Enter any address in Baker County, Oregon to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Baker County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 11 flash flood events and 4 flood events. For example, thunderstorms on June 20, 2018, caused flash flooding and debris flow in Southwest Baker County, impacting areas with recent burn scars. Additionally, heavy rain and snowmelt led to flooding along the Powder River in and around Baker City from May 15-18, 2011.
While most National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims in Baker County have resulted in zero payouts, one claim in Zone A and one in Zone UNKNOWN did incur costs. Homeowners in areas identified as Zone A or Zone UNKNOWN, as well as those residing near rivers or in areas prone to flash flooding, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
1 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Baker County, Oregon has recorded 15 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 11 flash floods and 4 river or area floods. The county has received 11 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1964–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Durkee Fire | Fire | Jul 21, 2024 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Dry Gulch Fire | Fire | Sep 13, 2015 |
| Cornet And Windy Ridge Fire Complex | Fire | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Foster Gulch Fire Complex | Fire | Jul 24, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Dec 26, 2003 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Land And Mudslides, Flooding | Severe Storm | Dec 25, 1996 |
| Drought | Drought | Apr 29, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 20, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 8, 2017 | 250.00K |
| Flood | May 20, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 15, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 2, 2010 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 2, 2006 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jun 29, 2004 | — |
Flash Flood — Jun 20, 2018
Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall developed over Southwest Baker County, Oregon on June 20th, leading to flash flooding and debris flow on the Rail and Cornet-Windy Ridge fires burn scar areas.
Flash Flood — Sep 8, 2017
Heavy rain fell across the Rail Burn Scar resulting in flash flooding including debris flow.
Flood — May 20, 2011
Baker City experienced more minor flooding as the Powder River came out of its banks from the 20th through the 22nd of the month.
Flood — May 15, 2011
The Powder River in and around Baker City went above flood stage due to heavy rain and snowmelt. Minor flooding was experienced from the 15th through the 18th of the month.
Flood — May 15, 2011
Heavy rain and snowmelt caused widespread flooding over parts of Baker and Malheur counties, epecially along and near the Burnt River.
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 Baker County, Oregon:
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 Baker County, Oregon 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.