Flooding in Albany: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Albany, often called the “Hub of the Valley,” sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers, a beautiful location that also makes the city vulnerable to flooding. Seasonal heavy rains, snowmelt from the Cascades, and swollen rivers have historically caused significant flooding in Albany and surrounding Linn County communities.
According to FEMA, thousands of Albany properties are mapped within flood-prone zones. Even homes outside high-risk areas have experienced costly water damage during major storms. Since standard homeowners' insurance does not cover flood damage, the only way to financially safeguard your property is with a separate flood insurance policy. With average flood damage claims running well over $25,000 for even minor flooding, coverage is essential.

Flood Zones in Albany

Albany contains a mix of FEMA-defined flood zones. Areas near the Willamette River, Calapooia River, and Periwinkle Creek are often classified as Zone AE (high-risk), where flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages. Some river-adjacent neighborhoods are mapped into Zone A, where risk is also high but Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) may not be fully established.
Even neighborhoods mapped as Zone X are not exempt from flooding. FEMA notes that 40% of all flood insurance claims in the U.S. come from outside high-risk zones.