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Updated Lake Of The Ozarks Floodplain Data Is Released: Here's What To Know

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Lake Of The Ozarks Floodplain Map Data - SEMA
SEMA Floodplain Cycle Graphic

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The new floodplain map data is out, and Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency says it's a big change from the data released in 2024, which had property owners and real estate professionals up in arms.

However, SEMA says, while the new map data is much-improved over the prior data release, the floodplain did move up in some areas with this updated data set, while it moved down in other areas.

A link to the map and video directions on how to view it are below.

"By incorporating the lake’s bathymetry, the latest results now show elevations dropping by several feet compared to the previously shared data. Some areas may be only slightly higher than the elevations on the currently effective maps (Camden, Miller and Morgan counties adopted their maps in 2018; Benton County adopted its map in 2009), while others may experience a more significant increase," SEMA said in a press release.

The agency's complete press release is below.

Throughout the winter, real estate professionals were sounding the alarm over plans by FEMA and SEMA to dramatically change the floodplain levels at Lake of the Ozarks (and along creeks and bodies of water across the state and country). Lawmakers like State Rep. Jeff Vernetti got involved on the state level, and an executive order signed by President Trump appears to have halted FEMA's plans on the national stage.

The data set (presented as map overlays) that was revealed to some Lake area real estate professionals in 2024 showed the floodplain level moving up dramatically: potentially putting thousands of Lake of the Ozarks home into the floodplain and requiring them to purchase flood insurance.

After the outcry, SEMA stated that data set had been incomplete and had been shared in the interest of transparency. The new data set (map overlay) can be viewed here:

SEMA Floodplain Map Data Map

Directions from SEMA on how to use the map can be viewed here.

Note: data is still considered preliminary and is subject to additional changes. SEMA is taking public comment on the maps.

The video below created by LakeExpo shows how to interact with the map and toggle various layers.

Here's how to enable layers on Missouri SEMA's floodplain map.

You can get to the map here: https://amecei.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ac0864241b747b4b11302f2c4cc7bc9

***SEMA PRESS RELEASE***

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The State Emergency Management Agency today released the latest flood risk data collected as part of its multi-year floodplain mapping project for the Osage River Watershed in Missouri.

The Lake of the Ozark counties of Benton, Camden, Miller and Morgan counties are included in the study area. SEMA said the new data set, which accounted for the lake’s depth, storage capacity and water flow dynamics, showed minimal changes for most of the lake compared to the currently adopted effective maps.

“The bathymetry data, which provides a description of the underwater terrain and was the latest data added into our modeling, was the key part of the process that very significantly lowered flood elevation levels for the vast majority of areas around the lake that are occupied by residential, retail and commercial structures,” SEMA Director Jim Remillard said.

The initial flood risk data did not fully account for the lake’s characteristics, causing elevations in some areas to be overestimated by several feet. Input from local officials and community members on this initial data set led to additional flood risk data collection and modeling. By incorporating the lake’s bathymetry, the latest results now show elevations dropping by several feet compared to the previously shared data. Some areas may be only slightly higher than the elevations on the currently effective maps (Camden, Miller and Morgan counties adopted their maps in 2018; Benton County adopted its map in 2009), while others may experience a more significant increase.

The updated flood risk data is available online here. A user guide is available is here. While the website allows users to make comments directly, those impacted by the updated flood risk data are encouraged to reach out to their local floodplain administrator to discuss concerns and explore their options.

SEMA is in the process of taking into account existing Letters of Map Amendments (LOMA) related to the new dataset. Property owners with an existing LOMA do not need to apply for a new one if the lowest point of the lot or lowest adjacent grade documented in their LOMA remains above the proposed 1% annual chance water surface elevation in the updated flood risk data.

Additionally, all existing Letters of Map Change (LOMC) will undergo a validation process known as the Summary of Map Actions (SOMA) to determine whether they will be upheld or superseded based on the proposed flood risk data.

SEMA representatives began meeting with local floodplain managers and elected leaders in Benton, Morgan, Miller and Camden counties on March 25 to discuss the latest data and seek their input as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) process.

FEMA is providing a public comment period that is open through May 12. This step serves as a key opportunity for community officials, stakeholders and others to provide feedback and refine the updated flood risk data before the project advances to the next phase: floodplain mapping.

Once the floodplain mapping phase is complete, the public will have an additional opportunity to provide further input during the 90-day Public Comment and Appeal period, where residents can review the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and submit comments or appeals supported by technical data.

Local input is essential in developing accurate and reliable flood risk data. SEMA appreciates the participation of those who have contributed to this process. This engagement helps ensure the accuracy of flood risk information, ultimately supporting better floodplain management and hazard mitigation planning. SEMA looks forward to continued collaboration as we move through each phase of the project.

The graphic below shows the progression of the multi-year floodplain mapping project for Benton, Camden, Miller and Morgan counties.

Life Cycle of a Floodplain Mapping Project

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