Enter any address in Owyhee County, Idaho to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the dominant flood character in Owyhee County. Between 2000 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 18 flash flood events and 10 general flood events. Recent occurrences include localized urban flooding on June 13, 2023, following heavy rain, and a flash flood event on October 19, 2015, which involved a vehicle being swept away by a debris flow.
These events highlight the potential for rapid water level rises due to intense precipitation, sometimes exacerbated by antecedent soil moisture. Residents in areas prone to flash flooding, particularly those in low-lying locations or near drainage channels, should remain aware of weather conditions and potential flood risks.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Owyhee County, Idaho has recorded 28 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 18 flash floods and 10 river or area floods. The county has received 6 federal disaster declarations, 1 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 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Dec 30, 2005 |
| Hurricane Katrina | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud And Landslides | Severe Storm | Nov 16, 1996 |
| Heavy Rains & Flooding | Flood | Dec 31, 1964 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 13, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 10, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Oct 19, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 12, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 5, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 14, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 9, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 21, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 14, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2009 | 0.00K (1 deaths) |
Flood — Jun 13, 2023
A nearly stationary upper level low over the Four Corners region brought periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms which caused localized urban flooding in south central Idaho. Rainfall totals were around 0.50 inches, but the previous days rainfall made areas more prone to localized flooding.
Flood — Aug 10, 2022
An upper level trough on the West Coast slowly edged in between a ridge of high pressure to the east of the region. This allowed for monsoon moisture to move into the region along with strong southwest flow. Several days of isolated supercells occurred, bringing heavy rain and large hail to the region.
Flash Flood — Oct 19, 2015
Heavy rain fell across parts of Southwest Idaho overnight on the 18th through the 19th leading to flash flooding including a vehicle swept away by a debris flow.
Flash Flood — Sep 12, 2013
An expansive upper low situated across Eastern Nevada fed moisture northward into Idaho where intense convection spurred flash flooding across the area.
Flash Flood — Sep 5, 2013
A strong upper level jet moving through the area brought severe thunderstorms to parts of Southeast Oregon and Southwest Idaho.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Owyhee 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 Owyhee 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.