Communities in southern Montana were left isolated after flooding washed out roads and bridges. Yellowstone National Park officials closed all entrances to the park until further notice. Some areas have been evacuated and stranded campers rescued.

Record Flooding in Southern Montana

National Weather Service (NWS) in Billings, Montana, reported unprecedented flooding across parts southern parts of the state and borders of Wyoming after heavy rain fell over a significant late season snowpack in the mountains. “This led to flooding rarely or never seen before across many area rivers and streams,” NWS said.

As of 13 June 2022, rivers reached or were likely to reach record levels in at least 6 locations, according to NWS, including the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs and Livingston; the Gardner River near Mammoth; the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone near Belfry and Edgar; and the Stillwater River near Absarokee.

Heavy rain combined with glacier melt occurred across the Yellowstone National Park area located in the States of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho (north-western USA) on 13 June, causing floods, triggering landslides and leading to evacuations and damage.

According to media reports, in Montana State, at least 900 people have been evacuated across Gardiner Town, while in Livingston Town several persons are under evacuation orders and several other cities have been isolated by floodwaters. In addition, a number of houses have been damaged as well as roads and bridges. 

On 14 June, scattered snow is forecast, while on 15 June, drier conditions are expected over the affected area.