High Snowmelt Now Triggers Special Flood Watches In Montana

Spring rain and heavy, wet snowmelt are prompting new flooding issues in parts of Montana. Mountain streams and flatland rivers are both experiencing flooding problems. With over a foot more of new snow expected to fall in many (high elevation) places across Montana, flood warnings should be taken very seriously.

With another round of heavy, wet snow headed to Montana, the chance of more flooding is certainly possible. Possible snowfall amounts are significant. A few current advisories include:

Total snow accumulations of 4 to 11 inches in the Snowy and Judith Mountains, snow accumulations between 1 and 2 feet and winds gusting as high as 35 mph for the Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains,

• A FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING.
• WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible.
• WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following area, Little Belt and Highwood Mountains.
• WHEN...From this evening through Friday morning.
• IMPACTS...Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rain, heavy at times, is possible Wednesday into Thursday.
• Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible. Snow is possible for elevations above 7000 feet.
• This amount of rainfall, combined with currently saturated ground conditions, could result in flooding of creeks and steams in the Monarch and Neihart areas.
• You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings.
• Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

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• A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING TO SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
• WHAT...Flooding is possible.
• WHERE...Little Bighorn River near Hardin.
• WHEN...From Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS... At 9:15 AM Wednesday the stage was 4.3 feet.
• FORECAST...Flood stage may be reached late Thursday evening. Flood stage is 8.0 feet.