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FEMA hosts Open House on new County Flood Maps

Flooding is one of the most common and costly disasters, and the risk of flooding can change over time. Hood River County's flood mapping was last updated in 1984. To make sure that Hood River County has the most accurate flood data available, FEMA is currently working with local partners to update the area’s flood maps, which are also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

A Flood Risk Open House is scheduled for February 25 to provide information about the updated flood maps for Hood River County, including the cities of Hood River and Cascade Locks.

The Open House will be:

**FEB 22, 2025 UPDATE: FEMA HAS CANCELED THIS MEETING. It will be rescheduled when FEMA can resume programmatic meetings.**

Tuesday, February 25 – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hood River Fire Station Community Room
1785 Meyer Parkway, Hood River

FEMA representatives will be available to provide information and answer questions in both English and Spanish. The revised flood map is available online for public review and comment. To learn more about Hood River County’s flood map update, visit bit.ly/hoodrivercountymapupdate. The Story Map includes details about the updated flood maps, information on flood insurance provided through the National Flood Insurance Program, and resources to help residents plan and mitigate their risk.

Flood risk may change over time due to many factors, including new development and shifting weather patterns. Additionally, advancements in mapping technology have improved the ability to assess these risks. Working with the state, the county, and local communities, FEMA is using updated data and the latest technology to update the County’s flood maps to more accurately represent the risk of flooding in various areas.

2006 Flood

2006 Flood

2006 Flood

County Planning staff mailed a notice to approximately 642 landowners who may be affected by these new maps. The notifications included instructions for accessing more information online, an online survey, and instructions for providing comments or filing an appeal.

What does this mean for me?

New flood maps help the community to understand flood risks better, leading to more informed decisions to protect against damage and loss. The updated flood maps identify areas at risk for flooding, given their location within the 100-year floodplain. They can influence financial, planning, investment, and development decisions.

Property owners in high-risk areas will be required to have flood insurance for loans from federally regulated or insured lenders. Property owners are encouraged to be aware of their flood risk and purchase flood insurance accordingly.

1996 Flood...

1996 Flood...

1996 Flood...

What can I learn at the open house?

The presentation’s goal is to help residents understand the risks of living or owning property in or near a flood zone, as well as the measures they can take to protect their homes and families. During the session, attendees will have opportunities to:

• Learn about the flood mapping process.
• Understand how the map revisions might affect their property and community.
• Ask about the risk to their property and learn what happens next.

Currently, Hood River County’s flood maps are preliminary. After the open house, there will be a 90-day comment/appeal period. The Planning Department will assist FEMA staff by collecting public comments or appeals. After 90 days, FEMA will review the comments and appeals received and may make further adjustments to the maps. Once this process is complete, FEMA will submit the final maps back to the County for adoption, which is expected later this year. The County will then have 9 to 12 months to adopt the maps.