Tag Archives: flooding

Main-stem rivers in western Montana could reach flood stage this week

May 23, 2011Flood Information, NewsFlathead Basin, flood forecast, flooding, North Fork Flathead Rivernfpa

It looks like this would be a good time to start keeping a close eye on the hydrological forecast. The National Weather Service is expecting a steady rise in river and stream levels throughout the week. Here’s the latest write-up from the Missoulian . . .

The National Weather Service cautioned western Montanans this morning to be on alert for rising river and stream flows through midweek.

“Recent warm daytime temperatures and mild overnight temperatures have resulted in a resurgence of snowmelt being added to already swollen rivers and streams,” the Weather Service’s latest hydrologic outlook said.

“In addition, a low pressure system will affect the northern Rockies beginning late Monday through Wednesday. This weather system could deliver rainfall amounts ranging from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches across western Montana.

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Flood Information page updated with more forecast and river gauge links

May 23, 2011Site Updatesflood forecast, floodingnfpa

The Flood Information page has been spruced up with some additional material. The National Weather Service listing now includes links to specific flood-related forecasts. Also, a new section includes links to the real-time river gauge data for the stations at the Canadian border and near Columbia Falls.

Weather Service drops flood watch; warning still in effect for Stillwater River

May 21, 2011Flood Information, Newsflood forecast, flooding, Stillwater Rivernfpa

The National Weather Service has dropped the flood watch for areas in northwest Montana, but a flood warning for the Stillwater River near Kalispell is still in effect. According to this morning’s forecast, “the river will remain steady at elevated levels before slowly rising again for beginning of the work week. Additional rises may be possible thereafter.”

Flooding causing problems in eastern Montana

May 21, 2011Flood Information, Newsfloodingnfpa

Things are still pretty quiet in northwest Montana, but rain in the eastern part of the state is causing flooding problems . . .

Flooding in eastern Montana has caused the cancellation of several high-school graduations, fisherman have been trapped by washed out roads, a community near Billings has a voluntary evacuation in place and a private dam failed due to high water, meteorologists with the National Weather Service said Saturday.

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As temperatures rise, so do next week’s flood worries

May 19, 2011Flood Information, Newsflood forecast, floodingnfpa

Still waiting . . .

From today’s Missoulian . . .

Fluctuating spring temperatures continue to keep water levels across western Montana on a roller-coaster ride.

While lower temperatures at the beginning of this week eased the most urgent flooding fears, National Weather Service officials say temperatures in the high 60s across the region over the weekend will ramp up the worry meter again early next week.

Continue reading . . .

Small stream flood advisory posted for Northern Flathead County; Stillwater River flooding near Kalispell

May 18, 2011Flood Information, NewsFlathead County, flood forecast, floodingnfpa

Some folks are getting their feet wet down-valley. The National Weather Service has posted an urban and small stream flood advisory for Northern Flathead County and the Stillwater River is beginning to come over its banks near Kalispell. River levels are still modest on the North Fork.

For the full text of official flood advisories and warnings, click the weather graphic in the sidebar and follow the links in the “Active Advisory” section. A link to the same information can also be found on the Flood Information page.

Officials say flooding threat looms across state; Governor adds a positive spin

May 17, 2011Flood Information, NewsBrian Schweitzer, flood forecast, floodingnfpa

Here’s the Associated Press write-up on the looming flood threat for Montana. The story includes statements from Gov. Brian Schweitzer putting a somewhat positive spin on the matter . . .

More flood threats loom for Montana as an already-deep mountain snowpack increases and a cool spring brings more moisture.

River basins in the mountains are nearly double their average snowpack levels, and eastern Montana has already dealt with some rivers and flooding in places. The National Weather Service said flood threats could persist into early July due to the cool weather.

“It is going to be a big flood year,” said Gina Loss, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service. “There is not any part of the state void of any chance of flooding.”

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Western Montana braces for flood waters; more rain is a concern

May 17, 2011Flood Information, Newsflood forecast, floodingnfpa

Everyone is waiting for the real start of the spring runoff. Of particular concern is the forecast arrival of rain toward the end of the week. The Missoulian has the story . . .

Much of western Montana continued Monday to play a waiting game with its gravest flooding dangers this spring, thanks to cooler-than-normal temperatures.

A prolonged warming trend will release massive moisture still contained in mountain snowpacks. When it comes, officials say it will be the start of a “pretty prolonged flood season.”

But it’s more precipitation, not hot weather, the National Weather Service has its immediate eye on.

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Flooding problems beginning in Flathead County

May 17, 2011Flood Information, NewsFlathead County, flood forecast, floodingnfpa

Things aren’t really rolling yet, but issues with rising waters are beginning to appear within Flathead County and the surrounding region. The Daily Inter Lake surveys the situation . . .

High water has started to cause some problems at the outset of a flood season that is expected to last for weeks.

The Montana Department of Transportation put machinery to work Monday removing downed trees from the Stillwater River to prevent damage to a bridge crossing on Twin Bridges Road west of Whitefish.

“It was a debris removal just to prevent them from obstructing the bridge,” department spokeswoman Lori Ryan said Monday afternoon.

The Stillwater River that flows through Kalispell nearly reached its 7-foot action stage Monday, just shy of its 7.5-foot flood stage.

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National Weather Service says cold front will delay possible flooding

May 15, 2011Flood Information, Newsflood forecast, flooding, river flow forecastsnfpa

Here’s a good survey of river conditions and general flood forecasting from the Missoulian . . .

Now that the rivers have your attention, spend the next week getting ready for the real western Montana flood season.

While the Yaak and Fisher rivers around Eureka and Libby are nearing flood stage, the Clark Fork, Flathead and Bitterroot drainages may hold back another week before they really let go, according to National Weather Service warning coordinator Marty Whitmore.

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