Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on flood zones in Idaho. Understanding flood zones is crucial for residents and property owners to assess flood risks and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their properties.

How to Look Up Flood Zones in Idaho

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provide valuable resources for accessing flood zone information in Idaho. To look up flood zones in your area, follow these steps:

1. Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website.
2. Enter your location's address, city, or ZIP code in the search bar.
3. Explore the interactive map to identify the flood zone designation for your area.
4. Click on the designated flood zone to access additional information and flood risk data.

By utilizing the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, you can easily determine the flood zone for your specific location in Idaho.

Understanding Flood Zones

A flood zone is an area that is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to bodies of water or other factors that increase the risk of flooding. Flood zones are classified based on the likelihood and severity of flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates these flood zones on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

Here in the Treasury Valley, the obvious Flood Zone is the Boise River.  But, did you know, Boise & Meridian have creeks that are Flood Zones, like Ten Mile Creek and Five Mile Creek.  And in Kuna, Nampa & Caldwell, Indian Creek is considered a Flood Zone.

There are different types of flood zones, including:

• Zones A and AE: These are high-risk flood zones where there is a 1% annual chance of flooding, also known as the 100-year floodplain.
• Zones B, C, and X: These are moderate- to low-risk flood zones with reduced chances of flooding compared to Zones A and AE.
• Zones D: These are areas where flood hazards have not been determined.

Flood Plain vs. Floodway

It's important to differentiate between a flood plain and a floodway:

• Flood Plain: A flood plain refers to the flat or low-lying area adjacent to a river, stream, or other water bodies. It is prone to flooding during periods of high water flow. Flood plains serve as natural storage areas for excess water, reducing flood risks in other areas.
• Floodway: A floodway is the channel of a river or stream, as well as the adjacent land areas that must be kept clear of obstructions to allow the passage of floodwaters. The primary purpose of a floodway is to ensure the unobstructed flow of water during flood events, minimizing potential damage to surrounding areas.  In Eagle, Idaho, there are lots of Floodways on home properties, which means you can not build in the floodway, i.e. a shop, or a barn or a mother's inlaw quarters.

Understanding the distinction between flood plains and floodways is important for land use planning and implementing appropriate flood management strategies.

Conclusion

Being aware of flood zones, flood plains, and floodways is of utmost importance for residents and property owners in Idaho, especially in the Boise, Meridian, Nampa & Caldwell areas.. By utilizing the resources provided by FEMA and the NFIP, such as the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, you can determine the flood zone for your area, assess the flood risks, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property.