It’s about time to pull out the hip boots in the Bitterroot if you’re living down by the river. According to Alex Lukinbeal at the National Weather Service in Missoula, there is high confidence that the Bitterroot River is going to peak above flood stage late Thursday evening or early Friday morning. But there is still a lot of water to come down, in fact the snow pack remains at about 167% of average in the Bitterroot mountains.
As our mountain snowpack has continued to melt, we have seen surface water levels in Ravalli County approaching flood stage. The forecast for the Bitterroot River as of May 7 projects the River to reach and remain at flood stage throughout this week. Many small streams are also bank full. Area fishing accesses, low lying fields, bridges and culverts are experiencing minor flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for the Bitterroot River in Ravalli County on Monday which remains in effect until further notice. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. The snowpack in the Bitterroot River Basin continues to be at above normal levels. Area residents and visitors should expect high water and minor flooding to continue throughout the next few weeks.
According to the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, sand and sandbags are available to Ravalli County residents through many of the local fire districts. Sandbags should only be placed to protect structures. Sandbags should not be used to divert water onto other properties. Residents are responsible for filling and transportation of the sandbags.
The Ravalli County Commissioners issued an Emergency Proclamation on May 7 as a result of the imminent threat of flooding. The Proclamation authorizes local disaster and emergency response efforts and allows Ravalli County to request state or federal assistance, should the need arise.
It is very important at this time to keep the following safety messages in mind:
• Do not approach areas of high water and flooding, including fishing accesses, area streams, ditches, and the Bitterroot River.
• Do not enter or cross flowing water or water of unknown depth. Observe any road closures or detours – they are in place for your safety.
• Ensure the safety of your children and animals by keeping them away from hazardous areas.
Roadway hazards or flooding may be reported to the Ravalli County Road Department at 363-2733 or the Ravalli County 911 Center at 363-3033. Dial 911 for life threatening emergencies.
The Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with the Ravalli County Road Department, local fire districts, and other local, state and federal partners. The Office of Emergency Management may be contacted for further information during normal business hours at 375-6655.
As of Monday, March 7, the river was measuring 6.84’ at the Darby Gage. Flood Stage at Darby is 7.5’. The recent runoff is expected to peak on Thursday at 8.2’.
At Bell Crossing on Monday, the river measured at 9.39’. Flood stage is 11’. The recent run-off is expected to crest on Thursday at 11.25’.
The Bitterroot River at Missoula measured 9.32’ on Monday. Flood stage is 11’. It is expected to peak on Thursday at about 11.71’.
Lukinbeal said that the high water coming down the river to date has been fed by melt-off from mostly below 5,500 feet and is the equivalent of 10 to 15 inches of rain. The snotel site at Twin Lakes, located at 6,400 feet in elevation, indicates that another 55 to 60 inches of rain-equivalent run-off remains.
“There is still an awful lot of water to come down,” he said.