In Missoula County, floodplain maps were modernized through a Digited Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) project initiated in 2005 and completed in 2015. Included with the digital conversion effort was the Clearwater River Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Essentially the paper maps were converted from paper to digital maps without a new flood study conducted. The maps that are in place for the Clearwater River are based on data that was collected back in the 1970’s. Missoula County and the MT Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) have partnered to update the study and eventually update the floodplain maps.  The new maps are intended to provide reliable and more detailed information guiding future development in flood-prone areas.

In 2014 DNRC began working on updating the flood study for the Clearwater River. 

Public Meetings Held: 

Virtual Public Open House Meeting: March 18, 2021 | View slides | View Recording  

County Commissioner update meeting: March 1, 2021 |  View slides

County Commissioner update meeting: October 27, 2020 | View slides

View Preliminary Floodplain Maps

Click on the button below to see the proposed floodplain maps and how the proposed maps compare to the existing FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps on an interactive viewer.

You can also view the individual preliminary maps here:

Preliminary Flood Insurance Study Reports

30063CV001C

30063CV002C

30063CV003C 

Get more information on floodplain designations referenced on the maps:

• 100- Year Floodplain
• Floodway Area (within a 100-Year Floodplain)

Newly mapped into a 100-Year Floodplain? See Low Cost Insurance Options

Give Comments during the official Appeal and Comment Period

During this project you will have the opportunity to submit an official appeal or comment about the proposed floodplain changes to FEMA. Check back here to stay informed on the specific dates of the Appeal and Comment Period (estimated around Mid 2021). For more details see: Appeal Info

Project Timeline

Technical Reports

Hydrology Report (completed by DNRC 2017)
Hydraulics Report (completed by Michael Baker International 2020)