Enter any address in Ravalli County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
River flooding, driven by snowmelt and rainfall, is the dominant flood character in Ravalli County. Recent events include widespread flooding and river rises on May 20, 2020, resulting from rainfall and snowmelt. Earlier, on May 10, 2018, significant river flooding occurred due to above-normal mountain snowpack and warm May temperatures, with reports of $450,000 in damages in Missoula County. Flash flooding from thunderstorms has also occurred, with one event on July 1, 2021, causing downed trees, power outages, and roof damage.
Homeowners in Zone D should pay particular attention, as this zone has the highest average NFIP claim payout. Properties located in Zone A, near rivers, and in areas prone to flash flooding should also be aware of potential risks. While Zone X_UNSHADED and Zone X_SHADED have seen fewer claims, they still represent areas where flood damage can occur.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
3 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Ravalli County, Montana has recorded 30 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 9 flash floods and 21 river or area floods. The county has received 12 federal disaster declarations, 1 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1996–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Lolo Peak Fire | Fire | Aug 17, 2017 |
| Roaring Lion Fire | Fire | Aug 1, 2016 |
| Ice Jams And Flooding | Flood | Mar 1, 2014 |
| Sawtooth Fire | Fire | Sep 10, 2012 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2021 | 15.00K |
| Flood | May 20, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 10, 2018 | 1.00K |
| Flood | May 8, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 13, 2017 | 30.00K |
| Flood | May 27, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 24, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 12, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 11, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 6, 2014 | 16.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 1, 2021
A strong outflow boundary from thunderstorms moving north out of the Bitterroot Valley uprooted trees, created power outages, and damaged roofs.
Flood — May 20, 2020
Widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, combined with high elevation snow melt, brought small stream flooding and river rises.
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.
Flood — May 8, 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.
Flood — Jun 13, 2017
A closed low pressure system brought widespread heavy precipitation amounts of 1-3��� across portions of western Montana. The combination of heavy rain and continued high elevation snow melt caused rapid rises on small streams and creeks, especially around Georgetown Lake, Philipsburg, Drummond, and the Sapphire Mountains.
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 Ravalli 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 Ravalli 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.