Enter any address in Stillwater County, Montana to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from summer thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Stillwater County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 12 flash flood events and 8 flood events. Recent examples include flash floods occurring in June 2023, attributed to moist easterly surface flow, high dewpoints, and slow-moving, heavy thunderstorms.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced a significant number of claims, with an average payout of $26,623 and an average water depth of 12.5 feet. Properties in Zone X have also seen claims, with an average payout of $44,957, though the reported water depth was -0.3 feet. Homeowners in Zone A, as well as those in areas with higher average payouts and water depths, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
9 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Stillwater County, Montana has recorded 20 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 12 flash floods and 8 river or area floods. The county has received 15 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1978–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Flooding | Flood | Jun 1, 2023 |
| Severe Storm And Flooding | Flood | Jun 10, 2022 |
| Falling Star Fire | Fire | Aug 2, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Flooding | Flood | Mar 20, 2019 |
| Ice Jams And Flooding | Flood | Mar 1, 2014 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 4, 2011 |
| Eagle Mount Fire | Fire | Sep 3, 2009 |
| Derby Fire | Fire | Aug 30, 2006 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jun 23, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 8, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 6, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 26, 2019 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 23, 2019 | 804.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 9, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Mar 6, 2014 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 23, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 20, 2011 | 2.00M |
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.
Flash Flood — Jun 8, 2023
A very moist, easterly surface flow continued into the start of the second week of June. This resulted in dewpoints well above 50 degrees, as well as atmospheric precipitable waters over 1.00. Winds aloft continued to be light resulting in slow-moving, heavy thunderstorms. As a result, multiple flash flood events occurred across portions of central and south central Montana.
Flash Flood — Jun 6, 2023
A very moist, easterly surface flow advected 50 to 60 degree dewpoints from the central plains into the Billings Forecast Area. In addition, atmospheric precipitable waters were well over 1.00. Steering winds were light resulting in slow-moving thunderstorms. Although some large hail occurred with a few thunderstorms, the main impact was heavy rain and flash flooding.
Flash Flood — May 26, 2019
A strong jet streak moved over the forecast area during the late afternoon into the evening hours on the 26th. This jet streak provided for strong upper level divergence. |At the same time, a strong upper level disturbance moved over the forecast area. |All the above, combined with low-level moisture and wind shear, resulted in severe thunderstorms across portions of the Billings Forecast area.
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...
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 Stillwater 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 Stillwater 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.