Natural Disaster Risk in Big Timber
Montana
Risk Summary for Big Timber
Big Timber scores 4.1/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Big Timber, Montana
Big Timber is a town of roughly 3,167 residents in Sweet Grass County, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The area experiences cold winters, dry summers, and extreme temperature swings, with rapid chinook wind events and spring flooding shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Big Timber.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Big Timber carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and landslide.
Big Timber's risk score, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Sweet Grass County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, wildfire, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Big Timber residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for avalanche is recommended.
What this means for Big Timber: Avalanche preparedness
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for Big Timber
These city-level factors differentiate Big Timber from other communities in Sweet Grass County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
3,167
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
High — long dry fire season
Fire score: 9.0/10
Coordinates
45.9245° N, 109.9724° W
Sweet Grass County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Big Timber
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Big Timber
Other cities in Montana
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.