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Montana Flood News Roundup For May 15, 2018

Volunteers fill sandbags at Fort Missoula, May 15, 2018 in Missoula, MT.
Olivia Sears
Volunteers fill sandbags at Fort Missoula, May 15, 2018 in Missoula, MT.

Flooding on some western Montana rivers slowed early this week, but warming temperatures mean more flooding is on the way.

A flood warning remains in effect for Lewis & Clark County through Thursday Morning. So far, the Helena Valley and the Lincoln area have been hardest hit by flooding.

Lewis and Clark County officials say that residents in flooded areas should assume that flood water is contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, and other disease-carrying germs. More information on how to handle your well, septic tank and food supply are available here.

Tenmile Creek in the Helena Valley is expected to rise again late this afternoon through this evening. Rainfall later in the week could also cause the creek to rise. Sierra Road has been reopened between Montana Avenue and Green Meadow Drive, but some roads are closed because of the flooding. For your safety, don’t drive around road closed signs.

In the Lincoln area near the Blackfoot River, expect increased runoff this afternoon and evening as temperatures rise and snowpack melts.

Flooding continues in the Seeley Lake and Clearwater river areas, where a flood warning remains in effect. Officials report minor flooding along Boy Scout Road, C Street, and homes around Morrell Creek adjacent to Seeley Lake. High water is causing issues along the Clearwater River from Seeley Lake to the confluence of the Blackfoot River. Water levels are expected to increase again this week as temperatures rise.

Around Missoula, extensive flooding continues in the Orchard Homes area. As temperatures increase Wednesday and Thursday, the Clark Fork River is expected to again rise above major flood stage. Flood warnings are also in effect for the Blackfoot River near Bonner, and for Lolo and areas near the confluence of the Clark Fork and Bitterroot River. Minor flooding is also possible in low lying areas due to groundwater saturation.

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