HOLLADAY, Utah (ABC4) — The City of Holladay announced a state of emergency on Tuesday, May 16 due to “the imminent risk of flooding.”

The city declared a state of emergency, allowing it greater access to state and federal funds, due to flooding concerns “primarily from Big Cottonwood Canyon into Big Cottonwood Creek,” the city announcement said.

Big Cottonwood Creek runs through four miles of property in Holladay, amounting to eight streambank miles placing private and public properties at risk. This area is designated as a ‘special flood hazard area.’

If the creek overflows, the city said it would threaten “an imminent disaster within the City that causes risk to life and damage to homes, parks, vehicles, sidewalks, roads, and other property damage.”

In addition to the state of emergency, city officials say a portion of Kudsen Park has been closed due to the dangerous, swift water from the creek. Officials say to stay away from the streambank and keep children and pets away from the area.

The state of emergency will last 30 days and is subject to an extension if necessary.

“This declaration will allow the city to gain financial help and other resources if the spring runoff adversely affects the city,” the press release said.

Flooding resources and contacts

City officials have provided the following guidelines for residents who encounter flooding:

For life safety emergencies or active flooding of a structure, call 911. For flooding on Big Cottonwood Creek or if flood waters are approaching a structure on private property, call Salt Lake County Flood Control at 385-468-6600.

For flooding in Knudsen Park, local roads or bridges, call the City of Holladay at 801-272-9450.

In order to locate the high-risk flooding areas nearby or find public resources, click here.