Enter any address in Lincoln County, Washington to see its FEMA flood zone
Lincoln County experiences a mix of flood events, with both general flooding and flash flooding reported over the past 30 years. Recent events include localized flooding from snowmelt in March 2019, which led to temporary road closures. Atmospheric rivers in February 2025 also contributed to flooding across Eastern Washington, with snowmelt exacerbating rainfall impacts.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced more claims, with an average payout of $3,664 and an average water depth of 2.4 feet. Zone X areas have also seen claims, averaging $1,669 with a water depth of 0.5 feet. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A, as well as those located near rivers or streams, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
6 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Lincoln County, Washington has recorded 16 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 7 flash floods and 9 river or area floods. The county has received 17 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfires And Straight-line Winds | Fire | Sep 1, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Angel Springs Fire | Fire | Aug 2, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, Mudslides | Flood | Jan 30, 2017 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Severe Storm | Nov 12, 2015 |
| Wildfires And Mudslides | Fire | Aug 9, 2015 |
| Watermelon Hill Fire | Fire | Jul 19, 2014 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Landslides, Mudslides, And Flooding | Flood | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Record And Near Record Snow | Severe Storm | Dec 12, 2008 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Feb 23, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 22, 2025 | 0.50K |
| Flood | Mar 20, 2019 | 0.80K |
| Flood | Mar 12, 2017 | 800.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 15, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 12, 2014 | 600.00K |
| Flood | Mar 5, 2014 | 200.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 19, 2009 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 9, 2005 | — |
Flood — Feb 23, 2025
A strong atmospheric river moved through the region on February 22-26. Many locations across Eastern Washington received rain amounts 1 to 2 inches over the period. The rain combined with snow melt in the area leading to several reports of flooding from Pullman to Spokane. Little Spokane River at Dartford crested at 5.82 feet. The Latah Creek at Spokane crested at 12.82 feet. The South Fork of ...
Flood — Feb 22, 2025
A strong atmospheric river moved through the region on February 22-26. Many locations across Eastern Washington received rain amounts 1 to 2 inches over the period. The rain combined with snow melt in the area leading to several reports of flooding from Pullman to Spokane. Little Spokane River at Dartford crested at 5.82 feet. The Latah Creek at Spokane crested at 12.82 feet. The South Fork of ...
Flood — Mar 20, 2019
A late march melt off of low elevation snow in and around the Columbia Basin produced localized small stream and low spot field flooding which lead to the temporary closure of some area roads.
Flood — Mar 12, 2017
The month of March was a very wet period for eastern Washington. The Pullman COOP station reported a monthly total of 5.25 inches of precipitation, 2.75 inches above average for the month. The Spokane airport reported 4.11 inches which was 2.50 inches above average. The Colville COOP station reported 2.98 inches which was 1.86 inches above average and the Wenatchee airport recorded 1.23 inches,...
Flash Flood — Aug 15, 2014
A closed upper-level low over the Washington Cascades delivered a low shear but unstable environment. Sufficient atmospheric moisture, characterized by precipitable water values near one inch, was already in place. A combination of afternoon heating and lift along spokes of energy pivoting around the main low sparked numerous rounds of wet thunderstorms between the early morning hours of Augu...
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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.