HARDWICK – Vermont’s landscape, defined by its rugged terrain and abundant waterways, is not accurately reflected in FEMA’s Floodplain maps. These federally-generated maps often fail to capture the flood risks posed by small brooks and streams; features that are common in many Vermont towns. While the State of Vermont does attempt to address this gap by identifying river corridors (areas where water bodies may meander beyond traditional flood zones) That designation overlooks many of the smaller watercourses scattered throughout the state.
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A compelling example can be found at 2832 Craftsbury Road (Route 14 North) in Hardwick, where a small mountain stream flows down a hillside and beneath the road through a series of culverts. The house that once stood there took full advantage of the peaceful setting. The homeowners built a deck overlooking the stream and enjoyed the tranquility of the location.
But in July 2023, that peaceful setting turned perilous. Following heavy rainfall, the stream swelled beyond its banks. By the end of the storm, over four feet of water and mud had flooded the home. The owners had evacuated with their son before the worst occurred. Their home was uninhabitable when they returned.
Initially, the family hoped to repair and return. They consulted the Town of Hardwick to explore their options. The property was located outside of both the FEMA floodplain and the state-identified river corridor. The stream responsible for the flooding was too minor to appear on any state or federal maps.
First Street Foundation, a private organization that develops flood risk models for insurance and financial sectors, had rated the property as a 9 out of 10 in terms of flood risk. Their model had not only predicted the 2023 flooding, but also anticipated future occurrences.
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Faced with the reality of increasing flood risk and limited mitigation options, the homeowners opted into the State of Vermont’s Flood Resilient Communities Fund (FRCF) buyout program. Working with the Town of Hardwick, they sold their home, which was subsequently demolished and the lot was re-seeded in late June 2024.
According to the former homeowners: “The buyout was a financial blessing. We owned our house for 13 years. We had so much sweat equity in the place. It was our home. To be able to recuperate something financially toward a new home was huge. We were so grateful for the help from the Town, and we were grateful with how easy the process was…”
Then, on July 9, 2024, barely two weeks later, the same unassuming mountain stream rose again and flooded the now-empty site. For this location, options like elevating or rebuilding the home were not viable. The 2024 flood served as a stark reminder that climate-driven flooding is accelerating faster than state or federal mapping systems can adapt.
Today, the site sits empty, its future uncertain but no longer tied to risk. With the threat of flooding ever-present, no major plans are expected. The town will introduce a field of wildflowers, perhaps, or a pollinator garden. What remains clear is that the family who once lived here is now safely out of harm’s way. In a time of rising waters and shifting climates, that alone marks a quiet success.
Kristen Leahy is zoning and floodplain administrator for the Town of Hardwick
