Enter any address in Fall River County, South Dakota to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Fall River County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 16 flash flood events and 12 flood events. For example, heavy rain in August 2014 caused flooding along Cold Brook Creek and Argyle Road near Pringle and Hot Springs. More recently, a prolonged period of precipitation in May 2019, a mix of rain and melting snow, led to flooding of creeks, rivers, and low-lying areas across the county.
While most flood insurance claims in Fall River County have been in Zone X_Unshaded, averaging $25 per claim with a water depth of -7.0 feet, residents in areas prone to creek and river flooding should remain particularly aware. Properties located near Hat Creek, Horsehead Creek, and the Cheyenne River downstream of Angostura Reservoir, as well as those in areas that experienced flooding in May 2019 and August 2014, may face a higher risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
3 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Fall River County, South Dakota has recorded 28 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 16 flash floods and 12 river or area floods. The county has received 17 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1997–2020)
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 | Flood | May 21, 2019 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Flood | Mar 13, 2019 |
| Vineyard Fire | Fire | Aug 11, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | Dec 24, 2016 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jun 17, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Oct 3, 2013 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 21, 2010 |
| Alabaugh Canyon Fire | Fire | Jul 7, 2007 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | May 22, 2019 | 200.00K |
| Flood | Jul 5, 2019 | 50.00K |
| Flood | May 29, 2018 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 17, 2018 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jun 6, 2015 | 65.00K |
| Flood | Jun 4, 2015 | 40.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 9, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 8, 2013 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 7, 2013 | 5.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 5, 2012 | 0.00K |
Flood — May 22, 2019
A powerful storm system slowly moved from the Four Corners region northeastward through the Plains, leading to a prolonged period of precipitation across western South Dakota May 20-22. This three day period was among the coldest, wettest, and snowiest on record for late May, with several temperature and precipitation records set. Runoff from the rain and melting snow led to flooding of creeks,...
Flood — Jul 5, 2019
Runoff from heavy rainfall caused flooding across parts of southern Fall River County.
Flood — May 29, 2018
Heavy rain from thunderstorms over several days caused flooding over portions of Fall River County.
Flash Flood — May 17, 2018
Runoff from heavy rain caused flooding across parts of northwestern Fall River County.
Flood — Jun 6, 2015
Heavy rain over Fall River County and adjacent areas of Nebraska and Wyoming caused widespread flooding across most of southern Fall River County. Hat Creek, Horsehead Creek, and the Cheyenne River downstream of Angostura Reservoir and their tributaries flooded.
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 Fall River County, South Dakota:
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 Fall River County, South Dakota 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.