Bend's Flood Risk — What Homeowners Need to Know

Bend, Oregon faces flood risk from multiple sources: the Deschutes River and its tributaries, rapid snowmelt from the Cascades, and flash flooding from summer thunderstorms. While Bend is not as flood-prone as some Oregon communities, properties near the Deschutes River and in low-lying areas face real flood exposure.

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. Bend homeowners who want flood protection must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood carrier. Insure Pacific helps Bend residents find the right flood coverage for their specific property.

If your Bend home is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), your mortgage lender will require flood insurance. Even if you are not in a designated flood zone, flooding can occur — about 25 percent of flood claims come from outside designated flood zones.