Rethinking the 100-Year Flood Event episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 11, 2026 · 45 MIN

Rethinking the 100-Year Flood Event

from Weather Geeks

Guest: Dr. Younes Alila, University of British ColumbiaFloods are some of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth—washing away homes, reshaping landscapes, and testing the limits of our infrastructure. But what if the way we measure and plan for floods is decades out of date? A new study out of the University of British Columbia led by Dr. Younes Alila reveals that the so-called “100-year flood” may now be striking every 10 years or less across parts of British Columbia. Dr. Alila joins us to unpack how land-use changes, deforestation, and a warming climate are amplifying flood frequency, why natural features like wetlands and forests are key to protection, and what communities can do to adapt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, host Jen Carfagno speaks with Dr. Younes Alila about the evolving understanding of flood events, particularly the shift from focusing on magnitude to frequency. Dr. Alila discusses his research on how deforestation and climate change are increasing the frequency of floods, challenging the traditional 100-year flood concept. He emphasizes the need for updated flood management strategies that consider both the frequency and magnitude of flood events, as well as the impact of land use changes in headwaters. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating scientific findings into policy and practice to better prepare for and mitigate flood risks

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Rethinking the 100-Year Flood Event

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This episode was published on February 11, 2026.

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Guest: Dr. Younes Alila, University of British ColumbiaFloods are some of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth—washing away homes, reshaping landscapes, and testing the limits of our infrastructure. But what if the way we measure and plan...

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