Enter any address in Powell County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
River flooding is the dominant flood character in Powell County. Over the last 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 17 flood events and 2 flash flood events. For example, in May 2018, above-normal snowpack combined with warmer temperatures caused river flooding. In June 2018, a low-pressure system brought heavy rain to the Clark Fork River Basin, contributing to significant stream and river rises, further exacerbated by high-elevation snowmelt.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the highest average payouts, with an average of $20,293. Claims in Zone Unknown also show a notable average payout of $3,254. Residents in areas identified as Zone A or Zone Unknown, particularly those located near rivers or streams, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Powell County, Montana has recorded 19 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 2 flash floods and 17 river or area floods. The county has received 16 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 (1975–2025)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Windy Rock Fire | Fire | Aug 26, 2025 |
| Straight-line Winds | Straight-Line Winds | Jul 24, 2024 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Flooding | Flood | May 1, 2018 |
| Rice Ridge Fire | Fire | Aug 28, 2017 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Lincoln Fire Complex - 08/14/2003 | Fire | Aug 14, 2003 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Storm | Jun 3, 2001 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 19, 2018 | 70.00K |
| Flood | May 10, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 15, 2014 | 0.50K |
| Flood | Jun 7, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 10, 2005 | — |
| Flood | Mar 13, 2003 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jul 3, 1998 | — |
| Flood | May 1, 1997 | 69K |
| Flood | Jan 25, 1996 | — |
| Flood | Jun 12, 1996 | — |
Flood — Jun 19, 2018
A cut-off low pressure system brought 1 to 3 inches of rain to the upper part of the Clark Fork River Basin resulting in significant stream and river rises. High elevation snow melt also added to the water flow issues.
Flood — May 10, 2018
The combination of above normal mountain snow-pack up to 200% of normal and warmer than normal temperatures in the month of May led to continued and new river flooding. Missoula County reported that the tally for damage was to the amount of $450,000.
Flash Flood — Aug 15, 2014
Several upper level waves moved from south to north during the day around an upper level low that was centered between central Washington and Oregon. One of these impulses initiated thunderstorms across southwest Montana and brought hail and heavy rainfall especially to the Interstate 90 corridor between Garrison and Butte.
Flood — Jun 7, 2011
A mid level circulation over southwest Montana brought widespread heavy rainfall. This same area received significant rainfall the week before. This rainfall in addition to a heavy snow pack had saturated the ground with streams and rivers running high.
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.
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 Powell 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 Powell 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.