Flood Warning Issued for Salt and Gila Rivers

Water released from upstream dams is moving through Valley rivers and normally dry channels after last weekend's storms.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Current Conditions

Flat-color editorial illustration of a shallow desert river carrying brown floodwater between tan banks and creosote scrub under a grey sky, evoking the Valley flood warning. — Flood warnings remain in effect for the Salt and Gila rivers through Saturday afternoon as water released from upstream dams moves through Valley channels. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Have you checked whether your home sits within a mapped floodplain?

The National Weather Service has a flood warning in effect for the Salt and Gila rivers through 2 p.m. Saturday. Water released from upstream dams is moving through Valley rivers and normally dry channels following last weekend's storms.

Why it matters

Residents in Phoenix and surrounding areas should be aware that flood risk extends beyond river channels, since properties outside mapped floodplains may still face flooding. Officials note that floodplain maps cannot guarantee a property will not flood.

The flood warning is tied to water releases from upstream dams following last weekend's storms, with the warning active until 2 p.m. Saturday. Forecast peak river levels and flow volumes were not provided in the available data.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings across the United States.

Maricopa County Flood Control District

The local agency that manages flood control infrastructure and provides floodplain determinations to county residents at no cost.

The details

The National Weather Service's Thursday morning update included the warning for the Salt and Gila rivers. Residents can check whether their property lies in a mapped floodplain using the Maricopa County Floodplain Viewer, which is a screening tool rather than an official determination.

Last weekend: storms that led to upstream dam releases
Thursday morning: National Weather Service flood warning update issued
2 p.m. Saturday: Salt and Gila river flood warning expires

Seasonal Patterns

The county floodplain viewer serves as a screening tool for residents to check their property's flood exposure during events like the current Salt and Gila river warning. The viewer does not replace an official floodplain determination, which the Maricopa County Flood Control District provides at no cost.

Residents can check flood exposure through the Maricopa County Floodplain Viewer or call the Maricopa County Flood Control District at 602-506-2419 for an official determination. The City of Phoenix Floodplain Management Office can be reached at 602-262-4960 for elevation certificate information.

The takeaway

Flood risk in the Valley can extend beyond mapped floodplains and river channels, so checking property status before a storm is worthwhile. Calling the county or city floodplain office can clarify your specific risk.