Enter any address in Kittitas County, Washington to see its FEMA flood zone
Flooding from snowmelt and heavy rain events are the primary flood concerns in Kittitas County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 16 flood events and 5 flash flood events. For example, snowmelt combined with rain caused numerous streams to flood across south-central Washington in March 2017. In May 2013, water flowed over roads and around houses near Heron Drive and Nighthawk Lane due to rising water tables.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $10,889 and an average water depth of 4.1 feet. Properties in Zone X_SHADED have also seen significant claims with a higher average payout of $15,206, though with a shallower average water depth of 0.8 feet. Homeowners in flood zones, particularly those in Zone A and Zone X_SHADED, as well as those located near streams and rivers, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
4 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Kittitas County, Washington has recorded 21 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 5 flash floods and 16 river or area floods. The county has received 28 federal disaster declarations, 8 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1964–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Wildfires And Straight-line Winds | Fire | Sep 1, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Ryegrass Coulee Fire | Fire | Jul 9, 2018 |
| Jolly Mountain Fire | Fire | Sep 2, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Nov 12, 2015 |
| Snag Canyon Fire | Fire | Aug 2, 2014 |
| Saddle Mountain Fire | Fire | Jul 19, 2014 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 9, 2014 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Mar 13, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 14, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 9, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 31, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 15, 2011 | 4.00M |
| Flood | Jan 15, 2011 | 2.15M |
| Flash Flood | Apr 1, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 1, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 7, 2009 | 10.00M |
| Flood | Mar 12, 2007 | 0.00K |
Flood — Mar 13, 2017
Snow melt, combined with periods rain, resulted in numerous streams flooding across south-central Washington.
Flash Flood — Aug 14, 2014
An upper level low pressure system off the coast of southwest Oregon slowly moved inland the afternoon and evening of August 13th. This lead to another round of showers and thunderstorms for most of the forecast area. Heavy rain and large hail were the main severe weather threats on this day. But an isolated tornado was reported near Rattle Snake Mountain.
Flood — May 9, 2013
Water flowed over roads to a depth of 6-10 inches in the vicinity of Heron Drive and Nighthawk Lane as well as flowing around several houses on Morning Dove Lane. Areas of standing water due to the rise of the water table.
Flood — Mar 31, 2011
Heavy rainfall on melting snowpack along the east slopes of the Washington Cascades caused flooding along numerous streams in western Kittitas and Yakima counties. Reported rainfall included 2.5 inches in Easton and .69 inches in Cle Elum.
Flood — May 15, 2011
An upper level low pressure system moved over the Pacific Northwest. Moist and unstable conditions ahead of the low triggered widespread thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and isolated large hail. This combined with the abundant spring snow-pack and wet ground to cause flooding. A 75 yard wide mudslide closed Highway 410 at milepost 87. As the upper low brought colder air. late season heavy snow...
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 Kittitas County, Washington:
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 Kittitas County, Washington 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.