PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (MT) Flooding continues in northern Montana

Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2018 08:53:24 EDT

Summary: Minor to major flooding forecasted to continue into May for the Milk River basin in northern Montana.

Minor to major flooding continues on the Milk River and its tributaries in northern Montana. Melting of low-elevation snowpack has resulted in streamflows exceeding National Weather Service (NWS) flood stages at 8 USGS streamgages in the basin, two more since yesterday. NWS is forecasting streamflows will exceed flood stage at two additional USGS streamgages on the Milk River today.

Blaine County has issued two civil emergency declarations and some residents in at least two communities have been advised to evacuate.

Eleven of 14 streamgages on the Milk River and its tributaries are recording streamflows in the 99th percentile for the day-of-year. A summary of the current streamflows in the context of historical information is in preparation.

Two crews of 2 hydrographers each have completed 13 direct discharge measurements in two days, 9 of which at stages over NWS flood stage. All streamgages are functioning. Three ratings have been extended.

Discharge measurement information, new or shift-adjusted ratings, and other information is being shared immediately with the National Weather Service via NWSChat. USGS also is participating in flood preparedness briefings by Montana Disaster and Emergency Services.

Montana WaterWatch flood map for Milk River