Silverton lies on the eastern edge of the Willamette Valley in Marion County, about 14 miles northeast of Salem. Platted in 1854, it serves as the gateway to Silver Falls State Park, and its downtown along North Water Street overlooks Silver Creek. The steep, wooded Waldo Hills rise to the south, and Abiqua Creek crosses the valley north of town.
Fire & Water Energy hands out referrals; it does not employ restoration workers. If you're dealing with a leak, fire or flooding, call (866) 937-3230 and we'll try to put you in touch with an independent restoration contractor serving Silverton and nearby Marion County towns. We can't promise a match, since that hinges on which local companies have room on their schedules. You'll find the fine print on our how it works and referral disclosure pages.
Creeks, foothills and a rainy half of the year
Most of Silverton's precipitation comes as fall and winter rain, averaging about 47 inches a year, while summers are warm and dry with occasional hot spells. The record low is 0°F and the record high 104°F. Silver Creek, which runs through downtown, flows down from Silver Falls and joins the Pudding River, which in turn reaches the Willamette by way of the Molalla.
Marion County has been part of five FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000: severe winter storms in 2004 (DR-1510), record and near-record snow in 2009 (DR-1824), a winter storm with flooding, landslides and mudslides in 2012 (DR-4055), the 2020 wildfires and straight-line winds (DR-4562), and a severe winter storm in 2021 (DR-4599).
Roof leaks, frozen lines and water damage restoration in Silverton
Months of steady rain test roofs, gutters and the seal around windows and doors, and crawlspaces on low lots can collect water after heavy storms. Snow and ice events such as those in 2009 and 2021 bring the added risk of frozen pipes and ice dams on older roofs.
Contractors providing water damage restoration in Silverton will usually stop the water source, extract standing water, check hidden spaces with moisture meters and dry the structure before repairs begin. Learn about the first hours in emergency water removal, or the rebuild in water damage repair.
Federal disaster declarations that included Marion County
FEMA records show Marion County was included in 5 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (3 severe storm, 1 fire, 1 flood, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Silverton was affected. The most recent:
- 2021 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4599)
- 2020 – Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4562)
- 2012 – Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4055)
- 2009 – Severe Winter Storm, Record and Near Record Snow (DR-1824)
- 2004 – Severe Winter Storms (DR-1510)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Silverton?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Silverton property.
A town that knows smoke damage: fire cleanup
Fire is part of local history. A 1935 blaze destroyed a large portion of downtown, and in April 2012 a fire at the Palace Theater in the Commercial Historic District was largely confined to the concession area, yet smoke damage still forced at least one neighboring business to close temporarily. That's a good illustration of how smoke travels well beyond the flames, especially in older connected buildings.
The 2020 FEMA wildfire declaration also included Marion County. A typical contractor will secure the property, remove debris, clean soot from surfaces and contents and address odor with filtration and deodorizing. The smoke damage cleanup and soot removal pages describe each step in more depth.
Silver Creek high water and winter storm cleanup
The 2012 declaration for Marion County named flooding, landslides and mudslides, a reminder that saturated slopes and swollen creeks can both cause trouble in foothill towns. FEMA declarations are county-wide, so they don't confirm flooding on any particular street, but owners near Silver Creek or on hillside lots should keep an eye on conditions during multi-day storms.
Assume creek or street water that enters a home carries bacteria and debris. A reputable company will commonly remove soaked flooring, insulation and lower drywall and sanitize affected areas. Our flood cleanup and storm damage cleanup pages explain what that involves.
Keeping mold from taking hold
A wet fall and winter, combined with crawlspaces and older buildings, gives mold plenty of opportunity. Any material that stays damp for more than a day or two after a leak is at risk.
EPA guidance treats small areas, under roughly 10 square feet, as something a homeowner can often clean once the moisture source is fixed. Larger growth, mold after floodwater or sewage, or mold in HVAC ducts should go to a professional who uses containment and HEPA filtration. Visit mold removal to learn more.
Before cleanup: safety tips for Silverton residents
- Call 911 for fire, injury, a gas smell or downed power lines, and leave if the building seems unsafe.
- Stay off creek banks and out of fast water during high flows.
- Locate Marion County's emergency alert program through OR-Alert.
- Document the damage with photos before anything is removed. Your coverage hinges on the wording of your policy, so talk with your insurer or agent first.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Silverton that callers often mention include:
- Downtown
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Silverton):
Silverton restoration FAQs
Why did smoke from the 2012 Palace Theater fire affect other businesses?
Smoke and soot move through shared walls, ceilings and ventilation, so damage often reaches neighboring spaces even when flames are contained. In older downtown buildings that share structure, it's worth having adjacent units checked after any fire.
How much rain does Silverton get, and when?
About 47 inches a year on average, falling mostly in fall and winter. Summers are dry. Preparing gutters, downspouts and crawlspace drainage before October helps reduce leaks once the rains begin.
My home is near Silver Creek. What should I watch for in winter?
Watch for rising water during long storms, water collecting in your crawlspace, and erosion along the bank. Check FEMA flood maps for your address and ask your insurer whether flood coverage makes sense for you.
Can you find contractors in Mt. Angel or Woodburn?
We try to connect callers with independent contractors in nearby towns such as Mt. Angel, Woodburn and Sublimity. Provider schedules shift from week to week, so phone (866) 937-3230 with your town and a short description of the damage.
Restoration guides
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Soot Removal
- Water Damage Restoration
- Emergency Water Removal
- Flood Cleanup
- Mold Removal