Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management

06/05/2026

Montana Seismic Activity Roundup for May 2026!

May was a little shakier than April, with 148 earthquakes in Montana this month! The largest had a magnitude of 3.2, southwest of Dillon.

Wondering what you're looking at?
--- Circle size = magnitude
--- Circle color = depth

Montana averages 7-10 small earthquakes every day, so this is just another month of normal seismic activity in the state.

Want to know if there are active faults or earthquakes near you? Check out the "Geohazards / Earthquake Studies" section of our website under Montana Geology!

Data: MBMG & USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

05/29/2026

Water levels in the Bitterroot River and other waterways around the valley are projected to raise to the highest of the season through the weekend.
Although river and stream flows are expected to remain below flood stage throughout the season, we are encouraging our community to keep the following safety messages in mind:
-Do not approach areas of high water and flooding, including fishing accesses, area streams, ditches, and the Bitterroot River.
-Ensure the safety of your children and animals by keeping them away from hazardous areas.
-Do not enter or cross flowing water or water of unknown depth.
-Observe any road closures or detours- they are in place for your safety.
-Roadway hazards or minor flooding may be reported to the Ravalli County Road Department at 406-363-2733 or the Ravalli County 911 Center at 406-363-3033.
-Dial 911 for life threatening emergencies.
Graphic (as of 5 pm Friday, May 29) courtesy of US National Weather Service Missoula Montana

05/26/2026

We're going to be tracking more thunderstorms across the Northern Rockies today! Starting around 1 PM, storms will initiate and track from southeast to northwest through about midnight.

While lightning and heavy downpours (with rain rates near or exceeding 0.50" an hour) are a primary hazard across most of the region, areas of enhanced instability (shaded in dark green) have the greatest potential for isolated strong wind gusts over 50 mph and hail.

If you are recreating outdoors today, monitor the skies closely and have a plan to seek shelter if you begin hearing thunder!

05/13/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Red Flag Warning issued May 13 at 3:18AM MDT until May 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

SUMMARY:
--------..RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT
THIS EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST
BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111.

* TIMING...From noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening.

* WINDS...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 14 to 24 percent.

* STORMS...Scattered thunderstorms causing outflow winds up to 70 mph
and dry lightning.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is not recommended.

AFFECTS: Deerlodge/Western Beaverhead National Forest; Eastern Beaverhead National Forest

INSTRUCTION: Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of
this Red Flag Warning.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/Z88ri4V

URGENCY: Expected

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/13/26 3:18 AM MST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/13/26 9:00 PM MST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------..RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM MDT
THIS EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST
BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111.

* TIMING...From noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening.

* WINDS...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 14 to 24 percent.

* STORMS...Scattered thunderstorms causing outflow winds up to 70 mph
and dry lightning.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is not recommended.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/Z88ri4V

05/12/2026

Our OEM Team was honored to be able to work with Mike on several occasions on earthquake awareness, preparedness, and mitigation efforts. We wish him the best in his retirement!

Thanks, USGS Volcanoes , for highlighting Mike Stickney!

For 45 years, Mike was Montana's earthquake expert - building our seismic monitoring network from ONE station to over 50, mapping faults across the state, and helping Montanans understand earthquake hazards.

His story starts with the famous 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. As a kid in Missoula, he felt his bed shaking against the wall. That experience might have sparked a career that made Montana significantly safer.

Mike retired in 2025 after an incredible career. Thanks for everything, Mike, Montana rocks a little safer because of you!

Read the full article here: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/a-tribute-mike-stickney-montanas-earthquake-expert?fbclid=IwY2xjawRuz3pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTTGx5aW80aGJKMWtXWktzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHCiBIB0jIHhc8FATTL1iUZHa5LZsBc-_txJe7l2kRxPwGzutRwGFN2AaKY_aem_JmlBcIXu9l27tc2sIZCs7Q

05/12/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Red Flag Warning issued May 12 at 10:38AM MDT until May 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

SUMMARY:
--------..RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY DUE TO
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST
BEAVERHEAD...

The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Red Flag
Warning in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111.

* TIMING...From noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday.

* WINDS...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 14 to 24 percent.

* STORMS...Scattered thunderstorms causing outflow winds up to 70 mph
and dry lightning.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is not recommended.

AFFECTS: Deerlodge/Western Beaverhead National Forest; Eastern Beaverhead National Forest

INSTRUCTION: Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field of
this Red Flag Warning.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/7seBvIO

URGENCY: Expected

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Likely

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/12/26 10:38 AM MST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/13/26 9:00 PM MST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------..RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY DUE TO
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST
BEAVERHEAD...

The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Red Flag
Warning in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111.

* TIMING...From noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday.

* WINDS...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 14 to 24 percent.

* STORMS...Scattered thunderstorms causing outflow winds up to 70 mph
and dry lightning.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is not recommended.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/7seBvIO

05/12/2026

Water levels in the Bitterroot River and other waterways around the valley are now at the highest of the season.
Although river and stream flows are expected to remain below flood stage throughout the season, we are encouraging our community to keep the following safety messages in mind:
-Do not approach areas of high water and flooding, including fishing accesses, area streams, ditches, and the Bitterroot River.
-Ensure the safety of your children and animals by keeping them away from hazardous areas.
-Do not enter or cross flowing water or water of unknown depth.
-Observe any road closures or detours- they are in place for your safety.
-Roadway hazards or minor flooding may be reported to the Ravalli County Road Department at 406-363-2733 or the Ravalli County 911 Center at 406-363-3033.
-Dial 911 for life threatening emergencies.
Graphic (as of 9 am Tuesday, May 12) courtesy of US National Weather Service Missoula Montana

05/12/2026

A strong cold front will help kick off strong thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening. The main threats will be strong gusty erratic winds in excess of 50 mph and frequent lightning. Secure any loose outdoor equipment.

05/11/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Fire Weather Watch issued May 11 at 12:00PM MDT until May 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

SUMMARY:
--------..FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD...

The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Fire Weather
Watch.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111.

* TIMING...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

* WINDS...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 13 to 23 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is not recommended.

AFFECTS: Deerlodge/Western Beaverhead National Forest; Eastern Beaverhead National Forest

INSTRUCTION: A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are
possible during the valid watch time. These conditions could promote
the rapid spread of wildfires which could become life-threatening.

Follow all fire restrictions. Avoid activities that could cause
sparks.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/GBOl0DH

URGENCY: Future

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Possible

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/11/26 12:00 PM MST

EXPIRATION DATE: 5/13/26 9:00 PM MST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------..FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD...

The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Fire Weather
Watch.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111.

* TIMING...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

* WINDS...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 13 to 23 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is not recommended.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/GBOl0DH