Enter any address in Rosebud County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rain events is the dominant flood character in Rosebud County. Between 1993 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 16 flash flood events and 12 flood events. For example, heavy rain over the Big Horn Mountains led to significant runoff into the Tongue River on June 1, 2019, causing it to crest over 11 feet, more than 4 feet above its previous record. Earlier, in March 2014, a rapid warm-up after a cold winter caused snowmelt and ice-jam flooding along area rivers, creeks, and streams, impacting the Otter Creek area.
NFIP claims data indicates that properties in Zone A, which experienced an average water depth of 7.2 feet and an average payout of $182, are a concern. Properties in Zone X also had claims, with an average payout of $2,158 and an average water depth of 0.3 feet. Residents in areas near rivers and creeks, as well as those in flood zones with no defined Base Flood Elevation (BFE), should pay the most attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
1 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Rosebud County, Montana has recorded 28 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 16 flash floods and 12 river or area floods. The county has received 14 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 (1978–2021)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Spring Fire | Fire | Aug 10, 2021 |
| Snider/rice Fire Complex | Fire | Sep 3, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Ice Jams And Flooding | Flood | Mar 1, 2014 |
| Flooding | Flood | May 19, 2013 |
| Ash Creek Fire | Fire | Jun 25, 2012 |
| Wildfire | Fire | Jun 25, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Jun 1, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 8, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 6, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 30, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 29, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 2, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 1, 2013 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 22, 2012 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 24, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 23, 2011 | 0.00K |
Flood — Jun 1, 2019
Very heavy rain over the Big Horn Mountains resulted in significant runoff into the Tongue River. The river crested just over 11 feet which was 4 feet higher than the record crest of 7.3 feet set in 2011. Flooding occurred along the Tongue River from the Birney area to just southeast of Colstrip.
Flood — Mar 8, 2014
After a very cold winter resulting in area rivers, streams and creeks freezing, early March began with some heavy snow followed by a rapid warm-up. This warm-up resulted in snowmelt and ice-jam flooding over area rivers, creeks and streams that continued into the middle of the month. While many areas experienced flooding, the locations that were most impacted by flooding included Park County, a...
Flood — Mar 6, 2014
After a very cold winter resulting in area rivers, streams and creeks freezing, early March began with some heavy snow followed by a rapid warm-up. This warm-up resulted in snowmelt and ice-jam flooding over area rivers, creeks and streams that continued into the middle of the month. While many areas experienced flooding, the locations that were most impacted by flooding included Park County, a...
Flood — May 30, 2013
Two Pacific low pressure systems brought abundant moisture to the Billings Forecast Area during the end of the month. This resulted in flooding of small streams and creeks, as well as across burn scar areas. The two storm systems resulted in above normal precipitation for the month.
Flash Flood — May 29, 2013
Heavy thunderstorms moved across the Dahl and Chalky Fire burn scar areas.
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 Rosebud 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 Rosebud 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.