Enter any address in Malheur County, Oregon to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding and river overflow events have occurred in Malheur County over the past 30 years. Recent examples include localized urban flooding and debris flows over Highway 20 near Juntura in June 2023, and agricultural and nuisance flooding near Vale in February 2025 due to rapid river rises. Flooding along the Snake River near Ontario and widespread flooding near the Burnt River have also been recorded.
National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest average claim payouts and water depths. Homeowners in areas prone to river overflow, such as those near the Malheur and Snake Rivers, and those in Zone A should pay particular attention to flood risk.
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.
Malheur County, Oregon has recorded 26 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 18 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 7 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 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Dec 26, 2003 |
| Drought | Drought | Apr 29, 1977 |
| Heavy Rains & Flooding | Flood | Dec 24, 1964 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Feb 20, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 11, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 19, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 10, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 10, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 1, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 17, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 15, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2010 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2009 | 0.00K |
Flood — Feb 20, 2025
Warming temperatures and rain on snow events led to quick rises in the Malheur River. This led to several levee breaks near Vale, OR and caused agricultural flooding and nuisance flooding over Highway 20.
Flash Flood — Jun 11, 2023
A nearly stationary upper level low over the Four Corners region brought periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms over multiple days which caused localized urban flooding in Malheur County, OR. This caused a debris flow over Highway 20 near Juntura, OR which closed the highway for several days.
Flood — Mar 19, 2017
Flooding occurred along the Snake River around the Ontario, Oregon area and surrounding fields and roads.
Flood — Mar 10, 2017
Rainfall and snow melt combined to increase the flow on the Malheur River to minor flood stage.
Flood — Feb 10, 2017
Ice Jams on the Malheur River caused flooding in areas along U.S. Highway 20.
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 Malheur 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 Malheur 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.