Floodplain
Welcome to the Three Forks Floodplain Information and Application Site
This page will assist Three Forks’ citizenry in understanding the issues associated with the local floodplain as well as the requirements of governments and local residents. Some of these include:
- To protect human life and health;
- To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
- To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
- To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
- To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;
- To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas;
- To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and
- To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
This page should also assist Three Forks area residents requiring flood insurance to have lower annual premiums.
For a full text of the floodplain, its purpose, requirements, obligations and actions each person should read the floodplain ordinances by clicking that menu item to the left as well as perusing this entire site to get full details on the Three Forks area floodplain.
For any additional information or questions please contact the City via the contact link below.
Thank you,
Kelly Smith, Floodplain Administrator
Click Here to View Current & Draft Floodplain Maps
Effective 7/01/2023 - Flood Elevation Certificate Form
Maps
Three Forks city proper is divided on two FEMA maps: Parcel 30031C0289-D and 30031C0293-D. These two maps cover the city limits of Three Forks. A third map, Parcel 30031C0294-D, shows the east edge of Three Forks but is outside of city limits.
Click here and just enter “Three Forks, MT” in the search field. FEMA’s site will bring up an image of Three Forks and the surrounding areas outside of City limits. Simply zoom in to view the property.
The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is currently in process of remapping areas near and of Three Forks. Please visit their interactive map page linked here for the Madison-Ruby-Jefferson Watersheds and Jefferson River Update.
Gallatin County also has interactive maps to be viewed on their website here: Gallatin County Floodplain Interactive Map - Planning & Floodplain Viewer
Floodplain Links
FEMA How to Prepare for a Flood
Gallatin County - Floodplain Compliance
Pursuant to the Montana Floodplain and Floodway Management Act (Title 76 Chapter 5 M.C.A.) and the Gallatin County Floodplain Regulations, the Gallatin County Planning Department regulates development in the 100-year floodplain through the issuance of floodplain permits. Pursuant to the Montana Floodplain and Floodway Management Act (Title 76 Chapter 5 M.C.A.) and the Gallatin County Floodplain Regulations, the Gallatin County Planning Department regulates development in the 100-year floodplain through the issuance of floodplain permits.
Gallatin County - Interactive Mapping
This site is GREAT. If you know where a property is, you can bring in an overlay of the current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to see if the property might be in the Floodplain. Very useful site and very user friendly.
Gallatin County Emergency Management
News, information and resources about Gallatin County Emergency Management.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Main website for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
All the information you need on the National Flood Insurance Program the FEMA provides.
Providing geospatial data and analytics in support of emergency management.
Protect Yourself In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding. Find out more about the NFIP and how it can help you protect yourself.
Flood Tools is a very interactive site. It will allow you to see an estimate of repairs if your home floods 1 inch to several feet - Loss Calculator. It has a section that will show you your possible flood risk. You will learn about Flood issues with "Flood Ed", and can receive a flood insurance quote for FEMA backed insurance. This is a very informative site.
These are the draft Madison and Jefferson River revised hydrology reports. Click the “Hydrology Reports” link, then “View Draft Data” to download the pdf version of the report you would like to view.
Wetlands information for the State of Montana.
Montana DNRC Water Resources Division
The Montana DNRC Floodplain Management Program promotes common sense planning for development in flood prone areas through education for the benefit of public health, safety and welfare.
Understanding the Flood Study Process
USGS National Water Information System
Montana Water Information from the USGS National Water Information System Web Interface. This site provides water gage information and how close rivers and streams are to flood stage.
Water Damage Advisor is your trusted source in learning about water damage and mold health concerns. It’s our mission to provide you with help when you need it most. We provide information as well as a number of restoration companies near you.
Contact Info
Kelly Smith
Floodplain Administrator
PO Box 187
406-285-3431
ksmith@threeforksmontana.us
Related Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find Out If My Property Is In The Floodplain And Could Be At Risk For Flooding?
There are several ways to find out if your property or a property you are considering purchasing is in the AE flood zone.
In Three Forks there are 3 main "zones" on our flood map, X, X-shaded and AE. X and X shaded the property is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for that area. X is higher above the BFE than X shaded is. Zone AE is considered within the 100 year floodplain or has a 1% chance of flooding in any year. If the property is within this zone, a lender will require you to have Flood Insurance on it, as there is a greater risk that it will flood than a property in one of the other 2 zones. Three Forks City Hall, at 206 Main Street, Three Forks, MT, has the 2 Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that encompass the City of Three Forks. These maps can also be see on the FEMA Website.
At City Hall we also have an extensive book of Elevation Certificates for properties in Three Forks. We do not have one for every property in town, but anytime an elevation certificate is done we try to get a copy either from the Engineer/Surveyor, or the property owner. The elevation certificate is used to show how the property compares (above or below) to the BFE. We also have information brochures (also at the Three Forks Library), computerized tools (some are linked on this webpage), and flood history that can be useful. An elevation certificate is used by insurance agents to help determine the cost of flood insurance for a property.
Why Do I Require Flood Insurance When A House 2 Doors Down Does Not?
It is all determined by the elevation of your property as compared tot the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The BFE is not a constant number thru out the town. It increase or decrease based on the properties relation to the possible flooding source.
I Don't Have A Basement. Do I Still Require Flood Insurance?
That depends on which Zone you are in. If the top of your lowest floor is below the Base Flood Elevation (Includes Crawl spaces) your property would most likely still require Flood Insurance, by a lender. Having a basement or not, does not create the requirement for Flood Insurance, the elevation of the property does.
What Is The Most Likely Cause Of A Flood In The City Of Three Forks?
The most probable cause of a flood in the City of Three Forks would come from an ice jam on the Jefferson River, and as a result of snowmelt and/or rainfall runoff. We are surrounded by water, mainly rivers, with that comes the risk of them overflowing and flooding the area. There has not been a significant flood in the City of Three Forks since 1948.
I Would Like To Improve My Flood Protection And Lower My Flood Insurance Costs, But I Do Not Know Where To Start?
Along with the local Floodplain Administrator at City Hall, there are other resources available. Once you come into City Hall and discuss your situation with Kelly Smith, it can be determined if we need to get others involved. We can go to the property and see what your options might be. Then we can instruct you to what your next step might be. Either calling in a local land surveyor that can let us know where you are in the AE zone (if no Elevation Certificate has been done) and if you can improve your drainage around the building, or have the State's Regional Engineer, come down and give his help. There are retrofitting options, available to help lower insurance costs, and we can help you apply for mitigation grants or other sources of funding to help.