The Clark Fork River above Missoula tipped just above flood stage this week. The National Weather Service says it reached 7.6 feet Monday. Minor flood stage is 7.5 feet.
"We’re currently forecasting a height of 7.8 feet, and that would be Thursday into Friday," says Meteorologist Travis Booth. "Right now it seems like the main impacts would be some minor street flooding, standing water in the Orchard Homes area, like Kherwald Drive and the north end of Tower Street."
Flooding in those neighborhoods on Missoula’s west side is practically a springtime rite of passage. Record flooding there last year prompted extended evacuations and caused extensive damage. Nothing so dramatic is expected this spring, but minor problems are possible, including flooded basements.
Filled sandbags are free and available on a self-serve basis at the D Road at Fort Missoula.
Weather Service and local emergency officials will host a public meeting for Orchard Home residents Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Hawthorne School.
No additional flooding is expected on any other main stem rivers in Western Montana through at least next week.
