About Us

RiskHydro is a specialized water resources and environmental consulting firm serving A/E partners, private utilities and developers, public utilities and municipalities, and attorneys.

Our Mission

Bring Clarity to Hydrologic Risk

RiskHydro’s mission is to help clients understand and manage hydrologic risk through a transparent, science-based framework. By quantifying frequency, consequences, and uncertainty, we turn complex data into practical decisions across dam safety, floodplain management, and stormwater and watershed planning.

About The Firm

Our Certifications & Professional Credentials

RiskHydro’s expertise is grounded in professional licensure and specialized certifications that reflect both technical depth and regulatory trust. Our team includes licensed Professional Geologists (PG), Certified Floodplain Managers (CFM), and Professional Hydrologists (PH). RiskHydro is also certified as a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Small Professional Services Firm (SPSF) and maintains additional credentials in:

Stormwater Control Measure Inspection & Maintenance
Surface Water Identification & Training

These qualifications ensure that every project, from dam safety assessments to stormwater and watershed planning, is led by experts who understand both the science and the regulatory context behind hydrologic risk.

Why Choose RiskHydro?

We apply a risk-informed, science-driven approach across Dam Safety, Floodplain Management, and Stormwater & Watershed Planning—led by senior experts who move fast, communicate clearly, and deliver documentation that stands up to regulatory scrutiny.

Technical Expertise, Practical Solutions

RiskHydro combines deep hydrologic and hydraulic knowledge with hands-on experience solving real-world water challenges. From advanced 1D, 2D, and 3D modeling to regulatory navigation, we deliver clarity and confidence on every project.

Responsive & Client-Focused

We know your deadlines matter. RiskHydro’s nimble size means you work directly with senior experts who provide clear communication, quick turnaround, and solutions tailored to your goals.

Trusted by Regulators & Industry Partners

With a proven track record of successful federal, state, and local approvals, we help clients avoid costly delays and reduce risk. Our reputation for quality work and collaboration makes us a trusted partner in complex projects.

Inside the Firm

Extreme Hydrology & Flood Risk

North Carolina has experienced devastating floods from storms such as Tropical Storm Chantal (2025), Hurricane Helene (2024), Hurricane Matthew (2016), and Hurricane Florence (2018). Each event reshaped how communities across the state understand flood risk and hydrologic extremes. At RiskHydro, we apply advanced hydrologic analysis and risk-informed methods to help clients prepare for, evaluate, and manage these rare but consequential events.

Whether it’s flood frequency analysis, PMP/PMF studies, or risk-based flood forecasting, RiskHydro helps partners build confidence in their flood risk planning and regulatory compliance.

Our Floodplain Management Services

Inside the Firm

Dam Safety Consequences

Our experience includes focused U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) training in dam safety risk, coupled with applied expertise in LifeSim modeling, warning system effectiveness, traffic simulation, and both direct (property and life loss) and indirect (economic and infrastructure disruption) consequence analyses.

By integrating these tools, we deliver consequence assessments that go beyond regulatory requirements and provide risk-informed insight that helps dam owners, regulators, and communities prioritize resources where they matter most, enhancing public safety and resilience.

Dam failures affect far more than the reservoir; they impact people, property, infrastructure, and entire communities. RiskHydro delivers consequence assessments that combine technical precision with real-world context, helping dam owners and regulators make informed, risk-based decisions that protect lives and infrastructure.

Our Dam Safety Services

Software Tools & Technical Capabilities

Our team maintains proficiency across a wide range of industry-standard hydrologic, hydraulic, risk, and GIS modeling tools, allowing us to deliver defensible, regulator-ready analyses for complex water resource challenges.

Hydrologic & Hydraulic Modeling

HEC-HMS
HEC-RAS (1D/2D)
SWMM (EPA / PCSWMM)
HydroCAD
FLO-2D
HY-8
SpillwayPro
SITES
WinDAM

Risk & Consequence Tools

RMC-LifeSim
RMC-TotalRisk

Watershed & Water Quality Models

HSPF
LSPC
WARMF

GIS & Visualization Tools

ArcGIS Pro
DSS-WISE

Where We’ve Worked

Drawing on project experience across 20+ states, RiskHydro’s team has supported efforts ranging from dam safety assessments to floodplain and watershed planning. Our collective background brings a regional perspective and proven technical depth to every engagement.

Client Stories

Hear From
Our Partners

Multiple Dam Safety Projects

Soil & Environmental Consultants, Inc

“RiskHydro’s experience and expertise in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and thorough understanding of NCDEQ Dam Safety regulatory requirements has proven invaluable on multiple dam related projects. RiskHydro recently helped demonstrate and document that a dam previously determined to be a Regulated and High-Hazard should be Exempt from the regulations, saving our client significant time and cost.”

– Patrick Smith, PE, LEED-AP, President

East Rose Street Culvert Replacement

TRC Engineers, Inc.

“RiskHydro has become our go-to partner for complex hydrologic and hydraulic modeling needs. Their team has an excellent eye for detail, is incredibly responsive, and delivers a final product that is both technically sound and easy to understand.”

– Luke Baker, PG, Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Program Manager

Garner Road Townhomes Flood Study

FLM Engineering, Inc.

“We turn to RiskHydro for all of our floodplain permitting needs. Their technical expertise and understanding of local and FEMA permitting is unparalleled, and they are responsive and always deliver on time. On a recent City of Raleigh-mandated flood study, their use of advanced 2D floodway modeling – a cutting-edge technique – met the city’s requirements seamlessly. We’re grateful to have them as a trusted part of our team.”

– Jon Frazier, PE, LEED AP, Principal

Confidential Project

St. John Properties Raleigh

“RiskHydro was instrumental in helping us navigate the floodplain permitting requirements for our signature flex/R&D project. Their detailed mapping of the non-encroachment area and coordination with NCDOT on the road widening kept our approvals on track and gave us confidence the project would move forward without delay.”

– Dustin Atkielski, Partner

Rosewood Subdivision Dam Emergency Action Plan

MacTavish Subdivision Homeowners Association, Inc

“Matt previously prepared our dam’s Emergency Action Plan and later completed the annual update through RiskHydro – both were approved on the initial submittal. He was responsive, clear in his communication, and made the process straightforward for our HOA.”

– Stori Bartle, HOA President

High Hazard Dam Compliance Evaluation

Private Owner

“RiskHydro delivered a comprehensive assessment of our dam, including regulatory review, preliminary visual inspection, and planning-level cost estimates for rehabilitation and breach alternatives. They clearly communicated the dam’s deficiencies, associated liabilities, and recommended interim risk-reduction measures. The analysis was thorough, objective, and instrumental in guiding our next steps. We highly recommend RiskHydro for dam safety and infrastructure consulting.”

– D.M.

Find Your Solution!

Get Started with RiskHydro

Ready to move your project forward with clarity and confidence? At RiskHydro, we combine technical expertise with responsive, hands-on support to help clients navigate dam safety, floodplain, and watershed challenges.

Contact Us