flooding

With the heavy rain that Missoula has received over the past 24 hours, there has been some concern that rivers might have more water overflowing their banks, but the National Weather Service says not necessarily

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Bitterroot River as it flows through Missoula.

The Clark Fork River, as expected, overflowed its banks this week and neighborhoods located near the river are now experiencing flooding.

The National Weather Service has been keeping a close eye on the Clark Fork River as the weather has been warming, and they are now predicting that the Clark Fork River will exceed the 7.5 foot flood stage this week, according to meteorologist Jennifer Kitzmiller.

Last spring’s flooding changed the landscape of the Clark Fork River to the point where the flood stage level has been reduced by nearly three feet.

Flooding has not been a huge concern for western Montana so far this season, but the Missoula National Weather Service says that could change.

Even though the National Weather Service is not predicting a repeat of last spring’s devastating flooding of the Clark Fork River, Chief Hydrologist Ray Nickless is still concerned about localized flooding in certain areas.

After last spring and summer’s devastating floods, Missoula County Disaster and Emergency Services personnel are well prepared for whatever may happen this spring.

With all the snow that western Montana has received over the past month, Montana’s State Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale encourages residents to look into flood insurance as the weather warms.

A section of river near Missoula has been blocked off for months after flooding collapsed infrastructure and led to some hazardous conditions.

The Storm Water Utility in Missoula is holding an open house today to inform the public about its new Storm Water Facility and Operations Plan.

Though the worst of the Missoula County flooding this year is likely over, National Weather Service Hydrologist Ray Nickless says he believes the swollen rivers this year may have created conditions where flooding is perennial in Missoula.