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FEMA issues preliminary floodplain maps for Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Rock Creek; county to publish details and hold follow-up briefing
Summary
Missoula County staff said FEMA has released preliminary floodplain maps for the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Rock Creek. The maps will replace hazard maps based on 1970s–80s data; county staff plan public outreach and a targeted LEPC presentation in January.
Matt Heimel, Missoula County floodplain administrator, told the LEPC on Oct. 14 that FEMA has issued preliminary floodplain maps for the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Rock Creek within Missoula County and the City of Missoula.
Heimel said the preliminary maps will replace older flood-hazard maps based on data from the late 1970s and early 1980s. He asked stakeholders to watch Missoula County’s public-engagement site (MissoulaCountyVoice) where staff will post more information and materials over the next few weeks and said he planned a more detailed LEPC presentation tied to local mitigation planning in January.
Why it matters
Updated FEMA maps can affect flood insurance determinations, local permitting and mitigation priorities because they change delineations of flood zones and special flood-hazard areas. Heimel said the remapping process began in 2019 and that it may take several more years for the maps to be finalized.
Follow-up and contacts
Heimel and the city’s floodplain manager, Cassie Tripar, are available for questions, Heimel said. County staff will publish guidance and timelines for public comment and outreach when those materials are ready.
