Enter any address in Deer Lodge County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms and snowmelt-driven flooding are the primary flood concerns in Deer Lodge County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 16 flood events and 2 flash flood events. Recent examples include a flash flood on July 15, 2017, which brought torrential rain to Anaconda, and a flood on March 13, 2003, caused by rapid snowmelt that damaged two homes and led to evacuations in the Deer Lodge area.
NFIP claims data indicates that while many claims have occurred in zones with unknown flood risk, properties in Zone X_SHADED and Zone X_UNSHADED have experienced payouts, suggesting a history of flood damage. Homeowners in areas identified as Zone X_SHADED and Zone X_UNSHADED, as well as those located near small streams and in low-lying areas prone to rapid runoff, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Deer Lodge County, Montana has recorded 18 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 2 flash floods and 16 river or area floods. The county has received 10 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1974–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Southwestern Zone Two Fire Complex | Fire | Aug 5, 2000 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 13, 2000 |
| Severe Storms,ice Jams, Snow Melt, Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 1, 1997 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Ice Jams | Severe Storm | Feb 4, 1996 |
| Heavy Rains, Landslides & Flooding | Flood | Feb 24, 1986 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding & Landslides | Flood | Jan 29, 1974 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 15, 2017 | 685.00K |
| Flood | Jun 23, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 31, 2009 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Mar 13, 2003 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jul 19, 2002 | — |
| Flood | Jun 14, 1997 | — |
| Flood | May 1, 1997 | 69K |
| Flood | Jan 25, 1996 | — |
| Flood | Jun 12, 1996 | — |
| Flood | Jun 11, 1996 | — |
Flash Flood — Jul 15, 2017
An upper level wave tracked up from the Clearwater Mountains of Idaho towards the Seeley Lake area and initiated thunderstorms thanks to warmer than normal temperatures in the region. As these storms tracked over the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Valleys, they produced damaging winds and power outages. Also, a thunderstorm produced torrential rain and subsequent flash-flooding to Anaconda in southw...
Flood — May 31, 2009
Abnormally warm temperatures caused increased snow melt over much of western Montana, with many rivers and small streams running at or slightly above normal. Some minor damage was reported along Fifer Creek in southwest Montana.
Flood — Mar 13, 2003
Deep snow pack from the previous weeks winter storms and a day of high temperatures in the 60s, lead to extensive snow melt and several small streams overflowing their banks in the Deer Lodge area. Two homes were damaged by flood waters getting into basements. City crews sandbagged to protect homes and two residents were evacuated during the flood event.
Flash Flood — Jul 19, 2002
A strong thunderstorm dumped heavy rain which flooded an area just west of Anaconda. Reports from media and law enforcement of flash flooding, which caused water two feet deep to flood several buildings around the 1880s Ranch on North Cable Road. Mud and tree branches and stumps were reported flowing through the ranch, with water flooding North Cable Road. Five buildings were flooded with six t...
Flood — Jun 14, 1997
Low lying flooding caused by thunderstorm rain, washed out several culverts and closed Houser Ave in Anaconda.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Deer Lodge County, Montana:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Deer Lodge County, Montana that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.