In June, heavy rains began to fall over the State of Montana. A combination of the rainfall and the melting of the remaining snowpack overwhelmed major watersheds throughout the region, including the Yellowstone River. The river—which runs from Northeast Montana to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming—saw its worst flooding in centuries. On June 14th, 2022, every entrance of Yellowstone National Park was shut down and nearly 10,000 people were evacuated.
The flooding has been called “unprecedented.” An early estimate put the total property damage at $29 million―though the true extent of the property losses will undoubtedly be far higher. A government official told ABC News that the damage was likely higher than $1 billion. Here, you will find an overview of the catastrophic river flooding at Yellowstone National Park, the places that you can donate to support communities, and how our firm can help protect your rights and interests.
The Yellowstone River Flooding of 2022: A 1-in-500-Year Catastrophe
The Yellowstone River Flooding hit Montana and Northwest Wyoming hard. As reported by Axios, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has classified the Yellowstone River flooding of 2022 as a 1-in-500-year catastrophe. Unprecedented levels of rainfall over a four-day period (June 10th through June 14th) combined with rapid snow melt resulted in a dramatic rising of local rivers. Many roadways were heavily damaged or outright washed away in the flood. The Carbella Bridge, which carried U.S. Route 89 across the Yellowstone River in Southern Montana, was destroyed.
The impact on Yellowstone Park and local communities is enormous. In the immediate outbreak of flooding, nearly 10,000 people had to be evacuated from the park—some by helicopter. Many roads, homes, businesses, and other property on or near the Yellowstone River sustained damage. WBUR also reports that some communities lost access to safe drinking water. The recovery process from the flood is expected to take several years. As of July 2nd, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) reported that nearly ten percent of the roadways in Yellowstone National Park were still available for use due to the flood.
That Yellowstone National Park was closed at all demonstrates the catastrophic nature of the flooding. It is very rare for Yellowstone National Park to close to visitors in the summer months. The last time Yellowstone park closed its entrance to visitors outside of the winter season was in the early 1990s. As noted by Reuters, many of the “gateway towns” that rely on Yellowstone-related tourism are dealing with a double-dose of hardship—first from the flooding itself and also from the unexpected disruption in economic activity.
Where You Can Donate to Support People Affected By the Yellowstone River Flooding
For those feeling generous and willing to support the people affected by the Yellowstone River Flood, there are organizations available. Some notable charities and organizations that you can donate to in support of the people, families, and communities affected by the Yellowstone River flooding of 2022 include:
- Wyoming Red Cross;
- Montana Red Cross;
- Carbon County Disaster Relief Fund;
- Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund; and
- Montana Disaster Relief Fund.
You can always support Yellowstone National Park directly. A donation can be made to the National Park Service (NPS) with express instructions to use the funds for Yellowstone. All donations collected on behalf of the Yellowstone National Park are required to be used for exhibits, educational programs, and other park-related matters.
A significant amount of federal disaster relief funding is already on the way to help rebuild some of the region’s heavily damaged infrastructure. Recently, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) released $65 million of emergency relief money to repair roads and bridges that were damaged in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and Montana.
The Wyoming Attorneys at Freeburg Law Advocate for Injured Victims and their Families
Flooding is incredibly dangerous. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), at least 21 people have been killed in floods in the United States so far in 2022. Many more people have sustained serious injuries. Thankfully, there have been no confirmed fatalities that were caused directly by the Yellowstone River flooding. Still, flooding can cause serious harm in many ways—from car crashes to unsafe conditions on the property. At Freeburg Law, we are strong, justice-driven advocates for injured victims. Our Wyoming personal injury lawyers have experience with;
- Motor vehicle collisions;
- Commercial truck crashes;
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Premises liability claims; and
- Wrongful death cases.
If you or your loved one suffered any type of injury related to the Yellowstone River flooding or any other similar matter, we are here as a legal resource. Our Wyoming personal injury lawyers are ready to conduct a free, comprehensive initial consultation. We will review your case, answer questions you have about your rights, and take whatever steps are needed to help you secure financial compensation.
Freeburg Law Provides Legal Representation to Businesses
The Yellowstone River flooding caused extensive property damage. Communities were affected in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. People and families saw damage to homes and businesses. If you are a business owner with any questions about your options for getting the financial support that you need to pay your bills, our attorneys are available to help. At Freeburg Law, we represent businesses in legal disputes in Wyoming. A flood could give rise to a wide range of different business/commercial disputes—from contract matters to insurance claims. To set up a confidential consultation with a Wyoming business lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Wyoming Attorneys Today
At Freeburg Law, we are committed to providing clients with top-level, fully personalized guidance and support. If you suffered an injury in the Yellowstone River flooding of 2022 or if you have any questions about how our legal team can help, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Initial consultations are free and strictly confidential. With offices in Jackson, Cheyenne, and Rock Springs, our attorneys provide legal representation throughout the region.