Updates & Notifications
Find updates on local conditions at the Garfield County Sheriff's Office - WA State Facebook page.
In the case of an emergency call 911.
In a non-emergency notification of flood events, call 509-843-3494.
For weather-related updates and flood advisories visit the National Weather Service.
National Flood Insurance Program Help Center 1-800-427-4661.
Flood Map Comparison Tool for Effective vs. Preliminary Data - Garfield County, Washington - Flood Map Update
If you reside within city limits and have more questions, contact Mike Lockard at (509) 843-3936.
If you reside in the county and have more questions, call (509) 843-1301 or come to the Public Works office at 300 S. 19th St.
See documents at the bottom of this page for additional information.
Recent Activity
The statutory 90-day Appeal Period officially ended on November 26, 2025, with no comments or appeals received.
Next Steps
The project will now continue into the Post-Preliminary Phase, and the project team will begin finalizing the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report.
Project History
The State of Washington identified Garfield County as a priority for FEMA's Risk MAP program. The State determines its priorities based on population at risk to hazards, recent events, and community interest.
Flood studies encompass four key areas:
Discovery and Scoping
FEMA, State, and Local stakeholders participated in scoping discussions, where community concerns were researched and prioritized to develop a scope of work that includes a suite of flood risk products and updates to the communities’ regulatory flood maps. The County provided their areas of interest and priorities in June 2019 via email, and the scope was finalized in October 2019.
Data Development
A Flood Study Kick-off meeting was held February 24, 2021. Engineering analysis was performed on the scoped streams to identify the flood risk. Draft products were released in March 2023 and presented to all stakeholders at the Flood Risk Review (FRR) meeting held on May 11, 2023.
Preliminary
Preliminary materials including FIRMs, FIRM Database, FIS Report, and Summary of Map Actions were issued on July 31, 2024. Additionally, supplemental Flood Risk Products including multi-frequency Water Surface Elevation and Depth Grids available for planning and permitting support were issued on May 28, 2024.
Post-Preliminary
The Consultation Coordination Officers (CCO) meeting was held in-person in Pomeroy on October 23, 2024. The Flood Risk Open House was held virtually on May 13, 2025. The Appeal Period began on August 28, 2025, and ended on November 26, 2025.
Map adoption of preliminary products is expected to start with the LFD, currently anticipated for April 2026 with the maps and FIS becoming effective six months following the issuance of the LFD.
Resources
- FEMA Resources for Renters and Homeowners
- Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings (PDF)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Re-Entering Your Home
Return home only when local officials say it is safe to do so.
Before entering, check for structural damage. Contact the Columbia County Planning & Building Department at 509-382-4676 for a safety assessment.
Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank and let the house air. Do not strike a match as there may have been a gas leak.
Be careful about turning on the power again. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires. Do not use water-damaged appliances.
Document your flood losses and contact your insurance agent for flood loss claims.
Many buildings can contain asbestos materials. Educate yourself about the risks after flooding here:
https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/natural-disasters/
Dry your house slowly. Carpets and drywall may have to be removed. Water may be trapped between walls and will not dry.
Building permits are required but fees may be waived during a flood emergency.
Document damage and start clean-up. Learn more by visiting the Floodsmart Document Damage page.
Start a claim. Immediately report your claim to your insurance agent or carrier. Learn more by visiting the Floodsmart page.
Contacts by Jurisdiction
Garfield County
adeatherage [at] garfieldcountywa.gov (Email Public Works)
Garfield County Public Works
300 S 19th Street
PO Box 160
Pomeroy, WA 99347
City of Pomeroy
clerk1 [at] pomeroy-wa.com (subject: Flood%20Plain%20Question) (Email City of Pomeroy)
City Office - (509) 843-1601
City Shop- (509) 843-3936
N. 80 7th Street
P.O. Box 370
Pomeroy WA 99347