Flood Awareness Week: Snowmelt, seasonal rains add to risk

Gov. Brad Little has proclaimed March 16-22 as Flood Awareness Week in Idaho. 

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is joining the annual observance to remind Idahoans of the importance of flood preparedness and awareness, especially as spring snowmelt and seasonal rains increase the risk of flooding across the state. 

"Flooding can happen without warning and faster than many people realize," said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. "Idaho has a history of annual flooding. As weather events are frequent and unpredictable it's important for Idahoans to stay prepared for these risks.” 

Major floods have historically occurred in Idaho every one to two years and are considered the most serious and costly natural hazard affecting the state, a press release said. 

Since 2018, Idaho has experienced 14 significant flood events and two federal declarations related to floods. The most recent was in April 2024 when a storm brought flooding and landslides to Idaho, Lewis and Shoshone counties worth an estimated $6.6 million in damages.