The recent flooding and wind events in Lincoln County, Montana has brought significant challenges to our communities, homes, and infrastructure. We understand that residents are facing uncertainty and have many pressing questions about recovery, safety, and available resources.

This webpage is designed to provide clear, up-to-date information to help individuals, families, and businesses navigate the aftermath of this event. Here, you’ll find answers related to emergency assistance, road closures, property damage reporting, public health and safety, and recovery resources.

Lincoln County officials, in coordination with state and federal agencies, are committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient recovery process. We encourage everyone to check this page regularly for updates as conditions and resources continue to evolve.

For non-emergency winter storm related questions in Lincoln County, residents can call Emergency Management at (406) 293-6295.

Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses.  Accurate responses to the questions will assist in evaluating a request for an economic injury disaster declaration from the U. S. Small Business Administration.  Completed forms can be emailed to lcema@libby.org or delivered to the Emergency Management office at Libby City Hall, 952 Spruce St. Libby, MT.

LC Winter Storm Public Meeting 2-26-2026

The Internal Revenue Service announced February 17, 2026 tax relief for individuals and businesses in the State of Montana affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Dec. 10, 2025. These taxpayers now have until May 1, 2026, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Following the emergency disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals and households that reside or have a business in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Lincoln, and Sanders counties qualify for tax relief.

IRS Announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe storms and flooding in the State of Montana

WATER TESTING: Thursday afternoon, December 18, Montana DEQ received and reviewed the Libby water sample test results for inorganics (heavy metals). The test did not detect any contaminants of concern the municipal water system that would require a do not consume advisory.

The City of Libby water system is under a HEALTH ADVISORY.

Water system update: Health Advisory in Effect

Post boil order procedures

What to do after the flood:  Wells

Septic Systems

Boil order frequently asked questions.

Thank you for your patience and for helping share accurate information with others in the community.

LOWER FLOWER CREEK DIVERSION DAM: The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) administers dam safety, floodplain management, and community assistance programs for Montana communities. The Lower Flower Creek Diversion Dam is owned by the City of Libby. After damage was reported to the structure following the recent flooding, the city and DNRC’s Dam Safety Program coordinated inspection of the diversion structure by licensed engineers with expertise in dam safety. Engineers on site reported that damage was due to seepage along the structure’s side and increased water levels, resulting in erosion. Engineers and a construction crew took actions on the evening of December 14 to lower the dam’s water level. Additional work was conducted on the morning of December 15 to stabilize the damaged area. 

Update on the progress at the Lower Reservoir, 12 February 2026.

The main temporary coffer dam construction has begun. The freezing temperature at night is being utilized to our favor as much as possible. Work crews are beginning work earlier in the morning to transport the materials on frozen roads that will hopefully minimize further damage. As the temps increase during the day, and the road begins to thaw, hopefully we will stop hauling until the next morning when the road again freezes to some extent. Time will tell if this will work as we still have to make sure the coffer dam is in place and operational within the upcoming weeks for the spring runoff. The city crew is going to be maintaining Cabinet Heights Road the best we can after the hauling is completed for the day to minimize possible traffic issues for the public. We can’t stress enough how much the city appreciates all the work and cooperation with our city and Noble’s crews from the laborers to the equipment operators and engineers.  It is only through everyone’s combined efforts that we will again return to normal operations.

Libby City Council Update 12 Feb. 2026

Please haul storm generated debris to the Lincoln County Landfill located at 2501 Pipe Creek Road.

Do not place debris in roadways or along streets, as crews are not available to collect it. Keeping roads clear helps maintain access for recovery operations. The landfill is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Lincoln County residents who experienced property damage during the recent flooding are encouraged to complete the Flood Damage Self-Reporting Survey.

This survey is an important tool to help the State of Montana understand the full scope of flood impacts—beyond public infrastructure—and assess how individuals and households have been affected. The information collected will help determine whether there are forms of assistance that could be brought in to support recovery efforts.

If you sustained any damage to your home, property, or belongings, please take a few minutes to report it. Your input is vital to ensuring that community needs are accurately represented.

Unfortunately, disasters often attract scams that exploit vulnerable individuals, making it critical to stay alert and verify information before taking action; here are some tips to help you avoid scammers.

  • Involve your insurance adjuster early: Seek their input on bids and vetted professionals to ensure alignment with your coverage and minimize potential claim disputes.
  • Protect your payments: Limit any upfront deposit to 10-20% for materials only (avoid cash or full prepayments); opt for checks or credit cards for a clear paper trail. Withhold final payment until after a thorough inspection and receipt of a lien release.
  • Verify disaster-specific credentials: If federal aid is involved, confirm the contractor’s familiarity with FEMA processes. Inquire about their experience with local rebuilds and permitting. Stay vigilant against scams by checking DOJ alerts and resources.
  • Leverage state resources: Contact the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) at 406-324-4777 or des.mt.gov for vetted referrals and scam alerts. For concerns, report to the Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection at 800-481-6896 or 406-444-4500 (dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection).
  • Prioritize local expertise: Focus on Montana-based contractors with proven disaster recovery experience, such as hail or fire damage restoration. Validate their references and state code knowledge through the Department of Labor and Industry.
  • Obtain multiple written estimates: Shop around for at least 2-3 detailed bids from licensed pros to compare scope, pricing, and timelines, avoid verbal quotes and use them to negotiate fairly.
  • Verify licensing, bonding, and insurance: Confirm the contractor’s active registration via the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, plus proof of liability insurance and bonding to protect against accidents or unfinished work.
  • Secure a detailed written contract: Ensure it spells out all terms, including scope of work, materials specs, timelines, change order processes, warranties, and dispute resolution, and have it reviewed by a lawyer if the project is large.
  • Check references and red flags: Contact at least three recent clients for feedback, scan for complaints via the Better Business Bureau or Attorney General’s office, and steer clear of unsolicited door-to-door offers or high-pressure tactics.
  • Do not rush: Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without taking the time to get more information or contact a trusted authority.

Please use extra caution and slow down while driving. Crews are actively clearing roads, and in many areas only one lane is open. Driving around downed trees and power lines is extremely dangerous and can put lives at risk. Let’s all do our part to make sure everyone gets home safely.

Thank you to the many community members who have stepped up to help their neighbors. This is a strong and resilient community. Tracking volunteer hours, donated resources, and the use of personal equipment during disaster response and recovery is important. This information helps document the full scope of community support, supports potential reimbursement to the County, and strengthens the County’s ability to recover financially after this incident.

If you volunteered, donated items, or used your own equipment to help, please log your contributions using the appropriate form below. Your time and support truly make a difference, and we appreciate your help.

Ways to report your contributions:

Thank you for supporting your community and helping Lincoln County recover.

The recent flooding events in Lincoln County have raised concerns about the potential release and redistribution of Libby Amphibole (LA) Asbestos containing materials. While the potential for LA asbestos release exists, there is not immediate danger currently identified. Inspection of flood impacted areas for LA containing materials will take place once floodwaters have receded. If areas of concern are identified further actions may take place to protect human health and the environment. Please contact the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program if you observe any vermiculite containing materials or if you have any further questions or concerns.

Please use extra caution when traveling in areas impacted by the storm. Driving around downed trees and power lines is extremely dangerous and can put lives at risk.

  • Assume all downed lines are live. Never touch them or cut trees off lines unless the power company has confirmed the line is de-energized.
  • Keep at least 30 feet away. The ground around a line can also be energized.
  • Do not touch others who may be in contact with a line. Call 911 immediately.
  • If a line contacts your vehicle, stay inside and call for help. If you must exit due to fire, jump clear with both feet together and shuffle away.
  • Report downed lines to the utility company or emergency services with the exact location.
  • Avoid water or wet ground near downed lines, as electricity can travel through it.

Prolonged power outages are difficult. While some people can manage the first couple of days, each additional day without electricity becomes more challenging.

This is when checking in on one another matters most. A quick call, a knock on the door, or a simple text can make a real difference. Offering to share a warm or cool space, help recharge a phone, check on food or medications, or simply spend a few minutes talking can go a long way.

If you have power, please consider checking on neighbors who may not. Older adults, people with medical needs, families with young children, and those living alone may need extra support right now.

Community resilience shows up in moments like this. Neighbors helping neighbors makes a real difference during extended outages.

If you are experiencing a prolonged outage, take steps now to stay safe and prepared.

  • Check in on neighbors, especially older adults and those with medical needs
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible
  • Charge devices whenever possible, use generators safely and only outdoors
  • Ensure you have flashlights, batteries, medications, food, and water for several days
  • Plan for extended outages until service is fully restored.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility provider
  • Use generators outdoors only and keep them well away from buildings
  • Treat intersections without power as four way stops

These simple actions help protect you, your family, and your neighbors while crews work to restore power.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP Debris Removal    RFP Debris Monitoring

 

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
Mr. Boyd White
Lincoln County
Emergency Management Agency
512 California Ave
Libby, MT 59923-1916
lcema@libby.org
Office: 1-406-293-7781
Cell: 1-406-334-7194