Enter any address in Fergus County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates flood risk in Fergus County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 11 flood events and 5 flash flood events. For example, in June 2023, heavy rains caused flash flooding across the county, impacting Casino Creek south of Lewistown and requiring significant road repairs. Earlier that same month, river flooding occurred along Clear Creek, reaching major flood stage and recording its third highest crest on record.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A experienced an average of 0.1 feet of water depth with an average payout of $9,103. Properties in Zone X saw higher average water depths of 1.3 feet and higher average payouts of $16,350. Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A or Zone X, particularly those located near creeks and streams, should pay close attention to flood risk information.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
8 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Fergus County, Montana has recorded 16 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 5 flash floods and 11 river or area floods. The county has received 10 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1975–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 6, 2024 |
| Flooding | Flood | Jun 1, 2023 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Flooding | Flood | May 19, 2013 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 13, 2000 |
| Heavy Rains, Landslides & Flooding | Flood | Feb 24, 1986 |
| Rains, Showmelt, Storms & Flooding | Flood | Jun 28, 1975 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 7, 2023 | 25.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 7, 2023 | 200.00K |
| Flood | Jun 2, 2023 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Jun 27, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 26, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 8, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 7, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 12, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 21, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 19, 2011 | 125.00K |
Flash Flood — Jun 7, 2023
Several rounds of rain and thunderstorms affected much of Montana during the first half of June. Flash flooding occurred across portions of the region, especially across Fergus County as well as the Rocky Mountains. Fergus County was hit exceptionally hard as several days of occasional heavy rain exasperated area creeks and streams. Casino Creek, located south of Lewistown, was washed out in at...
Flood — Jun 2, 2023
June began with river flooding along Clear Creek near Chinook, which reached Major Flood Stage for the second time this spring. In fact, Clear Creek recorded its third highest crest on record, as of writing. Fergus County, especially locations south of Lewistown, also experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall. Elsewhere, isolated severe thunderstorms occurred as a spring-like storm system move...
Flood — Jun 27, 2019
A line of showers and thunderstorms develops east of the Southern Rocky Mountain Front and moves northeastward. These storms move into a moist environment with good jet dynamics, wind shear, and instability. A severe thunderstorm watch is issued for much of the CWA. Heavy downpours of rain are forecast to cause some localized flooding.
Flood — Mar 26, 2019
Warm temperatures lead to snow melt and runoff across the region, but most notably over the plains of North Central Montana. With the ground still frozen, ponding of melt water noted in low lying areas. Additional runoff of this melt water into creeks and streams increase the potential for ice jams.
Flood — Jul 8, 2019
A Pacific low pressure system continued to feed a relatively moist southwest flow into the region. The dynamic weren't quite conducive for severe weather but there was enough moisture and instability for the development of showers and thunderstorms with the capability to produce localized flooding due to heavy rains. Southern Judith Basin County was one area that observed this type of thunder...
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 Fergus 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 Fergus 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.