Enter any address in Elmore County, Idaho to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms dominates Elmore County's flood events. Over the last 30 years, the NOAA Storm Events Database recorded 13 flash flood events and 7 general flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding on August 2, 2023, attributed to monsoon moisture and thunderstorms, and on August 1, 2021, also linked to monsoonal moisture and heavy rain. Earlier, on February 8, 2017, heavy rain from a warm front caused flooding across South Central Idaho, impacting the county.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced 9 claims with an average payout of $5,074 and an average water depth of 0.2 feet. One claim was recorded in Zone X, with an average payout of $6,256 and an average water depth of 0.0 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, and those residing near rivers or in areas prone to rapid runoff, should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Elmore County, Idaho has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 13 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 11 federal disaster declarations, 3 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1964–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | May 6, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Flooding | Flood | Feb 5, 2017 |
| Elk Fire | Fire | Aug 12, 2013 |
| Trinity Ridge Fire | Fire | Aug 15, 2012 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 27, 2000 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud And Landslides | Severe Storm | Nov 16, 1996 |
| Drought | Drought | May 5, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 2, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 8, 2017 | 2.00K |
| Flood | May 7, 2017 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 5, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 12, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 16, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 17, 2011 | 25.00K |
| Flood | Jun 4, 2010 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Aug 2, 2023
Monsoon moisture in tandem with a strong upper level trough brought periods of heavy rain and strong thunderstorms to the West Central Mountains.
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2021
Monsoonal moisture associated with a low pressure system brought locally heavy rain and thunderstorms to southwestern Oregon and southeastern Idaho. Flash flood watches were issued to the area due to the extensive precipitation.
Flood — Feb 8, 2017
Strong Southwesterly flow behind a warm front spread heavy rain across most of the intermountain west. Flooding occurred in most of South Central Idaho.
Flood — May 7, 2017
Spring snow melt flooding occurred across much of Southwest Idaho as a result of an above normal snow pack for the winter of 2016 to 2017.
Flash Flood — Jul 31, 2014
Terrain driven circulations continued to drive thunderstorm development and flash flooding across the central mountain ranges of Idaho.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Elmore County, Idaho:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Elmore County, Idaho that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.