disruption to supply water to the three main AWA water treatment plants. This ranges from complete disconnection of supply water to or from the Lake Tabeaud or the Tiger Creek Regulator, or causing excessive debris flow which overloads the water treatment plants ability to reliably produce potable 1218
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-82
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
water , or damage to the PG&E canals and infrastructure which supply the water to the aforementioned Lake and Regulator.

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

People and Populations
All populations (both Agency staff and the population served) 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 as well as Agency staff 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.

Agency staff and 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.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Landslides can affect the built environment of the Agency and those structures and critical facilities 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. As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from landslide, mudslide, or debris flow.

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 F-11 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 Agency, since most of this occurs in the less developed areas of the Agency.

Amador County AWA Annex F-83
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 Agency susceptible to landslide. Based on the risk assessment, there is limited potential for significant landslides to occur in the Agency. Most, but not all, of the historic landslides in the Agency 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;
➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; and ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the Agency 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 Development
Additional growth and development within moderate or higher deep-seated landslide susceptibility classes in the Agency would place additional values at risk to landslide. New Agency facilities will take landslide into account when siting new facilities.
1220
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-84
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC), extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Snow can occur during these events.

Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and can be life-threatening. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible, as are the unhoused, and outdoor workers. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes or buildings that are poorly insulated or without heat. Freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to the agricultural industry.

Location and Extent
Due to size of the County and changes in elevation (i.e., from approximately 250 feet to almost 10,000 feet above mean sea level (msl)) and climate, weather conditions can vary greatly across the County. The Agency falls in western Amador County, which is predominantly below an elevation of 2,000 feet above msl, is generally below the snowfall line, and includes the land to the west (including all incorporated communities). According to the WRCC, in western Amador County monthly average minimum temperatures from November through April range from the upper-30s to mid-50s. The lowest recorded daily extreme was 20°F on December 20, 1998. In a typical year, minimum temperatures fall below 32°F on 5.2 days with no days falling below 0°F. The CAWP, La Mel, and Tiger Creek systems get snow and freezing weather and the lower elevations can get freezing weather.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
The County has had no past federal and one past state (2007) disaster declarations for extreme cold and freeze. There have been two freeze events in 2022 that resulted in USDA disaster declarations.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data shows 575 extreme cold, freeze, and snow incidents for Amador County since 1993, some of which likely affected the Agency.

AWA Events
The Agency noted that freeze and winter storm is a regional phenomenon; events that affected the lower elevations of the County also affected the Agency. Those past occurrences were shown in the Base Plan in Section 4.2.5.

There have been past events that have affected the Agency. In 2003 a severe winter storm affected most of Pioneer. Downed power lines were widely reported. There were multiple road closures. The power outage 1221
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
associated with this storm affected the Agency’s ability to run the Buckhorn water treatment plant and pump stations that pump the water to the required Service Areas. AWA personnel had to move portable generators to critical infrastructure that had lost power. During snow and freezing events, the Agency is unable to recycle backwash water at the Buckhorn plant due to the drying beds freezing. Snow and icy conditions make it difficult to access treatment plants, pump stations, and other critical infrastructure needed to remain in service.

While extreme cold, snow, and freezing weather are a common occurrence during the winter months, the Agency could not recall specific events resulting in notable damages since the 2020 LHMP.

Climate Change and Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
According to the CAS, freezing spells and snow are likely to become less frequent in California as climate temperatures increase; if emissions increase, freezing events could occur only once per decade in large portion of the State by the second half of the 21st century. According to a California Natural Resources Report in 2014, it was determined that while fewer freezing spells would decrease cold related health effects, too few freezes could lead to increased incidence of disease as vectors and pathogens do not die off.

Vulnerability to Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Extreme cold and freeze events happen in the Agency each year. Snow can occur, but it is rare. Cold and freeze can impact both structures and populations in the Planning Area. The whole of the Agency and County Planning Area has some measure of vulnerability to extreme cold and freeze.

An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to this hazard begins with an understanding of local exposure to Agency. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that, vulnerability is discussed in multiple sections that detail how this hazard can affect the Agency. These sections include assets at risk, impacts, and how future development and future conditions can be affected by this hazard.

The Agency experiences temperatures below 32 degrees during the winter months. The temperature moves to the teens in rather extreme situations, especially in the upper elevations of the Agency. While it is rare for buildings to be affected directly by freeze, damages to pipes that feed building can be damaged during periods of extreme cold. The Agency is unable to recycle backwash water at the Buckhorn plant due to the drying beds freezing. Extreme cold and freeze can affect critical facilities and infrastructure, down trees, break pipes, and can be a life safety issue. Meter readers are unable to read meters. Increase in customer calls for broken and frozen pipes. Frozen distribution pipes lead to no water calls and breaks. When extreme cold is coupled with high winds or ice storms, power lines may be downed, resulting in an interruption of utilities and critical services. Occasionally, winter storms with snow and ice can affect the Agency. Snow load on facility roofs cause damage. Heat tape added to eaves of roofs to keep snow load to a minimum. 1222
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Transportation networks, communications, and utilities infrastructure are the most vulnerable physical assets in the Agency. Snow and icy conditions make it difficult to access the facilities The ability for the Agency to continue to operate during periods of winter storm and freeze is paramount.

People and Populations
All Agency staff and population the Agency serve are at some vulnerability to extreme cold, freeze, and snow. Some employees may face a risk while working outdoors. All populations served by the Agency are vulnerable to extreme cold and freeze, but this hazard generally affects people spending large amounts of time outside (including Agency staff). Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and can be life-threatening. Vulnerable populations to cold and freeze include 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 cold related impacts. In addition to vulnerable populations, pets and livestock are at risk to freeze and cold. Since snow is rare, its effect on people and populations are minimal.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the Agency have some measure of risk from extreme cold and freeze. Buildings can be affected directly by freeze, pipes that feed buildings can be damaged during periods of extreme cold and cause water damage and other related impacts to a structure. Structures can also be damaged by downed trees during freeze and winter storm events. Snowfall can occur, but it is usually not heavy enough to damage structures. Transportation networks, communications, and utilities infrastructure are the most vulnerable physical assets in the Agency. Infrastructure such as roads, highways, and bridges can become slippery, causing accidents and road closures.

As shown in Table F-3, there are structures in the AWA at risk from extreme cold, freeze, and snow.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Depending on how low the temperatures go and the duration of an extreme cold and freeze event, natural resources in the Agency may be affected. During periods of freeze, trees in the Agency may be damaged.

This is especially true if a freeze occurs during a winter storm with winds and precipitation. Other natural resources like wildlife may be at risk during a period of freeze. While it is rare for historic buildings to be affected directly by freeze, damages to pipes that feed historic buildings can be damaged during periods of extreme cold and cause additional impacts to the structures. Snow is relatively rare and is unlikely to affect natural, historic, or cultural facilities.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts from Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow Extreme cold and freeze can affect critical facilities and infrastructure, down trees, break pipes, and can be a life safety issue. Transportation networks, communications, and utilities infrastructure are often the most vulnerable physical assets in the Agency. Infrastructure such as roads and utilities are at risk to freezing temperatures and snow, causing failures and hazardous road conditions. When extreme cold is coupled with high winds, snows, and freezing storms, power lines may be downed, resulting in power outages and an interruption of utilities and critical services. During periods of extremely low or prolonged cold temperatures, other impacts to the Agency can include interruption in business and school activities.

The elderly, the young, and those experiencing medical issues are often more vulnerable to temperature extremes, but anyone can be affected. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and frostbite.

Those exercising or recreating outdoors, outdoor workers, and the unhoused may be at a higher risk.

Future development built to code should be able to withstand extreme cold and freeze. Pipes at risk of freezing should be mitigated by either burying or insulating them from freeze as new facilities are improved or added. Current Amador County codes provide such provisions for new construction. New wells and appurtenances will be built inside insulated buildings, reducing the risk of loss of potable water due to frozen pipes.
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Amador County AWA Annex F-88
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–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 populations of the Agency, 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 Agency.

Location and Extent
Extreme heat events occur on a regional basis. Extreme heat can occur in any location of the Agency.

Extreme heat occurs throughout the Agency primarily during the summer months.

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 Agency.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
AWA Events
The Agency Planning Team note that since extreme heat is a regional phenomenon, events that affected the County also affected the Agency. Those past occurrences were shown in the Base Plan in Section 4.2.2.

Extreme heat and high winds can cause Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, causing issues to buildings in the Agency. The Agency was affected by a PSPS event on September 7-8, 2020. This event caused AWA electrical generators to be moved in order to keep critical infrastructure running in the affected areas around Pioneer and Pine Grove, leading to a loss of revenue.

The 2015 Butte Fire, 2021 Caldor Fire and 2022 Electra Fire were all exacerbated by extreme heat.

Extreme heat events also impact customers during droughts as water conservation measures reduce the water available for cooling. This was evident during the droughts from 2007-2009, 2012-2017, and 2020- 2023.

Climate Change and Extreme Heat
The California Climate Adaptation Strategy (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 2013 California Climate Adaptation Study (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 Agency. In recent years, compounded by climate change conditions, summer months continue to get a bit hotter. The whole of the Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Extreme heat affects the Agency’s ability to perform operation and maintenance. Additional need to purchase stand-by generator equipment, increasing costs in fuel and manpower to keep equipment fueled 1226
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Amador County AWA Annex F-90
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
and running. The generators are required during a PSPS to run the following facilities such as Pump Stations, Sewer Lift Stations, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, Administration offices and Communication systems such as radio, landlines and cell phones. It does have an effect to adequately supply water for fire protection during severe heat and wind events.

In addition, a wildfire is exacerbated when combined with extreme heat, drought, and climate change. A wildfire is the most eminent hazard to all AWA Service Areas.

People and Populations
All Agency staff and population the Agency serve are at some vulnerability to extreme heat. Those Agency employees that work outdoors or inside facilities without proper cooling systems are likely to be most affected by extreme heat conditions.

Extreme heat can also affect air quality conditions making certain populations more vulnerable to heat related issues. All populations served by the Agency 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 increase. Extreme heat is a significant concern to vulnerable populations. The unhoused; individuals who exercise or train outdoors; outdoor workers (like Agency staff); individuals that lack the resources to afford heat; and the young, old, or medically fragile individuals are more susceptible to heat related impacts. In addition to vulnerable populations, pets and livestock are at risk to extreme heat conditions.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Extreme heat normally does not generally impact structures and critical facilities and infrastructure, 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 Agency 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.

As shown in Table F-3, there are structures in the AWA at risk from extreme heat.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets, including those located in Agency, may be vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. These include turfed areas; landscapes, Agency trees, wildlife and habitat areas, and wetlands and marsh lands. Recently, trees were lost in areas of the Agency that were weakened by drought and extreme heat. Extreme heat may also cause drought-like conditions, contributing to other issues. For example, 1227
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Amador County AWA Annex F-91
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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. Extreme heat can also contribute to an increase in algae blooms which has affected AWA operations in the past. Historic and cultural resources are not expected to be affected by extreme heat.

Impacts from Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
The Agency 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 Agency 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.

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 Agency include the following:
➢ As discussed in the hazard profile section, climate change is anticipated to exacerbate this hazard over time.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which is unlikely to affect this hazard and associated impacts to the Agency. The Agency may add staff, but this number would be small. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes in its Service Area, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services. ➢ Changes in land use and development in the Agency are expected to be limited in the near future and thus are not likely to affect heat and associated impacts to the Agency. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard.

Future development in the Agency will take extreme heat into account. In the event of grid-tied power outages, a reliable backup power source must be included in development plans. Additionally, implementing energy efficiency and conservation efforts to reduce stress on electricity systems during heat waves.
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Amador County AWA Annex F-92
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Storms in the Agency 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 Agency falls mainly in the fall, winter, and spring months. Wind often accompanies these storms; hail and lightning are rare in the Agency.

Location and Extent
Heavy rain events occur on a regional basis. Rains and storms can occur in any location of the Agency.

All portions of the Agency are at risk to heavy rains and storms. Most of the severe rains occur during the fall, winter, and spring months in the Agency as discussed below (with problem flooding areas associated with heavy rains and storms shown in Table F-15 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 Agency and Amador County. Duration of severe storms in the Agency 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 Agency. This contributes to many of the federal disaster declarations related to flooding.

Disaster declarations from flooding, including heavy rains and storms, are shown on Table F-18.

Table F-18 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
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 114 hail, heavy rain, and storm 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.

AWA Events
According to historical hazard data, severe weather, including heavy rains and storms, is an annual occurrence in the Agency. This is the cause of many of the federal disaster declarations related to flooding.

When the road was washed away, it exposed a 6" pipeline. 480' of pipe was damaged as a result. $50,915 in damages was sustained by the Agency.

In Late December 2022 to mid-January 2023, the severe storms caused widespread damages across the county and specifically to the AWA Administrative Office roof and AC units ($25,200), AWA Operations Shop Building ($81,277), two water storage tanks in the Camanche Service Area ($135,000), the Camanche Wastewater Storage Pond, and the Ione Water Treatment Plant ($25,000 for electrical poles, water filters, ancillary electrical equipment, and water treatment plant roof). These costs do not include the 400 regular man-hours and 132 overtime man-hours AWA personnel spent to repair the impacts of these storms.

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 Agency can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the 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 AWA. The amount of lightning is not projected to change. 1230
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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.

Vulnerability to Heavy Rain and Storms
Heavy rain and severe storms are the most frequent type of severe weather occurrences in the Agency.

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 Agency, but also can cause damage, with lightning occasionally igniting wildfires.

The whole of the Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Heavy rains impact access to AWA facilities due to landslides, downed trees, and flooding. Power outages affect communication and increases labor costs to fuel and maintain generators. Heavy rains and storms affect AWA’s ability to maintain wastewater ponds which leads to spills which lead to potential notices of violations and fines from regulatory agencies. The Agency also noted that heavy rains and storms cause localized flooding in the Agency. The problem areas are shown on Table F-15 above.

Impacts to Agency operations associated with the primary effects of heavy rains and storms, such as infiltration and inflow, is an ongoing issue. Dilution of sewage decreases the efficiency of treatment and may cause sewage volumes to exceed design capacity.

People and Populations
All Agency staff and population the Agency serve are at some vulnerability to heavy rains and storms.

Those Agency employees that work outdoors would be affected to a limited extent by this hazard. All populations served by the Agency 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. 1231
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Amador County AWA Annex F-95
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Agency facilities and structures have some risk to heavy rains and storms. Heavy rain and storms can affect critical facilities and infrastructure during large events. Structures built to modern building codes are built to withstand heavy rains and storms (including thunderstorm winds and lightning); older structures may be more vulnerable. 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. Local roads, streets, and bridges can be impacted resulting in closures restricting traffic flow in the Agency. In certain areas, large storms can cause erosion and localized landslides which can impact affected facilities.

As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from heavy rains and storms and associated flooding.

Water quality issues can also occur. 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.

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 AWA Annex F-96
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 Agency include the following:
➢ As discussed in the hazard profile section, climate change is anticipated to exacerbate this hazard over time.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which is unlikely to affect this hazard and associated impacts to the Agency. The Agency may add staff, but this number would be small. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes in its Service Area, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services. ➢ Changes in land use and development in the Agency are expected to be limited in the near future and thus are not likely to affect heavy rains and storm and associated impacts to the Agency. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard.

Future development will require review of storm drainage and watershed flows to prevent and protect AWA water and wastewater infrastructure. New Agency facilities follow state and local building codes which should reduce the risk to future development in the Agency from heavy rains and storms. New critical facilities should be built to withstand hail damage, lightning, and thunderstorm winds. 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 Agency.

Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornado
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–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 Agency.

Portions of the Agency 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 1233
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form when cool, dry air sits on top of warm, moist air. Tornadoes are the most powerful storms that exist.

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

Location and Extent
The entire Agency is subject to significant, non-tornadic (straight-line), winds. Each area of the Agency 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 Agency. 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 Agency.

AWA Past Occurrences
Extreme heat and high winds can cause Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, causing issues to buildings in the Agency. The Agency was affected by a PSPS event on September 7-8, 2020. This event caused AWA temporary electrical generators to be moved in order to keep critical infrastructure running in the affected areas around Pioneer and Pine Grove.

In late December 2022 to mid-January 2023, the severe storms, including high winds, caused widespread damages across the county and specifically to the AWA Administrative Office roof and AC units ($25,200), AWA Operations Shop Building ($81,277), two water storage tanks in the Camanche Service Area ($135,000), the Camanche Wastewater Storage Pond, and the Ione Water Treatment Plant ($25,000 for electrical poles, water filters, ancillary electrical equipment, and water treatment plant roof). These costs 1234
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October 2025
do not include the 400 regular man-hours and 132 overtime man-hours AWA personnel spent to repair the impacts of these storms. Some of this can be seen in Figure F-12.

Figure F-12 AWA - Damages during2022/2023 Storm Event
Source: AWA
Many other minor events that have created access problem by blocking roads due to fallen trees, downed power lines, roof damage to tanks and buildings.

Climate Change and High Winds and Tornado
According to the 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. 1235
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Amador County AWA Annex F-99
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Vulnerability to Severe Weather: High Wind and Tornadoes The Agency 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 Agency 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 Agency’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The Agency is in or adjacent to a special wind hazard region, which is a result of foehn winds. This snowremoving ability is caused not only by warmer temperatures, but also the low relative humidity of the air mass coming over the mountain(s). They 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.

Specifically, AWA noted that high winds impact access to its facilities due to downed trees. Power outages affect communication and increases labor costs to fuel and maintain generators. High winds that cause power outages also affect the ability to supply water and keep wastewater systems operational.

Occasionally high winds result in direct damage to tanks and buildings (primarily roofs) of the Agency.

People and Populations
All Agency staff and population the Agency serve 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. 1236
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-100
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
All structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the Agency 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, facilities and infrastructure can be damaged, power lines in the Agency can also 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.

As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from high winds and tornadoes.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resources, such as trees, are vulnerable to winds. Increased 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 Winds 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 and streambanks from accelerated erosion. Climate change may affect this hazard and cause winds to increase in velocity and more tornadoes to affect the Agency.

Amador County AWA Annex F-101
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wind conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the County. Climate change is not likely to affect future tornado conditions. ➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which limits additional impacts to the Agency. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Building codes in the County ensure that new development is built to current building standards to withstand high winds, which should reduce the risk to future development in the County from high winds and tornadoes. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard. 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.

The Agency relies on the County to enforce the local building codes which includes standards for new development to minimize damage from windstorms. New Agency facilities are built to state and local codes. New critical facilities and infrastructure should also consider adding backup power systems to limit impacts associated with power outages.

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.

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 Agency. 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 Agency. 1238
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-102
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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.

Location and Extent
Wildfire can affect all areas of the Agency. CAL FIRE has estimated that the risk varies across the Agency and has created maps showing risk variance. Following the methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan, wildfire maps for the AWA were created. Figure F-13 shows the CAL FIRE Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) and State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the Agency. Figure F-14 shows the CAL FIRE Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the Agency. As shown on the maps, FHSZs within the Agency range from Urban Unzoned to Very High.
1239
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-103
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-13 AWA – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1240
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-104
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure F-14 AWA – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 1241
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-105
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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.

Geographical FHSZ extents in the SRA/FRA are shown in Table F-19, while extents in the LRA are shown on Table F-20.

Table F-19 AWA – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents AWA
Jurisdiction/Fire
Responsibility/
/Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Amador City
SRA
Very High 0.3 0.001% 0.1 0.001% 0.2 0.00%
SRA Total 0.3 0.001% 0.1 0.001% 0.2 0.00%
Amador City
Total

0.3 0.001% 0.1 0.001% 0.2 0.00%
Ione
SRA
Very High 0.3 0.0009% 0.003 0.00002% 0.3 0.002%
High 2 0.01% 0.1 0.0003% 2 0.01%
Moderate 1 0.0019% 1 0.003% 0.2 0.001%
SRA Total 3 0.01% 1 0.003% 3 0.02%
Ione Total 3 0.01% 1 0.003% 3 0.02%
Jackson
SRA
Very High 0.3 0.001% 0.1 0.0003% 0.3 0.001%
High 8 0.02% 3 0.015% 5 0.03%
SRA Total 9 0.02% 3 0.015% 6 0.03%
Jackson Total 9 0.02% 3 0.015% 6 0.03%
Plymouth
SRA
High 4 0.01% 1 0.003% 3 0.02%
SRA Total 4 0.01% 1 0.003% 3 0.02%
Plymouth Total 4 0.01% 1 0.003% 3 0.02%
Sutter Creek
SRA
Very High 4 0.01% 2 0.009% 2 0.01%
High 2 0.004% 0.4 0.002% 1 0.01%
1242
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-106
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
AWA
Jurisdiction/Fire
Responsibility/
/Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Moderate 0.4 0.001% 0.3 0.001% 0.1 0.001%
SRA Total 6 0.02% 2 0.012% 4 0.02%
Sutter Creek
Total
6 0.02% 2 0.012% 4 0.02%
Unincorporated Amador County
FRA
Very High 215 0.57% 35 0.176% 180 1.00%
High 3 0.01% 0.003 0.000% 3 0.02%
Moderate 1,381 3.64% 77 0.389% 1,303 7.21%
FRA Total 1,598 4.22% 112 0.566% 1,486 8.22%
SRA
Very High 15,394 40.62% 10,089 50.865% 5,306 29.37%
High 12,134 32.02% 6,420 32.366% 5,714 31.63%
Moderate 1,853 4.89% 906 4.569% 947 5.24%
SRA Total 29,381 77.52% 17,415 87.800% 11,966 66.24%
Unincorporated
Amador County
Total
30,979 81.74% 17,527 88.366% 13,452 74.47%
Grand Total 31,002 81.80% 17,534 88.400% 13,468 74.55%
Source: CAL FIRE
*This represents the percentage of the total of AWA’s Planning Area. It is not a percentage of each jurisdiction served by the AWA.

Table F-20 AWA – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents AWA
Jurisdiction/ Fire
Hazard Severity
Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Amador City
Very High 165 0.4% 49 0.2% 116 0.6%
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%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

0.3 0.001% 0.1 0.001% 0.2 0.001%
Amador City
Total
165 0.4% 49 0.2% 116 0.6%
1243
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-107
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
AWA
Jurisdiction/ Fire
Hazard Severity
Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Ione
Very High 1,113 2.9% 3 0.02% 1,110 6.1%
High 906 2.4% 197 1.0% 708 3.9%
Moderate 398 1.1% 218 1.1% 181 1.0%
Non-Wildland 526 1.4% 271 1.4% 255 1.4%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

16.1 0.04% 0.7 0.003% 15.4 0.1%
Ione Total 2,960 7.8% 690 3.5% 2,270 12.6%
Jackson
Very High 159 0.4% 58 0.3% 102 0.6%
High 1,555 4.1% 554 2.8% 1,001 5.5%
Moderate 126 0.3% 73 0.4% 52 0.3%
Non-Wildland 109 0.3% 53 0.3% 56 0.3%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

4.7 0.01% 1.9 0.01% 2.8 0.02%
Jackson Total 1,953 5.2% 740 3.7% 1,214 6.7%
Plymouth
Very High 8 0.02% 6 0.03% 2 0.01%
High 491 1.3% 228 1.2% 263 1.5%
Moderate 46 0.1% 24 0.1% 22 0.1%
Non-Wildland 22 0.1% 9 0.0% 13 0.1%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

0.3 0.001% 0.2 0.001% 0.1 0.0003%
Plymouth Total 567 1.5% 267 1.3% 300 1.7%
Sutter Creek
Very High 676 1.8% 356 1.8% 320 1.8%
High 498 1.3% 154 0.8% 344 1.9%
Moderate 34 0.1% 15 0.1% 19 0.1%
Non-Wildland 34 0.1% 21 0.1% 13 0.1%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

3.1 0.01% 0.8 0.004% 2.3 0.01%
Sutter Creek
Total
1,245 3.3% 546 2.8% 699 3.9%
Unincorporated Amador County
Very High 3 0.01% 1 0.01% 1 0.01%
High 10 0.03% 3 0.02% 7 0.04%
1244
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-108
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
AWA
Jurisdiction/ Fire
Hazard Severity
Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres*
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres*
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres*
Moderate 0.7 0.002% 0.6 0.003% 0.1 0.0005%
Non-Wildland 0.4 0.001% 0.0 0.0001% 0.4 0.002%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area
30,994 81.8% 17,537 88.4% 13,457 74.5%
Unincorporated
Amador County
Total
31,008 81.8% 17,542 88.4% 13,466 74.5%
Grand Total 37,898 100.0% 19,833 100.0% 18,065 100.0%
Source: CAL FIRE
*This represents the percentage of the total of AWA’s Planning Area. It is not a percentage of each jurisdiction served by the AWA.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been three state and two federal disaster declarations due to fire, as shown in Table F-21.

Table F-21 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.

AWA Events
AWA noted the following events that affected the Agency:

In 2007, a wildfire occurred twenty miles east of Pioneer. Roads were closed and forested areas damaged.

There was an increase in water turbidity, but it was manageable even with the short loss of power. 2015 Butte Fire FEMA 5111-FM, FEMA ID: 000-UYUB9-00 CAL OES ID 005-91001 While AWA did not lose any facilities due to the Butte fire, extensive resources were used to mobilize generators for power outages, provide water to non-agency customers who could not operate their wells. The Agency provided water to animals in need and kept staff on-call to keep an eye on the fire development. Staff kept Agency facilities secure from vandalism.
1245
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-109
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
The 2021 Caldor Fire was the third-largest and second-most-destructive of the 2021 season in California, and is the seventeenth-largest and sixteenth-most destructive in recorded California history. 221,835 acres burned, 1,003 structures were destroyed, and forced the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents in the area. This fire started only 10 miles north of AWA facilities. No damage to AWA infrastructure or customers.

The 2022 Electra Fire burned much of the same area as the previous 2015 Butte Fire. The Butte Fire grew to 70,868 acres, destroyed 877 homes and businesses and damaged 44 more—as well as lead to the deaths of two people. By contrast, the Electra Fire burned 4,478 acres. Both fires burned to within a hundred feet of AWA facilities. Hundreds of AWA customers in the AWA Buckhorn Water System Service Area were forced to evacuate; the fire burned within a couple hundred feet of AWA infrastructure.

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 Agency can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

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

The whole of the Agency 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.

Amador County AWA Annex F-110
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Wildfires remain the highest priority hazard and the hazard with the greatest potential for catastrophic loss to AWA. As seen recently in Los Angeles with the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire, AWA remains concerned that a wildfire in the AWA Service Areas will cause widespread devastation to AWA infrastructure, systems and customers. Wildfires melt plastic piping in buildings causing carcinogenic chemical contamination that cannot be removed unless complete overhauls of the distribution systems are completed. This can lead to a loss of potable water to disadvantaged populations for months at a time.

While no AWA infrastructure has been lost to these fires, extensive resources have been used to mobilize generators for power outages, provide water to non-agency customers who could not operate their wells, particularly during the Butte Fire. The Agency provided water to animals in need at emergency evacuation locations and kept staff on-call to keep an eye on the fire development. In addition to the wildfire, the smoke and air quality due to wildfires have cause numerous respiratory issues during the events, affecting AWA operators throughout all Service Areas.

Impacts to the Agency include potential loss of water availability for fire suppression and/or consumption.

Wastewater treatment can also be rendered inoperable when wildfire eliminates the availability of electricity. All wastewater equipment have generators, however, the water distribution equipment does not.

Without backup electricity generation, water and wastewater cannot be conveyed. Water quality will also suffer if water treatment functionality is compromised. The economic impact alone to the Agency including the loss of function of buildings and infrastructure and the cost of reacting to these fires is a major concern.

People and Populations
All populations (both Agency staff and Service Area populations) are at some vulnerability 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
Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
All structures in the Agency have some risk to wildfire. Wildfire presents a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. As shown in Table F-3, there are multiple structures in the AWA at risk from wildfire. 1247
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-111
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 Agency, the impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources could be extensive and include air pollution, water quality issues, contamination from water runoff containing toxic products, and other environmental discharges or releases from burned materials affecting soils, habitat areas, wildlife, and aquatic resources. Debris and runoff from burned areas can affect reservoirs and rivers in the Agency.

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.

Out of control wildfires can have catastrophic impacts. Wildfires can cause short-term and long-term disruption to the Agency. Fires can have devastating effects on watersheds through loss of vegetation and soil erosion, which may impact the Agency 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 Agency; smoke and air pollution from wildfires can be a severe health hazard. Smoke impacts may come from wildfires outside the Agency, as well as from within.

Impacts to the Agency include potential loss of water availability for fire suppression and/or consumption.

Amador County AWA Annex F-112
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Wildfire smoke can also 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 nearby northern California communities since the previous LHMP have created significant air pollution affecting area residents. Agency residents have been affected by wildfire smoke and poor air quality, from fires both within the County and from those much further away.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the Agency 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 AWA include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wildfire conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the Agency to wildfire.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the Agency show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which limits additional impacts to the Agency. The Agency noted it has no control over population changes, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services.
➢ Changes in land use and development in the Agency are occurring within the AWA Service Area and thus could increase associated wildfire impacts to the Agency. Additional development traditionally leads to additional fires. However, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the Agency to this hazard. The Agency will take wildfire into account when siting new facilities. Fire hydrants, defensible space, well production, water storage, and distribution should all be considered for future development. New facilities will be built to the most current California Building standards for wildfire.

Future Development
Additional growth and development within moderate or higher fire hazard severity zones in the Agency would place additional values at risk to wildfire. However, County building codes are in effect and should continue to be updated as appropriate to reduce future impacts. In order to reduce risk for future development, AWA is seeking to:
➢ Ensure all facilities are kept cleared of debris and adequate fire protection. ➢ Improve the ability to deliver adequate fire flows by designing pump stations and distribution systems with fire flow protections.
1249
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-113
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Design tanks to be built with concrete or steel instead of redwood. ➢ Install stand-by power at all facilities to ensure fire flow protection.

F.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.

F.5.1. Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table F-22 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 AWA.

Note: The Agency does not have the authority to regulate land use and development within its jurisdiction.

Authority for promulgating and enforcing zoning, land use, and development requirements falls to counties and incorporated communities. As such development within the Agency’s jurisdictional boundaries will conform to the zoning and land use development ordinances and building codes of the county or incorporated community in which the Agency is located.

Table F-22 AWA’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 The plan addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation actions. It was last updated in 2025.

Climate Change Adaptation Plan Y The plan addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation actions. It was last updated in 2020.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan N
Comprehensive/Master Plan Y The plan addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation actions. It was last updated in 2020/2022. A new water/wastewater master plans intended to be updated in late 2025.

Continuity of Operations Plan N
Economic Development Plan N
Land Use Plan N
Local Emergency Operations Plan Y The plan addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation actions. It was last updated in 2024.

Stormwater Management Plan N
Transportation Plan N
1250
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-114
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other Y Amador Water Agency Water Code addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation. The Code was last updated in 2022.

The Water shortage Contingency Plan addresses hazards and can be used to carry out mitigation. It is dated 2021, but has portions that are updated yearly.

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/A
Building code Y Yes, yes
Flood insurance rate maps N/A
Floodplain ordinance N/A
Natural hazard-specific ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
N/A
Subdivision ordinance N/A
Zoning ordinance N/A
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Continued refinement of Agency capabilities will be pursued to reduce risk from future hazard events.

Source: AWA
F.5.2. Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table F-23 identifies the Agency department(s) responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the AWA.

Table F-23 AWA’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 N Amador County
Civil Engineer, including dam and levee
safety
Y Civil Engineer services procured through on-call contracts Community Planner N Amador County
Emergency Manager Y Staff needs more Hazard Mitigation training and better coordination between Agencies.

Floodplain Administrator N Amador County
1251
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-115
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
GIS Coordinator Y Staff needs more Hazard Mitigation training and better coordination between Agencies.

Planning Commission N Amador County
Other
Technical Y/N
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Grant writing Y AWA has procured a grant consultant to assist in grant writing and administration.

Hazard data and information Y Previous HMGP grants procured and completed or in -progress.

GIS analysis Y Staff needs more Hazard Mitigation training and better coordination between Agencies.

Mutual aid agreements Y Jackson Valley Irrigation Agency; WARN; City of Plymouth; River Pines PUD
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? More education and training on hazard mitigation and hazard related issues.

Source: AWA
F.5.3. Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table F-24 identifies financial tools or resources that the Agency could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table F-24 AWA’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. Hazard mitigation and capital replacement projects. Yes.

Community Development Block Grant Y
Federal funding programs (non-FEMA) Y
Fees for water, sewer Y
Capacity fees for new development Y
State funding programs Y
Stormwater utility fee N
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? These capabilities can be expanded with additional staffing to manage and inspect projects, and with grants and grant writing.

Source: AWA
1252
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-116
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
F.5.4. Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Table F-25 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 F-25 AWA’s Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Community newsletters Y With bill inserts
Hazard awareness campaigns (such as Firewise,
Storm Ready, Severe Weather Awareness Week,
school programs, public events)
Y AWA participates in public outreach events and
school programs
Local news Y As needed
Organizations that interact with underserved and
vulnerable communities
Y County of Amador
Social media Y As needed
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Additional programs can help educate customers and will help improve preparedness response.

Source: AWA
F.5.5. Other Mitigation Efforts
The Agency has many other completed or ongoing mitigation efforts that include the following:
➢ Funding was received in 2018 from FEMA to replace 4 redwood tanks with 3 fire resistant (steel tanks). ➢ Long Term Water Needs Study 2017
➢ Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Update 2018 ➢ Central Amador Water Project (CAWP) Environmental Impact Report 2017 ➢ Urban Water Management Plan 2015; and Master Water Plan (draft). ➢ 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update ➢ 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan
➢ 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study
➢ 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
➢ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
➢ 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report ➢ 2025 Water Capital Improvement Plan
➢ 2025 Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan
F.6 Mitigation Strategy
F.6.1. Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The AWA adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Chapter 5 Mitigation Strategy.
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Amador County AWA Annex F-117
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
F.6.2. NFIP Mitigation Strategy
The Agency does not participate in the NFIP, as it is not an eligible participant. Many of the Agency’s projects work to reduce impacts from flood events thus furthering the objectives of the NFIP.

F.6.3. Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the AWA 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:
➢ Ag Hazards: Severe Weather/Invasive Species (Pests and Weeds) ➢ Climate Change
➢ Dam Failure
➢ Drought & Water shortage
➢ Earthquake
➢ Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance
➢ Floods: Localized Stormwater
➢ Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Cold and Freeze
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
➢ Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Wind, Hail, Lightning) ➢ Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados
➢ Wildfire
Low priority hazards for mitigation planning include:
➢ Avalanche
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. 1254
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-118
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Mitigation Actions
The Agency has put forward the actions as shown in Table F-26. Details of the actions can be found below the table.

Table F-26 AWA Mitigation Actions
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
Amador Water Agency
Action 1. AWA Tank Flexibility
Connectors
New Action X X Structural
Action 2. Camanche WWTP
Treatment, Disposal, and Effluent
Storage Upgrades
New Action X X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 3. CAWP Transmission
Main Improvements and Tank D
Replacement
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 4. CAWP Tiger Creek
Afterbay Alternate Supply
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 5. Ione WTP Backwash
Handling Improvements
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 6. Tanner Clearwell
Replacement
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 7. Tanner WTP Backwash
Drying Beds
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 8. Tank Replacement/
Tank Repair
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 9. Amador and Ione Water
Systems Taste and Odor Mitigation
Previous
Action
X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 10. Replacement of Two
Hypalon Lined and Covered Tanks
with New Tanks
Previous
Action
X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-119
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 11. Mt. Crossman Main Area
Tank for Upper CAWP System
Previous
Action
X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 12. Martell Regional Lift
Station and Collection System
Improvements
New Action X X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 13. Mace Meadows Pump
Station Flooding
New Action X X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 14. Water Treatment Plant
Raw Water Bypasses
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 15. Upgrade Fire Pumps New Action X X Structural Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 16. Tanner WTP Flow
Control and Reliability Improvements
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 17. Ione Reliability Capacity
Expansion and Site Security
New Action X X Structural
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Note: Mitigation actions shall be consistent with the approved AWA mitigation planning studies, reports, and plans previously adopted.

Action 1. AWA Tank Flexibility Connectors
Hazards Addressed: Earthquake
Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): AWA has experienced three moderately sized earthquakes within a 250-mile radius of its Service Area in the last 5 years. July 8, 2021 - 6.0 magnitude earthquake Antelope Valley (50 miles from AWA facilities), December 5, 2024 - 7.0 magnitude earthquake Mendocino CA (240 miles from AWA facilities), and December 9, 2024 - 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Nevada (90 miles from AWA facilities). No damage was reported to AWA facilities during any of these earthquakes, however each one was felt in AWA Service Areas. As AWA has 38 tanks and reservoirs with connections susceptible to damage from seismic shifts at connection points to these tanks, seismic retrofits are prudent. 1256
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-120
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Project Description: Identify and retrofit tanks and reservoir inlet and outlet connections with seismic resistant connections.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of earthquakes causing inadequate fire flow to protect against wildfire and causing massive drinking water shortages throughout all AWA water systems.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented:
➢ 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update ➢ 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study
➢ 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
➢ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
➢ 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $2,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 2. Camanche WWTP Treatment, Disposal, and Effluent Storage Upgrades Hazards Addressed: Severe Weather (High Winds)/ Severe Weather (Extreme Cold/ Flooding: Localized Stormwater/Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure)/Dam Failure/Multi-Hazard Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Camanche Village is located six miles south of the City of Ione along the northern shore of Lake Camanche. The Camanche Village wastewater system is made up of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal infrastructure. The current Camanche WWTP consists of a manually screened headworks, a partially mixed aerated treatment pond, followed by two settling ponds then into a disinfection channel. After disinfection, the treated effluent is stored in a 6.3-million-gallon storage pond, where it is then pumped to the 12-acre spray field for disposal by irrigation. Additional connections have been prohibited due to the State Cease & Desist Order No. R5-2003-0126 and Growth Moratorium as the current wastewater effluent storage and disposal pond is at its limit. During winter months with heavy winds, heavy storms localized flooding and cold temperatures, the spray fields become ineffective at disposing of the treated wastewater effluent. This, coupled with in inflow and infiltration stormwater into the storage pond, overloads the system and risks dam failure to the Camanche WWTP Storage Pond Dam.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-121
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards at the Camanche WWTP is to construct new aerated ponds and dispose of all treated effluent offsite. This option involves the construction of a new package treatment system with offsite disposal.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires coupled with extreme heat, severe winds and/or severe storms overloading AWA water distribution and storage systems to protect against wildfire and house fires.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented:
➢ 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan (planned to be updated in 2025) ➢ 2022 AWA Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $5,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 3. CAWP Transmission Main Improvements and Tank D Replacement Hazards Addressed: Drought/Wildfire/Extreme Heat/Severe Wind/Multi-Hazard Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Tank D is located between Red Corral and Pioneer, is in poor condition and needs immediate replacement. Severe winds could destroy the tank by toppling trees on neighboring properties. The tank is also undersized for the current drinking water and fire suppression storage requirements of the system, threatening water shortages and loss of wildfire defense. The Riverview area served off the CAWP transmission main frequently experiences low pressure or loss of service when downstream tanks are filling from the CAWP main. Fire flows can also be non-existent depending on flows in the CAWP main filling the tank or downstream tanks.

Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards to Ione WTP backwash system is to abandon the current Tank D, water piping to connect to the Riverview distribution system and the CAWP main, and construct a new, appropriately sized Tank D with associated appurtenances, controls, backup generator, etc., at a higher elevation to provide gravity supply to the Riverview area and existing Tank D Service Area.

The Tank location and property has already been secured for this project.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires, extreme heat, severe wind and climate change causing water shortages and creating a water system situation with inadequate fire flow to protect against wildfire and house fires.
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Amador County AWA Annex F-122
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented:
➢ 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update ➢ 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study
➢ 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
➢ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
➢ 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $6,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 4. CAWP Tiger Creek Afterbay Alternate Supply
Hazards Addressed: Drought & Water Supply/Landslide/Debris/Wildfire/Multi-Hazard Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Buckhorn WTP raw water is supplied by the Gravity Supply Line (GSL), which starts at the Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir (Regulator) and flows through a 20-inch and 24-inch pipeline for approximately 6.6 miles to the Buckhorn WTP. The Regulator is primarily filled by an approximately 15-mile long canal/flume system which conveys water from the Salt Springs Reservoir. The Regulator is also filled from Tiger Creek, but flows from this source are less than the canal/flume system. The canal/flume system consists of a combination of open channel, elevated flumes, closed conduit, and tunnels through steep mountainous terrain which makes the system vulnerable to landslides, wildfire, debris flows or other natural disasters. Damage or failure of this system would likely result in an extended water system outage due to the steep terrain and extensive construction required to fix a failure. System failure would leave the entire CAWP system without a water supply for the duration of the outage. For this reason, a redundant raw water supply source is recommended for the Buckhorn WTP.

Project Description: The Tiger Creek Afterbay Reservoir (Afterbay) is located southwest of the Regulator and is filled directly from the Mokelumne River which makes it independent of the canal/flume system filling the Regulator. This Project is to build 2 new pump stations as an alternative water supply to the Buckhorn WTP from the Tiger Creek Afterbay for Hazard Mitigation including associated backup generator and all other associated infrastructure.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfire, landslide, or debris destroying the canals and flumes feeding the Tiger Creek Regulator causing inadequate fire flow to protect against wildfire and causing massive drinking water shortages.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-123
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented:
➢ 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update ➢ 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study
➢ 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
➢ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
➢ 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report ➢ Tiger Creek Alternate Supply Project Preliminary Engineering Report (Tiger Creek PER) Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $10,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 5. Ione WTP Backwash Handling Improvements
Hazards Addressed: Drought and Water Supply / Climate Change / Extreme Heat/ Wildfire / MultiHazard Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): In 2022, AWA had a consultant prepare the AWS-Tanner and AWS-Ione Water Treatment Plant Capacity Study which expanded upon the 2020 Water Master Plan Study to assess the conditions and process capacities of the WTPs, identify operational and expansion challenges related to treatment processes, evaluate improvement alternatives to improve reliable capacity, and identify existing natural hazards at each location with associated projects for their mitigation. In 2022, AWA Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency and Enacting Mandatory Conservation Measures (Res.

No. 2022-03) for Amador County. In 2024, AWA Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency in the Ione Water Treatment Plant Service Area (Res. No. 2024-02) due to a number of issues.

Specifically, during peak maximum demand days brought on by recent extreme heat, changes in climate, and nearby wildfire suppression efforts, the Ione Water Treatment Plant (WTP) cannot maintain treatment operations during these times. Modifications are required in the Ione WTP backwash processes and infrastructure, valving and electrical systems in order to allow the Ione WTP to operate at or below the permitted reliable capacity of the WTP during peak maximum demand days.

Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards to Ione WTP backwash system is to install a 6” backwash waste pipeline with associated valving, controls, and other appurtenances from the Ione WTP approximately 1.3 miles south to an offsite disposal property to provide reliable water for wildfires and house fires, as well as during water shortage events.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-124
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires, extreme heat and climate change causing water shortages through the entire AWS-Ione water system restricting AWA’s ability to provide reliable water to protect against wildfire and house fires and provide drinking water.

The Tanner Clearwell is located at the Tanner Water Treatment Plant (WTP) adjacent to the Agency’s headquarters. This is a half ground-level and half above ground storage facility with an aged Hypalon cover that has passed its useful life. Although the clearwell is approximately 15 feet deep, the minimum clearwell level is 8.4 feet (total water level depth); if the water level descends below 8.4 feet there is a risk of damaging the Hypalon cover and compromising the clearwell. Additional damage to the western slope of the clearwell from earthquakes or to the Hypalon cover from wildfires are also hazard risks.

The Hypalon liners have worked well over the years but they can potentially introduce contaminants into the potable water and will melt into the water during a wildfire. The state is not allowing any new potable water storage with Hypalon covers.

Project Description: Construct a new clearwell for hazard mitigation. 1261
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-125
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfire or earthquake destroying the clearwell and introducing toxins into the drinking water or causing drinking water shortages in the system.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update; 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study; 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan; 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $15,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 7. Tanner WTP Backwash Drying Beds
Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Drought and Water Supply, Extreme Heat, Wildfire Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): In 2022, AWA had a consultant prepare the AWS-Tanner and AWS-Ione Water Treatment Plant Capacity Study which expanded upon the 2020 Water Master Plan Study to assess the conditions and process capacities of the WTPs, identify operational and expansion challenges related to treatment processes, evaluate improvement alternatives to improve reliable capacity, and identify existing natural hazards at each location with associated projects for their mitigation. In 2022, AWA Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency and Enacting Mandatory Conservation Measures (Res.

No. 2022-03) for Amador County. During peak maximum demand days brought on by recent extreme heat, changes in climate, and nearby wildfire suppression efforts, the Tanner Water Treatment Plant (WTP) cannot maintain treatment operations during these times. Modifications are required in the Tanner WTP backwash processes and infrastructure, valving and electrical systems in order to allow the Tanner WTP to operate at or below the permitted reliable capacity of the WTP during peak maximum demand days.

Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards to Tanner WTP backwash is to install backwash drying beds, install new valves, piping, and treatment controls, bringing all subsurface valves above ground level where feasible, and all associated appurtenances for the WTP to provide reliable water for wildfires and house fires, as well as during water shortage events.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires, extreme heat and climate change causing water shortages through the entire AWS-Tanner water system restricting AWA’s ability to provide reliable water to protect against wildfire and house fires and provide drinking water. 1262
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-126
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update; 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study; 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan; 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $15,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 8. Tank Replacement/ Tank Repair
Hazards Addressed: Severe Weather (Extreme Cold/ Severe Storms / Severe Wind); Severe Weather (High Winds); Wildfire
Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): In late December 2022 to mid-January 2023, the severe storms caused widespread damages across the county and specifically to two water storage tanks in the Camanche Service Area ($135,000) and the Camanche Wastewater Storage Pond. The old redwood tanks had Hypalon liners installed in 2013 to reduce the leaking. Hypalon is subject to melting during exposure from wildfires which can damage or contaminate drinking water systems. These costs do not include the regular and overtime man-hours AWA personnel spent to repair the impacts of these storms.

The Camanche Village is located six miles south of the City of Ione along the northern shore of Lake Camanche. The Camanche water system has five operational storage tanks, four of which are old redwood tanks.

Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards to these old redwood tanks is to construct new welded steel or concrete tanks hardened against wildfires and extreme storm/weather/cold events, with all associated appurtenances.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires, severe winds and/or severe storms/cold conditions destroying AWA water storage tanks to protect against wildfire and house fires and provide drinking water.

Amador County AWA Annex F-127
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $5,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 9. Amador and Ione Water Systems Taste and Odor Mitigation Hazards Addressed: Agricultural Hazard (invasive species) Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Historically, the Ione reservoir has always experienced increased odors (and as a result taste issues) during the spring / summer transition. In 2004 an AWA construction crew replaced the single pipeline intake with a manifold reservoir intake of 4 pipes. This retrofit eliminated short circuiting in the reservoir, improved reservoir circulation overall, and reduced issues associated with Taste and Odor in the community. In 2005 the 960 cubic feet of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) in the filters at the Ione Water Treatment Plant was replaced. This work effort all but eliminated taste and odor complaints from the community. In 2016 and 2017, the Ione WTP had its first Taste and Odor (T&O) incidents since replacing the GAC filter media, starting on June 10, 2016 and July 10, 2017. Typically, Ione T&O events occur in the summer months when the weather turns extremely hot, warming reservoirs, and creating perfect conditions for algae and other organisms to grow. T&O events occur naturally throughout the world and are not exclusive to the Amador County region. Many solutions have been attempted at many different locations; however the most effective method is a continuous monitoring program whereby T&O events are caught before they become a major nuisance to the customers which we serve.

In the summers of 2016 and 2017, the number of complaints regarding T&O in the City of Ione spiked with many people noting earthy/musky flavors in the water. Samples were also taken from the Tanner Raw Reservoir with negligible results. The negligible results at the Tanner Raw Reservoir indicated a problem localized to the Ione Reservoir. Algae blooms were not observed at the Ione Reservoir in 2016 or 2017. A full spectrum analysis of cyanobacteria in the Ione Reservoir was performed on July 14th, 2017, and revealed no detectable cyanobacteria present in the Ione Reservoir, Ione WTP raw influent, nor in the Ione WTP treated effluent.

In 2019, Tanner Raw Reservoir Samples indicated geosmin levels were above historical high levels, indicating the source may be farther upstream than originally believed.

Project Description: Investigate cause(s) of geosmin production. Design solutions to mitigate geosmin production, or geosmin effects.

Other Alternatives: Continue with Taste and Odor Monitoring Program in place. 1264
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-128
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update; 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study; 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan; 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $500,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 3-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 10. Replacement of Two Hypalon Lined and Covered Tanks with New Tanks Hazards Addressed: Drought and Water Shortage; Wildfire Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The state has required AWA to remove all hypalon liners during improvements of facilities. With the Butte Fire, AWA became acutely aware of the extreme hazard of having storage facilities upcountry in the wildfire prone areas along Highway 88, especially AWA Hypalon lined and covered tanks.

AWA’s 2020 Water Master Plan Study and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update shows that the Ranch House Hypalon Lined and Covered 750,000-gallon potable water storage tank is oversized and should be 250,000 gallons. The Hypalon liner covers an earthen base and also covers the water on top.

The 125,000-gallon Jackson Pines tank also has a Hypalon lined earthen floor and water cover.

Project Description: Replace Two Hypalon Lined and Covered Tanks with Two New Welded Steel Tanks for Wildfire Hazard Mitigation
Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfire destroying the tanks and introducing toxins into the drinking water.

Amador County AWA Annex F-129
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $3,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 11. Mt. Crossman Main Area Tank for Upper CAWP System Hazards Addressed: Drought & Water Shortage, Extreme Heat; Severe Wind, Wildfire Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): AWAs CAWP water system has been built on many smaller developments being rolled into one by Amador County and AWA where critically small pipelines exist and multiple small potable water tanks do not provide the necessary fire flow during a wildfire or house fire event. The combined storage capacity of the tanks in the Upper CAWP System does not meet minimum storage requirements needed for peak maximum days to supply fire suppression water and drinking water.

The proposed Mt Crossman Tank will be placed at a central location, hardened against wildfires and severe wind, elevated on top of a hill, and sized to meet at least minimum storage requirements for the system.

Project Description: Build one principal partially buried concrete water tank for the Upper CAWP System for Wildfire Hazard Mitigation including associated pump station, backup generator, and all other associated infrastructure.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires coupled with extreme heat, severe winds and/or severe storms destroying multiple tanks with inadequate fire flow to protect against wildfire and house fires.

Amador County AWA Annex F-130
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Action 12. Martell Regional Lift Station and Collection System Improvements Hazards Addressed: Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure); Flooding: Localized Stormwater; Severe Weather (Heavy Rains and Storms)
Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Martell Lift Station 2 collection system currently uses four (4) pump stations to collect and pump effluent to Sutter Hill for treatment and disposal at the Sutter Creek WWTP. The Walmart Lift Station collects flows from Walmart and pumps up hill to Lift Station 2. The Kmart Lift Station, collects flows from Kmart and also pumps up hill to Lift Station 2. Lift Station 1 collections flows via gravity from the Lift Station 1 collection area and pumps all flows up hill to Lift Station 2. In addition to these flows, Lift Station 2 collects flows via gravity from the Lift Station 2 collection area, and pumps all flows up hill to Sutter Hill. This area is known by the California Department of Water Resources to be an area prone to flooding in the DWR 100-Year floodplain delineation, part of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Best Available Maps (BAM) Floodplain Awareness program. This causes the lift stations to run continuously for long periods of time, unnecessarily wearing out the lifespan of, and risking damage to, the lift station infrastructure.

Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards is to construct a single lift station with back up power generator and associated appurtenances outside of the flood area that consolidates all collection system gravity flow to then be pumped to Sutter Hill.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of flooding and overloading AWA Martell wastewater collection system to protect against loss of sanitary wastewater services to AWA customers during extreme storms, heavy rains and extreme cold hazards.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan (planned to be updated in 2025); 2022 AWA Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $5,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 13. Mace Meadows Pump Station Flooding
Hazards Addressed: Flooding: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance; Flooding: Localized Flooding Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County AWA Annex F-131
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): AWAs Buckhorn Water treatment plant discharges its recycle wastewater to the Mace Meadows pond that is then pumped for use onto a Golf Course. The pump station is located in a meadow area and has taken on water several times damaging electrical equipment or floods the building making it unsafe to operate. During atmospheric rivers and server rain events like in 2017 the pump station was flooded, and electrical equipment was damage.

Project Description: Build a new pump station with 2 ea. 60 horsepower pumps with new piping to new location above the meadow at a higher elevation.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of flooding damaging or destroying electrical switch gear, pumps, and motors.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2022 AWA Wastewater Master Plan (planned to be updated in 2025); 2022 AWA Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) This has been an ongoing historical problem that cause unsafe operations and prevents the agency from properly disposing of its treatment plant wastewater.

Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $225,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 14. Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Bypasses
Hazards Addressed: Drought & Water Shortage; Extreme Heat; Severe Weather: High Winds; Wildfire Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): As evidenced in the recent 2025 Palisades Fire, firefighting suppression demands for water during a wildfire can easily exceed the ability of a water distribution and storage system to provide adequate pressures and flows. Also, when wildfires burn and melt plastic water lines in homes and the water system loses pressure/flows, dangerous chemicals are leached into the water distribution system requiring complete massive and costly replacement of the entire water distribution system as seen during the 2017 Tubbs Fire.

Many portions of the entire AWA water system has been built on many smaller developments being rolled into one by Amador County and AWA where critically small pipelines exist and multiple small potable water tanks do not provide the necessary fire flow during a wildfire or house fire event. During wildfires, the treated water storages may not be able to keep up with fire fighting demands and risk loss of all drinking water and firefighting water to the distribution system. The Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant (WTP), 1268
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Amador County AWA Annex F-132
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Tanner WTP and Ione WTP all have raw water inlets and treated water outlets that if modified slightly, could provide an emergency supply of raw water to the distribution system in order to maintain continuous fire suppression water. When no longer needed, the bypasses could be disconnected and the system easily and cheaply disinfected per the respective AWA WTP Operations Plans.

Project Description: Modify each AWA WTP with an emergency raw water bypass from inlet to outlet to maintain fire suppression water in the distribution system, along with all associated appurtenances, backup generators and emergency fuel supplies.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update; 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study; 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan; 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report; Tiger Creek Alternate Supply Project Preliminary Engineering Report (Tiger Creek PER); Buckhorn WTP Operations Plan; Tanner WTP Operations Plan; Ione WTP Operations Plan
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $5,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 15. Upgrade Fire Pumps
Hazards Addressed: Wildfire
Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): AWAs CAWP water system has several facilities that are old and inadequate for current fire pumping equipment. AWA must deliver water to fight wildfires at the required flow.

Project Description: Replace and upsize two fire pump installations.

Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfire destroying multiple tanks and houses with unavailable fire flow because of inadequate pumping.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update; 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study; 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan; 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report
AWA has consistently added pumps dedicated to fire flow as facilities are upgraded as funding becomes available.

Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $500,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 16. Tanner WTP Flow Control and Reliability Improvements Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Drought and Water Supply; Extreme Heat; Wildfire Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): In 2022, AWA had a consultant prepare the AWS-Tanner and AWS-Ione Water Treatment Plant Capacity Study which expanded upon the 2020 Water Master Plan Study to assess the conditions and process capacities of the WTPs, identify operational and expansion challenges related to treatment processes, evaluate improvement alternatives to improve reliable capacity, and identify existing natural hazards at each location with associated projects for their mitigation. In 2022, AWA Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency and Enacting Mandatory Conservation Measures (Res.

No. 2022-03) for Amador County. During peak maximum demand days brought on by recent extreme heat, changes in climate, and nearby wildfire suppression efforts, the Tanner Water Treatment Plant (WTP) cannot maintain treatment operations during these times. Modifications are required in the Tanner WTP treatment and backwash processes and infrastructure, valving and electrical systems in order to allow the Tanner WTP to operate at or below the permitted reliable WTP capacity during peak maximum demand days.

Project Description: The best option to mitigate the hazards to Tanner WTP is to install new valves, piping, and treatment controls, bringing all subsurface valves above ground level where feasible, adding a third reclaim backwash tank, and all associated appurtenances for the WTP to provide reliable water for wildfires and house fires, as well as during water shortage events. 1270
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October 2025
Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of wildfires, extreme heat and climate change causing water shortages through the entire AWS-Tanner water system restricting AWA’s ability to provide reliable water to protect against wildfire and house fires and provide drinking water.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: 2020 AWA Water Master Plan Study, and 2025 Water Master Plan Study Update; 2022 AWA Tanner & Ione WTP Capacity Study; 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan; 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; 2024 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report
Responsible Office/Partners: AWA Operations Manager and Board Benefits (Losses Avoided): Estimated at $15,000,000 over proposed timeline Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): State and federal grants, FEMA HMA funds, AWA general fund
Timeline: 1-5 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 17. Ione Reliability Capacity Expansion and Site Security Hazards Addressed: Drought & Water Shortage; Landslide
Goals Addressed : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): In 2022, AWA had a consultant prepare the AWS-Tanner and AWS-Ione Water Treatment Plant Capacity Study which expanded upon the 2020 Water Master Plan Study to assess the conditions and process capacities of the WTPs, identify operational and expansion challenges related to treatment processes, evaluate improvement alternatives to improve reliable capacity, and identify existing natural hazards at each location with associated projects for their mitigation. In 2022, AWA Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency and Enacting Mandatory Conservation Measures (Res.

No. 2022-03) for Amador County. In 2024, AWA Board of Directors declared a Water Shortage Emergency in the Ione Water Treatment Plant Service Area (Res. No. 2024-02) due to a number of issues, including the location of the Ione WTP being on an unstable hill prone to erosion and landslides, risking damage to major components. The WTP clearwell has a Hypalon lined earthen floor and water cover. The Hypalon liner has worked well over the years but can potentially introduce contaminants into the potable water and will melt into the water during a wildfire. The State is not allowing any new potable water storage with Hypalon covers. Further, the Ione WTP does not have the reliable capacity to provide the drinking water and fire flow needed during peak days. Additionally, site security and access improvements are needed at each WTP.

Project Description: Repair and/or replace deteriorating and capacity constrained facilities at and around the existing Ione WTP and improve site security & access. Stabilize the existing Ione WTP site from further erosion/landslides/settling, repair clarifier launder, replace clearwell Hypalon cover, and install other appurtenances as required.
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Other Alternatives: Continue with the risk of landslides or erosion and wildfire destroying the Ione WTP and associated clearwell causing inadequate fire flow to protect against wildfire and causing massive drinking water shortages.

Amador County JVID Annex G-1
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Annex G Jackson Valley Irrigation District
G.1 Introduction
This Annex details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the Jackson Valley Irrigation District (JVID or District), 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 District. This Annex provides additional information specific to the JVID, with a focus on providing additional details on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for this jurisdiction.

G.2 Planning Process
As described above, the JVID 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 District 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 G-1. Additional details on Plan participation and District representatives are included in Appendix A.

Table G-1 JVID – Planning Team
Name Position/Title How Participated
Steven Fredrick General Manager Provided Background and Project information. Attended meetings.

Coordination with other community planning efforts is paramount to the successful implementation of this LHMP Update. This section provides information on how the District integrated the previously approved 2020 LHMP into existing planning mechanisms and programs. Specifically, the District incorporated into or implemented the 2020 LHMP through other plans and programs shown in Table G-2.

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

Details: How was it incorporated?
– No hazard or mitigation related planning was completed by the District since 2020.
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Amador County JVID Annex G-2
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
G.3 Community Profile
The community profile for the JVID is detailed in the following sections. Figure G-1 displays a District map and the location of JVID Service Area within Amador County.

Figure G-1 JVID
G.3.1. Overview and Background
JVID provides wholesale water supply, distribution of raw water to irrigation, industrial and domestic users, distribution of bottled water to domestic users, and hydroelectric power generation. JVID has an agreement with a private company to operate the Lake Amador recreation facilities. Its recreation concessionaire operates domestic water treatment and wastewater services at Lake Amador.

JVID was formed in October of 1956 as an independent special district to provide irrigation services to the Jackson Valley area. The principal act that governs the District is the Irrigation District Law. The principal act empowers such districts to provide water “for any beneficial use” and may do any act to put to any beneficial use any water under its control. In addition, irrigation districts may provide water-related drainage services and, under certain circumstances, electric and wastewater services. Districts must apply 1274
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Amador County JVID Annex G-3
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
and obtain LAFCO approval to exercise those services authorized by the principal act but not already provided by the district in 2000 (i.e., latent powers).

The JVID boundary is located in southwestern Amador County, west of the Pardee Reservoir and east of the Amador-San Joaquin County line. Lake Amador is located within the northeast portion of the District.

Communities in the vicinity of JVID include Buena Vista and the Buena Vista Rancheria, Camanche Village and Camanche North Shore. The boundary of JVID encompasses the residential community of Buena Vista Estates. The District has a boundary area of approximately 13,665 acres (21 square miles).

Records of the District’s boundary history include four annexations and three detachments.

G.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 JVID 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 District’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 District. This includes the following sections:
➢ G.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ G.4.2 Hazard Identification
➢ G.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards G.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the JVID’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 JVID’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 District, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section G.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the District, both current and future, is presented.

Assets Inventory
The District’s asset inventory is detailed in the following sections:
➢ People and Populations
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Amador County JVID Annex G-4
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Structures
➢ Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
➢ Community Lifelines
➢ Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
➢ Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
A discussion of each of these assets follows and serves as the template for the asset discussion for each hazard in Section G.4.3.

People and Populations
The most important asset within any community are the people and populations that reside in the community. People and populations in the District include both District staff and workers as well as those populations located within District boundaries and served by the District. This section includes an inventory of past and current populations of the District and also discusses vulnerable populations and underserved communities as a subsection of people and populations located within the District and potentially at risk to hazards. Information from the District and other sources as detailed below form the basis of this discussion.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
The most important asset within any community are the people and populations that reside in the District which include both Agency staff and workers and those populations served by JVID. The District provides services to roughly 1,000 full-time residents. The general make up a JVID’s service territory is mostly farmer, ranchers with some disadvantaged and low-income populations.

Special and Vulnerable Populations
There is a 210 home mobile/ modular home community (The Oaks Community) that is in the District’s Service Area. In addition, there are 4 full time employees with JVID.

Structures and Critical Facilities
This section considers the JVID’s assets at risk, with a focus on key District assets such as critical facilities, infrastructure, and other District assets and their values. With respect to District assets, the majority of these assets are considered critical facilities as defined for this Plan. Critical facilities are defined for this Plan as:

Table G-3 lists critical facilities and other District assets identified by the District Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster. JVID’s physical assets, valued at over $90 million, consist of the buildings and infrastructure to support the District’s operations. 1276
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Amador County JVID Annex G-5
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table G-3 JVID Critical Facilities, Infrastructure, and Other District Assets Name of Asset Facility Type Replacement Value Which Hazards Pose Risk
Jackson Creek Dam Earth Fill Reservoir Storage $65,000,000 Earthquake, Dam Failure, Wildfire
Transmission, Piping, Outlet
Works
Water Transmission $15,000,000 Earthquake, Dam Failure, Freezing, Wildfire
Spillway Water / Flood releases $2,000,000 Flood, Wildfire Power House Power Generation $2,000,000 Dam Failure, Drought, Wildfire
Irrigation Pump Station Water Transmission $250,000 Flood (Levee Failure), Wildfire
Water Treatment Plant Domestic Water Production $5,000,000 Dam Failure, Drought, Severe Weather, Wildfire
Admin Office and Shop Governmental Administration $1,200,000 Earthquake, Drought, Severe Weather, Agriculture
Hazards, Wildfire
Total $90,450,000
Source: JVID
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the JVID 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 JVID Annex G-6
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ 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 District’s community lifelines overlap with the Planning Area’s. It should also be noted that these lifelines collectively include many of the critical facilities and infrastructure assets inventoried for this LHMP, including those assets owned by the District. 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 JVID 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
JVID has a variety of natural resources of value to the District. These natural resources parallels that of Amador County Planning Area as a whole. Information can be found in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan and the jurisdictional annexes for the cities.

Historic and Cultural Resources
JVID has a variety of historic and cultural resources of value to the District. These historic and cultural resources parallels that of Amador County Planning Area as a whole. Information can be found in Section

4.2.1 of the Base Plan.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
Assessing the vulnerability of the JVID to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the economic assets and community activities of value in the District.

The economic assets in JVID revolve around the reservoir and what it’s able to provide. These include recreational activities such as camping, fishing and boating. Water from the reservoir is used for farming, aquaculture, hydrogeneration, biomass power generation and additionally water for potable use for the community.

Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the District. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section G.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, these District’s economic assets may be vulnerable.

Community Activities of Value
Inventorying economic assets in the District 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 or other activities that bring money into the communities such as sports tournaments and other recreational activities. Community Activities of Value for the County were discussed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan and are assumed to be the same or similar for the District.

Growth and Development Trends
As part of the planning process, the District 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. In addition to evaluating population growth and expansion in the JVID Service Area, this inventory section details future JVID development plans and projectsthat are likely to occur over the next five years covered by this 2025 LHMP. For Districts, this generally includes the following:
➢ Plans for expansion or build out of the District’s Service Area, including new service hookups, and other District functions related to where the District will be expanding services. This is discussed in the Population Trends and Projections: JVID Service Area section below. ➢ Construction/development projects related to adding new District facilities, infrastructure, land acquisition, etc. This is discussed in the Future Development section below. 1279
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Population Trends and Projections: JVID Service Area
Growth trends over the past 5 years have been limited. Plans for future development within the JVID Service Area include two primary expansion projects. The first is from a property owner that is trying to convert a parcel into a 200 space RV park just 1 mile downstream of the reservoir. The property owner is currently going through an EIR with Amador County and have yet to be fully permitted. The second project, the Kreth Line Treated Water Project, will expand JVID’s Service Areas approximately 6 miles to connect 25 additional customers to the treated water system.

The District is also conducting conversations with a local Mi-Wuk native American tribe to connect a failing well water system into JVID’s Treated water system that will incorporate 12 additional homes.

Specific to the District’s irrigation water, which includes two systems, a very small treated water system, and irrigation system, there is no talk of expanding this Service Area in the District within the next five years.

Development since 2020 Plan
The District has seen limited growth since 2020. Being a primarily agriculture zone there has not been much growth or development within the District itself or its Service Area. Since the 2020 LHMP, JVID has not added additional facilities. Most of the parcels are 5 acres to 100+ acre parcels that are used for small to large ranching and farming activities. Development in the District Service Area can be seen in Figure G-2. As shown, development has been limited. None of this occurred in hazard zones.

Figure G-2 JVID – Total Development since 2020
Property Use 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 2 1 1 0 0
Commercial 0 0 0 0 0
Industrial 1 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0
Total 3 1 0 0 0
Source: JVID
Future Development
It is important to review future development plans for the District. Depending on the asset, 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.

JVID is in the queue for around $6 million project, the Kreth Line Treated Water Project, in partnership with the California Water Boards to extend a treated waterline approximately 6 miles to connect 25 additional customers to the treated water system. This project is estimated to cost $20k - $100k for infrastructure and other required improvements. Additionally, the District has a couple smaller projects replacing irrigation pipeline and valving.
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Amador County JVID Annex G-9
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
G.4.2. Hazard Identification
The JVID identified the hazards that affect the District and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance (or priority of a hazard) specific to the District.

Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table G-4 are considered JVID priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact in the District 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 District to focus resources where they are most needed. 1281
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Amador County JVID Annex G-10
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table G-4 JVID—Hazard Identification Assessment
Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Likelihood of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Extensive Likely Catastrophic High Medium
Avalanche Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Significant Occasional Limited Medium -- Dam Failure Extensive Unlikely Catastrophic High Medium Drought & Water shortage (w/
tree mortality)
Extensive Likely Critical High High
Earthquake (w/subhazards) Extensive Occasional Limited Medium Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual
chance (w/ levee failure)
Significant Occasional Limited Medium Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Limited Likely Limited Low Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris
Flow
Limited Likely Limited Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme
Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Limited Occasional Limited Medium Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Likely Limited Low High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains
and Storms (Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Likely Limited Low Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds
and Tornadoes
Extensive Likely Limited Low Medium
Wildfire (w/smoke and air
quality)
Extensive Occasional Critical Medium 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 JVID Annex G-11
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
G.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 JVID (as identified in the Significance column of Table G-4). This section focuses on where and how the District is affected by their priority hazards. 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 District 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 District 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 District 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.

After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
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➢ Local Concerns – This includes District provided information on how the District 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 G.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures and 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 G.4.1 above and Chapter 4 of the Base Plan.
➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the District, its assets, and the ability to provide continued and reliable services. 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 JVID Annex G-13
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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
PSPS and power outages are common in the JVID jurisdiction. JVID utilizes propane backup generators at the water treatment plant and JVID administration office.

Agricultural Hazards (Severe Weather/Pests/Invasive Species) Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Farming and related agricultural industries are not only important to Amador County’s economy, but they also play a central role in the way of life of County residents and help define the character of the County.

Location and Extent
Agricultural hazards, including issues associated with severe weather as well as nuisance insects, pests and weeds, occur throughout the County where lands are used for farming, grazing, timber production, and other agricultural uses. The larger County has large swaths of agricultural lands. Areas of the County, such as the incorporated communities and higher elevations of the County, contain fewer agricultural lands, and are thus not as greatly affected by agricultural hazards. In the Amador Planning Area, a notable exception is the wine industry where some of the incorporated communities include businesses and vineyards related to wine production. While cities and Districts may not always be directly affected, they are indirectly affected economically when agricultural losses occur.

Amador County JVID Annex G-14
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
or long onset, and short or long durations. All agricultural losses can have a significant impact on affected communities.

4.3.6 of the Base Plan). 16 were from drought, 2 were from freeze, and 2 were from other severe weather events.

NCDC Events
The NCDC does not track agricultural events.

JVID Events
The District noted that agriculture events occur yearly, though with varying levels of damages to a variety of crops. In 2014, a drought occurred where JVID saw reduced water which in consequence reduced crop production in some cases up to 50% due to the lack of water. There was a handful of farming operations that elected not to take water resulting in completely fallowed fields. This caused financial damage to the District as it took nearly two years before those irrigators went back into production because of the drought.

More recently, the District noted damage from the 2023 winter storms caused flood damage to crop areas.

Along with this, in November 2024 California Department of Wildlife issued concerns regarding the invasive aquatic species – Golden Mussel. JVID is in the process of mitigating for this new invasive species that should it be found in the District, could take over Lake Amador and cause havoc in the aquatic environment.

Climate Change and Agricultural Hazards
According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), addressing climate change in agriculture will encompass reducing vulnerability through adapting to the ongoing and predicted impacts of climate.

Agriculture in California is vulnerable to predicted impacts of climate change, including less reliable water supplies, increased temperatures, and increased pests.

Amador County JVID Annex G-15
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
conditions. Furthermore, while warming speeds up the life cycles of many insects, suggesting that pest problems could increase, some insects may grow more slowly as elevated carbon dioxide levels decrease the protein content of the leaves on which they feed.

Vulnerability to Agricultural Hazards (Severe Weather/Pests/Invasive Species) According to historical hazard data, both severe weather affecting agriculture and insects, pests, and weeds are an annual occurrence in the District. If left unchecked, severe weather, and agricultural pests and weeds can threaten native species, biodiversity, ecosystem services, recreation, water resources, agricultural and forest production, cultural resources, economies and property values, public safety, and infrastructure.

An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to this hazard begins with an understanding of local exposure to the JVID. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that, vulnerability is discussed in multiple sections that detail how this hazard can affect the entire District. These sections include assets at risk, impacts, and how future conditions and development can be affected by this hazard.

Local Concerns
The District 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.

According to the USDA, every year natural disasters, such as droughts, extreme heat and cold, floods, fires, earthquakes, hail, landslides, and tornadoes, challenge agricultural production. Because agriculture relies on the weather, climate, and water availability to thrive, it is easily impacted by natural events and disasters.

Given the importance of agriculture to the District and Amador County, agricultural hazards continue to be an ongoing concern. The primary causes of agricultural losses in the District are severe weather events, such as drought, heavy rains, freeze, and extreme heat; insect/pest infestations; and noxious weeds.

JVID’s Service Area includes alfalfa, nut trees (walnuts), grapes, vegetables (corn, row crops), and pasture lands. Drought and lack of water is the biggest concern for the District when it comes to operation. Severe weather such as freezing, extreme heat and invasive pests can be hazards that are a concern for perennial crops (trees, grapes) that can have a large investment and be compromised in one season due to the unforeseen hazards. Row crops and pasture lands being more of annual crop is less vulnerable to the longterm impacts of from agriculture hazards but is still a large concern for the District because of the financial impacts to the not only the District but the County as well. As well, the reservoir provides hydrogeneration, aquaculture, and potable water for use in the community. However, the opposite problem can occur, with heavy rains causing potential flooding issues for the District. Additionally, invasive aquatic species can impact recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and boating which provides economic resources for JVID.

Lake Amador does not currently have any threating aquatic invasive species. There is great concern in California regarding the Zebra, Quagga and recently found Golden Mussels in the California Delta. If invasive species were to take residence in Lake Amador it could cause devastating impacts to the operation of valving, piping, and other water transportation mechanisms within JVID’s water distribution system.

Additionally, other invasive aquatic species may include plants and algae blooms. 1287
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-16
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from this hazard include people and populations; structures and critical facilities; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
People and populations in the District include both District staff and workers as well as those populations located within District boundaries and served by the District. Agricultural hazards have a minimal effect on people and populations in the District, including District staff and vulnerable populations. However, damage to crops from both severe weather and invasive and nuisance insects, pests, and weeds can cause significant increases in food prices and food insecurity among low-income communities.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the District, including their owned assets, may be affected by agricultural hazards. Structures and the severe weather that affect crops in the County are discussed in other sections of this annex. Regarding nuisance species, some species can impact vegetation and can result in stream bank instability, erosion, and increased sedimentation, impacting ground stabilization and possibly causing foundation issues for nearby structures. If species cause trees and other vegetation to die, there is an increased risk of damage to roadways, powerlines, and buildings, and increased risk to wildfire. Some nuisance plants have been shown to destabilize soil due to high densities and shallow root systems, negatively impacting nearby buildings and septic systems. Other nuisance plant species have been known to clog culverts and streams, increasing flooding risk. Additionally, soil that becomes unstable due to decaying vegetation can impact critical facilities that are built on or around these soils.

Structures (from Table G-3) that the District considers at risk from this hazard include the Admin Office and Shop.

Impacts from Agricultural Hazards: (Severe Weather/Pests/Invasive Species) The consequences of agricultural disasters to the District and larger Amador County include ruined plant crops, dead livestock, ruined feed and agricultural equipment, monetary loss, job loss, and possible multiyear effects (i.e., trees might not produce if damaged, loss of markets, food shortages, increased prices, 1288
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-17
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
possible spread of disease to people, and loss or contamination of animal products). Overall, any type of severe agricultural disaster can have significant economic impacts on both the agricultural community, the JVID, and the entire Amador County Planning Area. With the recent threat of the Golden Mussel, recreation has been restricted in some areas impacting local economies. Ag impacts can also result in significant increases in food prices to the consumer due to shortages. Under some conditions, insects that have been present and relatively harmless can become hazardous. For example, severe drought conditions can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to destruction from insect attacks.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the District may be affected in the future by climate change, 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 in the District is not likely to have an impact on agricultural hazards in Amador County, except to the extent that agricultural lands are taken out of production as new development occurs reducing available land for agricultural uses, including those related to farming, timber production and grazing.

Further, with additional development in the District, there may be additional competition for water resources thus possibly impacting the agricultural industry. JVID is always considering building more water storage to mitigate drought and related agricultural concerns but it is extremely expensive in today’s environmental and governmental climate.
1289
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-18
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Climate Change
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly 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.

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 District 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 JVID, 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.

NCDC Events
NCDC does not track climate change events.

JVID Events
Climate change has never been directly linked to any declared disasters. While the District noted that climate change is of concern, no specific impacts of climate change could be recalled. The District and HMPC members noted that the strength of storms does seem to be increasing and the temperatures seem to be getting hotter. The District also noted that the atmospheric river events seem to be getting more intense. 1290
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-19
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Vulnerability to Climate Change
The whole of the District is at some measure of vulnerability to climate change. The District Planning Team has concerns that the vulnerability of the District 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 District’s assets at risk, and impacts to this hazard.

Due to the importance of the reservoir to the District, the primary concern of climate change would be an overall reduction in rain production to fill the reservoir resulting in lack of or reduced water supply. The changing environment could cause negative impacts such as availability for consistent water reliability from the small JVID watershed. Hotter or colder weather cycles could force farmers to change crop types and or fallow fields.

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

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Climate change, on its own, does not generally impact structures. However, structures in areas of increased wildfire, drought, extreme heat, or flood areas exacerbated by the effects of climate change would be at increased risk, as described throughout this LHMP. Due to the slow onset of climate change, many structures in the District are expected to undergo improvements and adapt over time to a new climate normal.
1291
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-20
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
The rivers, streams, agricultural areas, and open space areas of the District 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 District 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 District 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 District 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

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the District 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. 1292
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-21
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 District include the following:
➢ As climate change continues to accelerate over time, climate related impacts to the District will continue to increase.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the District show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively limited, which is unlikely to affect this hazard and associated impacts to the District. The District may add staff, but this number would be small. The District noted it has no control over population changes in its Service Area, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services. ➢ Changes in land use and development in the District are expected to be relatively limited in the near future and thus are not likely to affect climate change impacts to the District. In addition, adherence to protective building codes for new development will also assist in limiting future impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the District to this hazard.

In addition, climate change can influence development in the District over time. The District 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 District, 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.

Dam Failure
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional
Vulnerability–Extremely High
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. 1293
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-22
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 JVID are shown on Figure G-3. JVID owns the Jackson Creek Dam, classified as a High Hazard dam. Information on the dam owned by the District is discussed in the Local Concerns section below.

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 District would be affected for as long as the flood waters from the dam failure took to drain downstream.

Geographic flood extent from the DSOD dam inundation areas is shown on Figure G-3 and Figure G-4, as well as in Table G-5 and Table G-6.
1294
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-23
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure G-3 JVID – Extremely High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas 1295
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-24
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table G-5 JVID – Extremely High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Geographical Extents JVID
Jurisdiction/Dam
Inundation Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Unincorporated Amador County
Bear River 2 0.01% 0.001 0.00001% 2 0.1%
Lower Bear River 0.001 0.00001% 0.001 0.00001% -
Pardee 45 0.3% 30 0.3% 15 0.6%
Pardee - Spillway 2,865 22% 2,359 23% 507 19%
Salt Springs -
Scenario 2
1,638 12% 1,400 13% 238 9%
Source: Cal OES, DSOD, Amador County GIS
1296
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-25
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure G-4 JVID – High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas
1297
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-26
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table G-6 JVID – High Hazard Dam Inundation Areas Geographical Extents JVID
Jurisdiction/Dam
Inundation Area
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Unincorporated Amador County
Bear River 2 0.01% 0.001 0.00001% 2 0.1%
Lower Bear River 0.001 0.00001% 0.001 0.00001% -
Pardee 45 0.3% 30 0.3% 15 0.6%
Pardee - Spillway 2,865 22% 2,359 23% 507 19%
Salt Springs -
Scenario 2
1,638 12% 1,400 13% 238 9%
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.

JVID Events
The District noted no dam failure occurrences that have affected the District. The Jackson Valley Dam and facility are inspected annually by FERC and DSOD as part of an annual inspection, and every five years, JVID is required to do a detailed independent review of the facility to ensure the safety of the dam, which includes an in-depth survey checking for dam movement.

Though no dam failures have occurred form JVID owned and other area dams, in January and February of 2017, Jackson Creek Dam suffered erosion in the spillway. 5,000 cfs plus flowed over the Lake Amador Spillway and heavy stormwater runoff on dam face. Considerable erosion took place in our downstream spillway area due to high spill flows from the Jackson Creek. There was also some residual damage to the concrete sill and apron that this event contributed to where some additional concrete reinforcement had to be done to protect the sill from future damage. There was also some superficial erosion to the dam face from stormwater runoff. JVID received Approximately $225,000 of FEMA funding to repair and mitigate the eroded areas that were damaged from the large storm event.

In 2023 during the storm events, JVID activated its EAP high flow and flood warnings from spillway flows from Lake Amador Dam, also known as the Jackson Creek Dam. There was some spillway erosion that took place due to the high flows in 2023 storm events. The damage did not impact the function of the spillway, but it will need to be addressed in the future so that damage does not take place in future events. 1298
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-27
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 District can be found below and in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

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 District.

Vulnerability to Dam Failure
The vulnerability of the District 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 District’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

JVID is the owner of a dam in Amador County. Jackson Creek Dam (aka Lake Amador Dam) is located on Jackson Creek, approximately four miles southeast of Ione, California, and six miles west of Jackson, California, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Jackson Creek Dam is owned and operated by the Jackson Valley Irrigation District (JVID) for irrigation, recreation, domestic, and power generation purposes and is regulated by both the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). The dam is classified as “High Hazard Potential.” Construction of the earth-fill dam began in 1964 and was completed in 1965.

Jackson Creek Dam impounds Jackson Creek to form Lake Amador with a reservoir that has an area of 400 acres and a gross storage capacity of 22,000 acre-feet at the normal maximum reservoir level of Elevation (El.) 468.0 feet (USC&GS datum) or the spillway crest level. The reservoir serves the primary function of storing winter and spring runoff and releasing it throughout the year to serve local irrigation commitments downstream along with serving a small amount of domestic water to customers. Generating power is a secondary function and only conducted if ample water exists during the winter and spring. 1299
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-28
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure G-5 Jackson Creek Dam
Source: JVID
If a dam were to fail and cause flooding, the small community of Buena Vista less than 1 miles downstream could see losses of houses and/or lives. It would be very hard for JVID to recover from a dam failure as the costs to rebuild would be insurmountable.

People and Populations
All people and populations (including both District staff and the population served by the District) 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 unhoused, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Many structures and critical facilities and infrastructure in the District have some measure of risk to dam failure. Dam failure flooding can affect the built environment of the District. Structures in dam inundation areas are at risk and depending on flood depths, can range from slight damage to totally inundated. 1300
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-29
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
According to Table G-3, the Jackson Creek Dam, Transmission, Piping, Outlet Works, Power House, and Water Treatment Plant are at risk to dam failure.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
A major dam failure event and associated flooding could have a devastating impact on the District. 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 District from dam failure flooding could be extensive and widespread and 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. Levees within the District and surrounding areas may also be damaged or destroyed contributing to the flood waters. Additionally, mass evacuations may be necessary and compounded by impacts to transportation systems and infrastructure.

Economic losses to the District 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.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the District 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.

Amador County JVID Annex G-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 District include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future rain and storm conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the District to dam failure.
➢ While population projections for the area served by the District show additional expected growth, these anticipated future changes in population are expected to be relatively small, which limits additional impacts to the District. The District may add staff, but this number would be small. Additional growth within the dam inundation areas of the District would place additional populations at risk to dam failure.

The District noted it has no control over population changes, it merely reacts to them by providing additional (or reduced) services.
➢ 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 dam failure risk may put additional development at risk. 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 District to this hazard.

Future Development
Future dam failure events may occur in the District. Although new growth and development may fall in the area flooded by a dam failure, given the limited potential of total dam failure and the large area that a dam failure would affect, development in the dam inundation area will continue to occur. Mitigation measures to educate and inform the public of the potential consequences of a dam failure within the inundation area and the creation of evacuation plans and notification systems should be considered for such an event.

Drought & Water Shortage
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–High
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.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-31
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Tree Mortality and Drought
One of the specific impacts of drought in the Amador County Planning Area, that can also affect JVID, 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 District. 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 District that provides relief during extreme heat days.

Location and Extent
Drought and water shortage are regional phenomenon. The whole of the District 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 JVID, 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 District 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. 1303
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-32
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been 2 state and 1 federal disaster declarations for Amador County. This can be seen in Table G-7. Additionally, there have been 16 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations from drought in the County.

Table G-7 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 District.

JVID Events
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the JVID, 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 District did note that there were large impacts during the 2014 drought event. Information provided from a study on drought impacts to the Amador Water Agency and JVID are discussed below:

In January 2014, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced 17 water agencies and towns in California that were at severe risk of drinking water shortages due to the drought. Based on surveying the State’s community water systems, CDPH compiled the list of communities that could face severe impacts within 60 to 100 days of the announcement if no actions were taken to supplement supplies. JVID, which serves 12,800 acres along Jackson Creek owned by farmers and ranchers in Amador County, was included on the list.

JVID provides wholesale water supply; distributes raw water for agricultural irrigation and fish farms, as well as industrial and domestic uses; distributes bottled water to domestic users; and generates hydroelectric power in southwestern Amador County.

It serves primarily agricultural and rural customers in the area between Lake Amador and Lake Camanche. JVID provides irrigation water to the farms and ranches in Jackson Valley and is the only source of water for dozens of homes, including those in the Oaks Mobile Home Park in Buena Vista, a severely disadvantaged community with a median household income (MHI) just 52% of California’s statewide MHI. The primary agricultural activity in JVID includes alfalfa, walnuts, vineyards, and pasture, and most of the water JVID supplies is used for irrigation. The 2018 Municipal Service Review (MSR) for Amador County states that JVID’s surface water use averages 2 acre1304 Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-33
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
feet (AF) per acre, per year. Given this estimation, JVID provides about 8,382 AF per year for irrigation uses.

JVID receives most of its water from surface water sources, such as Jackson Creek and the Mokelumne River. JVID has rights to store up to 36,000 AF of flows from Jackson Creek and divert 3,850 AF of flows from the Mokelumne River (but no storage is currently in place). JVID’s water rights on the Mokelumne River are subject to reversion and substitution with recycled water, and the flows from Jackson Creek contain 5% wastewater effluent about 30% of the time. The lack of diversity and the unpredictable nature of its water rights leaves JVID’s water supply highly vulnerable, especially in light of the current drought.

According to the 2014 MSR for Amador County, JVID is not meeting existing drinking water or agricultural demands for the areas it serves. On January 27, 2014 JVID made a formal request to purchase water from AWA to help offset the shortfall as a result of the severe drought impacts. AWA staff and its Drought Ad Hoc committee met several times and agreed to provide JVID up to 5,000 acre-feet of water this summer and fall to get them through this challenging time and allow the farmers and ranchers to save their growing season.

Farms were affected by the drought, some with fallowed fields; these took several years to go back into production. There was financial damage to the District for lost revenue and the District had to implement emergency rates, purchase water and pull from reserve funds to survive the impacts of the drought.

The District noted no drought events had affected it since the 2020 LHMP. According to the District, there were no droughts of recent concern. The last major drought affecting the District was 2013-2015.

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 District 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 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.

Amador County JVID Annex G-34
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 District, 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 JVID 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 District 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 District’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the District, 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. JVID and its customers are vulnerable to droughts and associated impacts.

Water availability and drought have always been one of the biggest concerns for JVID. Procuring additional water from other nearby watersheds and/or agencies would help protect the District’s existing operations and help mitigate future droughts. Additionally, identifying nearby areas to store additional water has also been a priority for JVID.

People and Populations
The people and populations (both staff and those served by the District) of the District are not directly affected by general drought conditions; 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 District may be vulnerable to drought and water shortage issues. Water quality can be impacted 1306
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-35
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
causing health problems, especially to vulnerable populations where access to clean water supplies can be more challenging. Water shortages can have an effect on all of the populations in the District, but often have a greater effect on the unhoused and other vulnerable populations that may be unable to access and afford clean drinking water during shortages. During periods of drought as the costs of water usage may increase, those who are economically disadvantaged may be unable to afford the increased costs of potable water.

Structures and Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Most District structures, 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 systems (like those of the District) 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 District facilities. 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.

Structures (from Table G-3) that the District considers at risk from this hazard include the Power House, Water Treatment Plan, and Admin Office and Shop.

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. Water quality can also be diminished in periods of drought. Further, all of the trees in the District are at risk to drought impacts and a reduction in water supply. These trees provide a wealth of social and environmental benefits to District 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 District.

Impacts from Drought and Water Shortage
The vulnerability of the District to drought is District-wide, but impacts may vary and include reduction in water supply and quality, 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 District.
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Amador County JVID Annex G-36
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Other qualitative impacts associated with drought in the District 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 District 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.

It is important to plan for future development and drought and water shortage issues with conservation efforts and efficient water use. This may include putting in place agreements to purchase more water or to increase storage capacity. The District has access to large quantities of water through its reservoir and ground water supply. However, population growth in the District will add additional pressure to the District during periods of drought and water shortage.

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, 1308
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County JVID Annex G-37
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
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 District is at risk to earthquake. The JVID, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards. Faults in and around the District 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 JVID.

Sutter Creek City CouncilApril 6, 2026

Sutter Creek City Council
April 6, 2026