Natural Disaster Risk in Broadwater County

Natural Hazard Profile: Broadwater County, Montana

Broadwater County is located in the United States in Montana, home to roughly 6,753 residents. The county experiences cold winters, dry summers, and extreme temperature swings, with rapid chinook wind events and spring flooding shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Broadwater County's composite natural disaster risk at 5.1 out of 10 — moderate risk. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Residents should also account for landslide and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Broadwater County's risk score, near the 4.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Broadwater County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Broadwater County 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.