Enter any address in Powder River County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the primary flood hazard in Powder River County. Between 1994 and 2024, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 23 flash flood events and 9 flood events. For example, a flash flood occurred on August 5, 2025, following nearly 3 inches of rain and hail. Another flash flood event on June 23, 2023, was attributed to slow-moving, heavy thunderstorms fueled by moist atmospheric conditions. Flooding has also been caused by rapid snowmelt, as seen on March 23, 2019, when warming temperatures caused existing snow cover to melt quickly into frozen ground, leading to widespread flooding and ice jams.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data shows that while most claims are in zones with unknown flood risk, one claim in Zone A, a designated flood hazard area, was filed. Homeowners in areas prone to flash flooding, particularly those near waterways or in low-lying areas, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
5 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Powder River County, Montana has recorded 32 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 23 flash floods and 9 river or area floods. The county has received 11 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 (1978–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Snider/rice Fire Complex | Fire | Sep 3, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Flooding | Flood | Mar 20, 2019 |
| Ash Creek Fire | Fire | Jun 25, 2012 |
| Wildfire | Fire | Jun 25, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Severe Storm | May 1, 2008 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 13, 2000 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 2025 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 23, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 30, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 23, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 5, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 17, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 5, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 8, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 6, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 30, 2013 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Aug 5, 2025
A thunderstorm occurred over Powder River County, producing heavy rain amounts nearing 3 inches and hail up to 1.25 inches.
Flash Flood — Jun 23, 2023
A very moist, easterly surface flow returned during the 3rd week of June. Dewpoints were again well above 50 degrees, with many areas around 60 degrees. In addition, atmospheric precipitable waters were well over 1.00. Winds aloft continued to be light resulting in slow-moving, heavy thunderstorms. As a result, several flash flood events occurred across portions of central and southeast Montana.
Flood — May 30, 2019
Several days of heavy rain, combined with snow melt from the northern Big Horn Mountains, resulted in areas of flooding across portions of Yellowstone, Big Horn and Powder River Counties.
Flood — Mar 23, 2019
Flooding occurred across many areas of south central and southeast Montana during the latter portions of the month. A considerable snow cover existed through the month. Surface and sub-surface ground temperatures remained frozen through the last week of March. Warming temperatures resulted in this snow to quickly melt. Widespread flooding occurred due to the snow melt not being able to soak in...
Flash Flood — Jul 5, 2019
Very heavy thunderstorms moved across portions of southeast Montana during the afternoon and early evening hours of the 5th. Rainfall anywhere from 1 to 6 inches was reported across this area. In addition, large hail also occurred with a few of these thunderstorms. The rain and hail combined resulted in flash flooding across some areas. One location had a few basements flooded, but otherwise, b...
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 Powder River 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 Powder River 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.