Bitterroot Flood Watch Because of Rain

Constant rain is causing streams to rise quickly in the Bitterroot Valley. The National Weather Service office in Missoula has issued a Flood Watch for areas of Idaho and Montana, including the Bitterroot Valley. The recent heavy rain will be followed by more strong showers today, Tuesday and part of Wednesday, forecasters are predicting. A Flood Watch means there's a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. The next step would be a Flood Warning.

Already, streams are swollen, and that water is heading to the Bitterroot River. So far, the U.S. Geological Survey gauge at Bell Crossing near Victor is well below flood stage at 8.33 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet and the river is expected to crest Wednesday morning just below that at about 10.8. Of course, that level will be dependent on future rainfall. Stay alert to advisories. The river gauge at Conner, south of Darby, was at 4 and a half feet Monday morning and is expected to rise to 6.7 feet (below flood stage of 7.5 feet) by Wednesday.