Flash flooding is the sharpest weather threat at Waco Mammoth National Monument, with 12 recorded flash flood events in McLennan County placing it ahead of every other hazard in the data. The broader storm picture compounds that risk — 11 hail events, 9 thunderstorm wind incidents, and 5 tornadoes round out a profile where fast-moving severe weather can escalate quickly in central Texas. Violent crime in the surrounding Waco area also runs at 416 per 100,000 residents, worth keeping in mind when planning after-dark travel.
When storms roll in, move away from the Bosque River drainage immediately and never wait to see how high water is rising — flash floods here develop with little warning. Pack a NOAA weather radio or download the NWS Waco alerts to your phone before arrival, since cell signals near the dig site can be unreliable. For evening trips into town, stick to well-lit areas near the monument's main commercial corridors and keep valuables secured in a locked vehicle.
Top recorded hazards in McLennan County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Flash Flood 12
- Hail 11
- Thunderstorm Wind 9
- Tornado 5
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About Waco Mammoth National Monument
Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of ice age Columbian mammoths.
Weather
The monument enjoys a sunny, mild climate during three seasons of the year. Spring: Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C). Rain is common in April and May. Summer: Temperatures range from 70 F to 95 F (21 C/35 C). Temperatures can exceed 100 F (38 C) in July and August. Lightweight clothing and sunscreen are advisable. Be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C). Winter: Temperatures range from 35 F to 65 F (2 C/18 C) . Snow and ice are rare.