Water Damage Restoration in Spokane, WA
Spokane by the numbers: 18 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 123 freezing nights a year, 17 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Washington insurance rules and costs.
Updated November 2, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Spokane
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Spokane Floods
Spokane and Stevens counties logged flooding on 18 days from 2016 to 2025 (37 NOAA reports), March most often.
At the Spokane Felts Field gauge, December is the wettest month with 2.2 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 2 |
| February | 3 | 1.3 |
| March | 4 | 1.8 |
| April | 2 | 1.5 |
| May | 4 | 1.7 |
| June | 3 | 1.5 |
| July | 1 | 0.7 |
| August | 0 | 0.5 |
| September | 0 | 0.7 |
| October | 0 | 1.5 |
| November | 0 | 2 |
| December | 1 | 2.2 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Spokane County | 13 | 27 |
| Stevens County | 6 | 10 |
Freezing Nights in Spokane
Spokane averages 123 nights a year at or below 32°F (Spokane Felts Field station). About 23 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 89 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in Spokane and Stevens counties from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Spokane
Spokane and Stevens counties were named in 17 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- April 18, 2024: Tornado, EF0 (Spokane County)Observer reported a small stationary landspout.
- August 11, 2022: Hail, 2.75 inch hail (Spokane County)A strong thunderstorm dropped hail ranging from half an inch to 2.75. Most hail reports ranged from 0.75 to 1.5. A 2.75 size was reported around Newman Lake at 1700PST.
- May 6, 2022: Tornado, EF0 (Spokane County)Tornado generated a discontinuous line of damage first observed near the intersection of E. 9th Avenue and S. Cuba St. Video footage confirms a funnel cloud lowered at times and was disorganized as it moved from west to east.
- June 26, 2017: Thunderstorm wind, 70 mph gust (Spokane County)A two foot diameter Ponderosa Pine tree was uprooted at Sontag Park northwest of Spokane. Several other trees were blown down or snapped in the vicinity.
- March 9, 2017: Flood (Spokane County)A series of rain storms and low elevation snow melt caused saturated soil conditions through out Spokane County through the second half of March.
Federal disaster declarations
- August 3, 2026: WildfiresFire, FEMA EM-3650
- August 2, 2026: Autumn Lane FireFire, FEMA FM-5659
- August 2, 2026: Fairview FireFire, FEMA FM-5658
- August 1, 2026: Old Trails FireFire, FEMA FM-5656
- June 16, 2026: Upriver FireFire, FEMA FM-5638
- February 15, 2024: WildfiresFire, FEMA DR-4759
- August 19, 2023: Oregon FireFire, FEMA FM-5481
- August 18, 2023: Gray FireFire, FEMA FM-5479
Spokane Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Spokane (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 102,834 housing units, a median build year of 1961, 68% built before 1980, 56% before 1970, 59% owner occupied.
Washington Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Washington insurers must acknowledge a claim notice under an individual policy within 10 business days (WAC 284-30-360).
Claim problems in Washington go to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Spokane flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Spokane
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
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Questions
When is the first freeze in Spokane?
The median first night at or below 32°F is October 15 and the median last is April 26 at the Spokane Felts Field station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, WAC 284-30-360, EPA mold guide.