Enter any address in Lake County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flooding from rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall is a significant concern in Lake County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 16 flood events in the county, resulting in 3 fatalities. For example, in March 2014, warm temperatures and rainfall caused a quick snowmelt, leading to flooding of the Little Bitterroot River and lowland flooding across the Bitterroot Valley. In June 2005, three days of moderate to heavy rain on existing snowpack in the Mission and Swan Mountains caused small creeks to flood, resulting in mud and debris flows that damaged roads and bridges.
Homeowners in areas designated as Zone A by FEMA should be particularly aware, as these zones have experienced the highest average water depths and claim payouts in recent years. Properties located in Zone X and Zone X_Unshaded have also seen flood claims, indicating that flood risk is not limited to the highest-risk zones. Residents living near rivers, creeks, or in low-lying areas should pay close attention to flood advisories and warnings.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Lake County, Montana has recorded 17 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database. The county has received 7 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 (2000–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Flooding | Flood | Mar 20, 2019 |
| Ice Jams And Flooding | Flood | Mar 1, 2014 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Mt - Northwestern Zone 1 Fire Complex | Fire | Aug 14, 2000 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 13, 2000 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Mar 5, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 16, 2006 | — |
| Flood | May 10, 2005 | — |
| Flood | Jun 2, 2005 | 1K |
| Flood | Jun 2, 2005 | 700K |
| Flood | Oct 1, 2005 | — |
| Storm Surge/Tide | Sep 21, 2000 | — |
| Flood | Mar 20, 1997 | — |
| Flood | May 1, 1997 | — |
| Flood | May 1, 1997 | 912K |
Flood — Mar 5, 2014
A period of very warm temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees occurred after an above normal snowfall winter across western Montana. This combined with moderate to heavy rainfall and high snow levels resulted in a quick melt of snowpack in various locations. Impacts felt included road closures due to avalanche danger, flooding of the Little Bitterroot River, rock slides across northwest Mont...
Flood — Jun 16, 2006
Excessive runoff caused road closures due to flooding.
Flood — May 10, 2005
The combination of moderate to heavy rain and snowmelt caused local creeks to flood in Powell County. Dog Creek north of Highway 12 flooded and washed out Blossburg Road and surrounded a home with flood waters. Gold Creek also flooded low lying farm land. Old Mullan Pass Road was closed due to mud and debris flows.
Flood — Jun 2, 2005
Three days of moderate to heavy rain on top of snow pack in the Mission and Swan Mountains caused small creeks to flood with mud and debris flows causing damage. Total rainfall amounts ranged from 2.50 inches in the valleys, and 4 to 7 inches over higher terrain in Lake County. Damage occurred mainly in Lake County due to washouts of roads and clogged culverts from debris and water flowing ou...
Flood — Oct 1, 2005
Heavy rain continued over Glacier National Park from the last day of September through October 3. Heavy rain caused flooding, mud slides and washouts near the crest of Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Four and a half inches of rain fell over the higher terrain of the park during the four day event, causing culverts to be plugged with debris and rocks. Water was reported flowing ...
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 Lake 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 Lake 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.