Clearwater River Floodplain Maps

CLICK HERE for information on the floodplain map update for the Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River and Rock Creek

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has finalized the flood hazard determination for the Clearwater River. The Flood Insurance Study Report and Flood Insurance Rate Map will go into effect on Oct. 5, 2023, for insurance rating purposes. As a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program, Missoula County is required to demonstrate evidence of the adoption of floodplain management regulations that incorporate flood hazard determinations and meet floodplain management regulation standards.

The Missoula County commissioners approved a resolution on Aug. 28 to amend the Floodplain Regulations that adopt the final flood hazard determination for the Clearwater River and reference the updated Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map.

The Clearwater River regulatory floodplain extends from the outlet of Seeley Lake to the inlet of Salmon Lake. In Missoula County, floodplain maps, including the Clearwater River Flood Insurance Rate Map, were modernized through a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map project completed in 2015. Essentially, the paper maps were converted from paper to digital maps without a new flood study conducted. The previous maps for the Clearwater River are based on data collected in the 1970s.

Missoula County and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation have partnered to update the study and maps. The new maps are intended to provide reliable and more detailed information guiding future development in flood-prone areas. Click here to see the updated Clearwater Floodplain Maps.

FEMA has finalized the study and maps and Missoula County must officially adopt the final maps as a condition of continued eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program. Comment or ask questions below.