Clearwater County Emergency Management

09/18/2026

09/11/2026

We will never forget--I will never forget

09/03/2026

07/17/2026

Here are updates on the two recent disasters we have had in Clearwater County. First was the windstorm that occurred on December 17, 2025. We lost power because of the power lines that were damaged from trees falling. This was a strong storm with over 80 mph winds. With the soil not being frozen yet, and the ground being super-saturated due to heavy rains the week before, most trees fell with their root ball being pulled up. The falling trees also damaged road guardrails. Cleanup was complicated and took time. Clearwater County declared a disaster and requested help the day it happened. That request went to the State. The State of Idaho agreed to help and that gave us a possible 50% funding to remove debris. The State then requested help from the federal government (FEMA). Finally, in mid-April 2026, FEMA agreed to help Clearwater with the over 1.7 million dollars in damage. Now FEMA can help with 75% of the cost of the damaged public infrastructure. Since April, we have held many meetings with the State and FEMA and done a lot of required paperwork. Progress is being made, but no funds have been received yet.

March 14, 2026- we suffered another disaster. This was flooding that caused a lot of damage to our roads and infrastructure in the County, City of Orofino, and School District 171. The estimated cost for repairs is over 7 million dollars. Just like after the windstorm, we made a declaration to the State. The State of Idaho agreed again to help with 50% funding to remove debris. The State also requested help from the federal government (FEMA). On July 2, 2026, FEMA agreed to help with permanent repairs of the public infrastructure. On July 15, 2026, Clearwater County, the City of Orofino, Clearwater Highway District, and School District 171 attended a meeting with the State of Idaho and FEMA. This was a kickoff meeting to start the process, just like the windstorm.

In our experiences with disasters in the past and working with FEMA, it can take up to two years before repairs are done and paid for. We ask for your patience and support as we work through the details.

Also, we are working with FEMA to try to provide Individual Assistance (IA). This week, they agreed to have the U.S. Small Business Administration provide low interest loans to Private Nonprofit Organizations. We are still working to find help for Individual Assistance.

05/29/2026

We do have a storm starting to reach us but is should be short goring North west at 17:50

05/14/2026

It's a good time of the year to prepare for........

03/11/2026

NOAA alert

This is not as bad as Dec 17th but it can cause some problems Please share
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Idaho and Clearwater Counties
..WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM
PDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.

* WHERE...Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region and
Orofino/Grangeville Region.

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 11 AM PDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Next..........

A prolonged Atmospheric River is expected to impact north central Idaho through Saturday, bringing moderate to heavy precipitation. Snow levels will be ranging from 3000 to 6000 feet during the event. The most likely rainfall scenario forecasts 1.25 to 2.75 inches for the valleys of Idaho and Clearwater counties in north central Idaho, and 3.00 to 5.00 inches expected in the mountains, but precipitation will be mainly in the form of snow of 2 to 6 feet.

The rainfall will increase the risk of rock and landslides across north central Idaho. Continue to monitor the latest forecast updates as this system approaches.

Send a message to learn more

12/12/2025

Todays river datta 12-11-25. Orofino Creek and Clearwater River at Orofino. Tomorrow we may see sunshine in the afternoon. No flooding on the creek or river. Look for rocks and fallen trees on the roadway

12/05/2025

Notice the dates may be changing. That's weather for you

Multiple rounds of inland-penetrating Atmospheric Rivers will target the Northern Rockies starting Sunday. This will be a long-duration event with much warmer-than-normal temperatures and precipitation totals potentially rivaling historic amounts for this time of year.
Impacts:
💧 Potential for widespread roadway ponding & urban flooding 📈 Sharp rises on numerous creeks/streams
🪨 Rock & mudslides are also possible
Before snow levels rise to 5-7k ft regionwide, prepare for messy wet weather and potential flooding!

12/05/2025

12-5-2025 ...NOAA Weather Service just called me to let me know that the rain will continue but this upcoming Tuesday through Thursday we will get a lot of rain in the valley and in the mountains. In the valley around 3 to 5 inches, which is very rare. And in the higher elevations they are looking at 10 inches on top of any snow. Snow may happen at the highest elevations.

Things to consider. Check the drainage around your home. Make sure the water has a direction to go.

Now do remember this is weather and it can change

Send a message to learn more