Enter any address in Lincoln County, Wyoming to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Lincoln County. In August 2024, slow-moving thunderstorms brought heavy rain to Opal, overwhelming street sewers and causing backups into homes, flooding several residences and streets. Earlier, in May 2023, near-record snowpack melt led to widespread minor flooding along the Bear River.
National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that while Zone A areas have seen more flood events, Zone X areas have experienced higher average claim payouts and water depths. Residents in areas designated as Zone A and Zone X should be aware of their flood risk. Properties located near rivers or in areas prone to flash flooding from heavy rainfall events warrant particular attention.
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.
Lincoln County, Wyoming has recorded 22 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 9 flash floods and 13 river or area floods. The county has received 5 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1977–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Landslides | Severe Storm | May 18, 2011 |
| Wy - Commissary Ridge Fire - 08/31/02 | Fire | Aug 29, 2002 |
| Drought | Drought | Jun 15, 1977 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2024 | 100.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 12, 2024 | 100.00K |
| Flood | May 24, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 22, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 3, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 31, 2021 | 25.00K |
| Flood | Mar 22, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 5, 2017 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 14, 2014 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Sep 14, 2013 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Aug 13, 2024
There was a second day of flash flooding in Opal occurred on August 13 as another slow moving thunderstorms brought very heavy rain and small hail. Roads were flooded and the rain overwhelmed the sewer system and caused backups into homes.
Flash Flood — Aug 12, 2024
A slow moving thunderstorm brought heavy rain and small hail to Opal. The rain and hail overwhelmed the street sewers and resulted in flooding of 5 houses and a few streets.
Flood — May 24, 2023
Near record snowpack began melting out during the month of May and brought widespread minor flooding to the Bear River in Lincoln County. This second flood wave continued into the month of June.
Flood — May 22, 2023
Melting of record to near-record snowpack brought a period of flooding along the Salt River in Star Valley.
Flood — May 3, 2023
Near record snowpack began melting out during the month of May and brought widespread minor flooding to the Bear River in Lincoln County.
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, Wyoming:
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, Wyoming 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.