Enter any address in Garfield County, Utah to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Garfield County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 135 flash flood events, with three associated fatalities. For example, flash flooding occurred on July 17, 2025, and September 29, 2025, due to sufficient moisture and atmospheric conditions leading to heavy rainfall.
While flash flooding is more frequent, other flood types have also occurred. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows one claim in Zone X_Unshaded, with an average payout of $7,179 for an average water depth of 0.0 feet. Residents in areas prone to flash flooding, particularly those in low-lying areas or near ephemeral drainages, should be aware of their flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
14 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Garfield County, Utah has recorded 140 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 135 flash floods and 5 river or area floods. The county has received 7 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 (1977–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Fire | Fire | Jun 5, 2021 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Flooding | Flood | Dec 20, 2010 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Coastal Storm | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Landslides & Flooding | Flood | Apr 13, 1983 |
| Drought | Drought | Jan 20, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 29, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 17, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 7, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 27, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 26, 2024 | 20.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 24, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 23, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2024 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 29, 2025
A fairly weak cutoff low slowly ejected northward through the area over the course of several days. This feature in combination with sufficient moisture created an environment that supported several days of shower and thunderstorm development. Some of these storms produced locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding, as well as some strong wind gusts.
Flash Flood — Jul 17, 2025
A weak northern stream shortwave trough moving through the northwest CONUS resulted in the development of high based convection. Some of this convection resulted in strong to severe wind gusts. Additionally, a cutoff low placed off of the southwest CONUS helped advect moisture into southern Utah, leading to convection with periods of sufficiently heavy rain to result in flash flooding over some...
Flash Flood — Sep 7, 2025
An early September moisture surge resulted in the return of a more active weather pattern to Utah, including some isolated instances of flash flooding as well as a strong thunderstorm wind gust.
Flash Flood — Jun 6, 2025
The start of the month had several storm systems that brought gusty winds, hail, and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 4, 2025
The start of the month had several storm systems that brought gusty winds, hail, and flash flooding.
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 Garfield County, Utah:
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 Garfield County, Utah 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.