National Weather ServiceMontanaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Montana
The National Weather Service issued 14 flood watches for Montana in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 31st most of any state. 2026 through September: 29, 47% above the average of 20 for those months in 2008-2025. Flathead was covered most often (39 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Montana get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Montana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 29 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2018 | 47 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2008 | 36 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Montana get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Montana?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead | 39 | 10 | June 28, 2026 |
| Cascade | 35 | 0 | August 24, 2022 |
| Carbon | 33 | 2 | June 23, 2023 |
| Southern Rocky Mountain Front | 32 | 6 | September 6, 2026 |
| Ravalli | 32 | 9 | August 27, 2025 |
| Madison | 32 | 0 | February 17, 2019 |
| Sweet Grass | 30 | 2 | June 23, 2023 |
| Missoula | 29 | 8 | June 1, 2026 |
| Park | 28 | 2 | June 23, 2023 |
| Lincoln | 26 | 9 | March 20, 2026 |
| Beaverhead | 26 | 0 | June 21, 2018 |
| Gallatin | 25 | 0 | June 20, 2022 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a flood watch?
A flood watch means conditions may lead to flooding in the coming day or days; it is not yet happening. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Montana.