Flooding in Grants Pass: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Grants Pass, situated along the Rogue River, is Oregon's most picturesque city, but this beauty comes with a price in the form of flood risk. With overflowing rivers, seasonal storms, melting snow off surrounding mountains, and aging drainage pipes, sections of Grants Pass are susceptible to flooding year-round. Even areas further back from the river experience water backup into streets and basements during torrential rain.

Based on FEMA information, properties in proximity to the Rogue River, Fruitdale Creek, and areas with aging stormwater infrastructure have quantifiable risk. And although only an inch of water doesn't seem like a lot, it can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Standard homeowners' insurance will not cover these damages, so separate flood insurance in Grants Pass is necessary for protection.

Flood Zones in Grants Pass

FEMA has delineated various flood zones throughout Grants Pass. Houses in high-risk zones, including Zone AE (along the Rogue River and its tributaries), tend to need flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage. Properties alongside Fruitdale Creek, Sand Creek, and the southern parts of the city are also classified as facing a higher risk.
However, flooding in Grants Pass doesn't stop in those zones. Even buildings in Zone X (moderate- to low-risk) have suffered expensive damage from flash flooding, runoff, or unexpected snowmelt. FEMA estimates that approximately 40% of all flood claims occur outside the high-risk zones.