The Rapid City Flood of 1972

Other Notable Flash Floods

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event and flash floods are the most deadly natural disaster. Average annual flood damage is around $7.8 billion with an average of 94 deaths. The June 1972 flash flood in Rapid City caused 238 deaths and $165 million in damage. How do other notable flash floods compare to the Rapid City Flash Flood?

Date Location Cause Damage
(at time of flood)		 Damage
(2012 Value)		 Deaths
06/10/1972 Rapid City, SD Flash Flood $165 million $906 million 238
05/31/1889 Johnstown, PA Dam Break $17 million  $425 million  2,200
02/26/1972 Buffalo Creek, WV Dam Break $100 million  $550 million  125
07/31/1976 Big Thompson Canyon, CO Flash Flood $40 million $160 million 145
08/01/1985 Cheyenne, WY Flash Flood $61 million $130 million 12
06/14/1990 Shadyside, OH Flash Flood $8 million $14 million 26
07/28/1997 Fort Collins, CO Flash Flood $190 million $270 million 5
08/27/2002 Kaycee, WY Flash Flood $459 million $585 million 0
08/17/2007 Hermosa, SD Flash Flood  $3 million  $3.3 million  0 

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