2014 Floodplain Mapping Update

Preliminary Results & Maps

The City of Whitefish and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop preliminary results of updated floodplain mapping.

The preliminary maps and study are available for public review and comment at this time. The project was initiated in 2011 to update existing mapped floodplains in Flathead County with more accurate information. Montana DNRC managed the project with FEMA providing grant funding and project oversight. The maps and study undergo public review prior to being finalized.

Floodplain Studies

New detailed floodplain studies were conducted on portions of the following streams

  • Ashley Creek
  • Cow Creek
  • Swan River at Bigfork
  • West Spring Creek and tributaries
  • Whitefish River at Kalispell
  • Whitefish River at Whitefish

The detailed floodplain studies were conducted to replace the existing mapped floodplains in those locations, which were mapped using approximate methods, and called Zone A floodplains. Detailed floodplain studies involved survey work, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and mapping. Some of the other existing Zone A floodplains in the county were refined based on updated, more accurate topographic information.

Proposed Changes to Detailed Study Areas

The proposed changes for the detailed study areas and the Zone A refinement areas can be viewed at:

FEMA Interactive Mapping site, or the City of Whitefish Preliminary Panels:

Additional FEMA Documentation