Moderate Risk Montana  ·  Wildfire / Flash Flooding

Yellowstone County MT

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
161,300
Area
2635
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
26
federally declared

Yellowstone County and Billings are Montana's most populous area. The June 2022 Yellowstone River flooding was catastrophic — record snowmelt combined with heavy rain caused the river to surge to historic levels, washing out roads and bridges in Yellowstone National Park and flooding communities downstream through Billings. Wildfire smoke from surrounding forests creates regular air quality emergencies.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Winter Storm
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 26
Last Major Event Yellowstone River Flood (2022)
Event Frequency Major event every 5–6 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (406) 256-6900
Emergency Shelters 12 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-90 East, I-90 West, US-87 North, US-212 East

// County Profile

County Yellowstone County MT
State Montana (MT)
Population 161,300
Area 2635 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Laurel MT Billings MT

// Cities in This County

// Other Montana Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🌊
Fort Peck Dam MT
Major Dam  ·  Fort Peck  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  200-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Billings MT Refinery Row
Chemical Facility  ·  Billings, MT  ·  ExxonMobil / Various  ·  10-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
🏥
Billings Clinic MT
Major Hospital  ·  Billings, MT  ·  Billings Clinic  ·  25-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.