In June 2022, the U.S. state of Montana was hit by heavy, damaging floods in multiple major watersheds including the Yellowstone River.[1] Heavy rain and melting snow over the weekend June 10–13 caused large areas of Yellowstone National Park to be evacuated.[2] On June 14, the water plant in Billings was temporarily shut down.[3] Many houses were damaged as a result, and a number of roads and bridges were destroyed by floodwaters.[4]
On June 18, it was reported that heavier flooding is expected to reach Billings and other areas in Eastern Montana.[10] The flooding so far has reportedly caused $29 million in damage.[11]
Multiple watersheds impacted
Yellowstone River headwaters
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2023)
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2023)
On June 13, Rock Creek, a tributary of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, flooded Red Lodge, Montana damaging roads, bridges and buildings.[15] The flood caused severe damage to infrastructure on the north side of the park including the north entrance road, wastewater systems, facilities, and trails.[16]
Missouri River headwaters
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This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2023)
A 43-year-old man was killed in a rafting incident on the Flathead River on June 21.[18] High water levels and debris have reportedly made the river dangerous.[19]
Yellowstone National Park
North Entrance Road washout along Gardner RiverRescue Creek Bridge washed away on Gardner River
On June 14, 2022, Yellowstone National Park shut down all of its entrances,[20] and began evacuation of approximately 10,000 visitors currently in the park. The National Park Service had stated that many parts, including the North part of Yellowstone, would be closed for "a substantial length of time".[21][22] Flood damage, mostly road washouts and mudslides, were extensive on the Yellowstone River headwaters of Soda Butte Creek, Lamar River and Gardner River. Multiple road washouts in the Gardner River canyon made the park inaccessible from the Northern Entrance road, including park administrative, maintenance and concessionaire facilities in Gardiner.[citation needed]