Enter any address in Silver Bow County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Silver Bow County. Between 2003 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 14 flood events and 6 flash flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding on June 6, 2023, attributed to anomalous atmospheric moisture and slow-moving thunderstorms, and on August 1, 2021, when monsoonal moisture fueled heavy rainfall. Another flash flood event on August 6, 2009, brought up to an inch of rain in 30 to 45 minutes to the city of Butte, accompanied by large hail and strong winds.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced an average of 3.3 feet of water depth with an average payout of $1,029. Properties in Zone X have had fewer claims, with an average payout of $691 and no reported water depth. Homeowners in areas identified as Zone A, and those located near areas prone to heavy rainfall and rapid runoff, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
Silver Bow County, Montana has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 6 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 7 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 (1981–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Southwestern Zone Two Fire Complex | Fire | Aug 5, 2000 |
| Wildfires | Fire | Jul 13, 2000 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, And Ice Jams | Severe Storm | Feb 4, 1996 |
| Severe Storms & Flooding | Flood | May 27, 1981 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2023 | 15.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 1, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 19, 2017 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2009 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 6, 2009 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 13, 2003 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 1998 | — |
| Flood | May 1, 1997 | 69K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 1996 | — |
| Flood | Jan 25, 1996 | — |
Flash Flood — Jun 6, 2023
Anomalous atmospheric moisture combined with slow moving thunderstorms caused copious amounts of rain and in some places flooding.
Flash Flood — Aug 1, 2021
Monsoonal subtropical moisture set the stage for thunderstorms to produce heavy rainfall across southwest Montana. North of this moisture plume, the Boulder 2700 fire burned down structures near Montana Highway 35 along the southeastern shore of Flathead Lake.
Flood — Mar 19, 2017
An ice jam on the Big Hole River caused water to back into properties in Silver Bow County.
Flash Flood — Aug 6, 2009
A strong low pressure system and associated cold front moved into the Northern Rockies, creating a favorable environment for strong hail producing thunderstorms and heavy rain. Flash flooding was reported in the city of Butte with this event as up to an inch of precipitation occurred in 30 to 45 minutes. Hail up to the size of baseballs and strong winds nearing 70 mph were also observed.
Flood — Mar 13, 2003
Deep snow pack from the previous weeks winter storms and a day of high temperatures in the 60s, lead to extensive snow melt and several small streams overflowing their banks in the Deer Lodge area. Two homes were damaged by flood waters getting into basements. City crews sandbagged to protect homes and two residents were evacuated during the flood event.
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 Silver Bow 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 Silver Bow 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.