PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (MT) Minor to major flooding continues in northern Montana

Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2018 08:02:39 EDT

Summary: Current streamflows at some streamgages on the lower Milk River in Montana rank among the largest observed in the past 30 years.

Minor to major flooding continues in the Milk River basin in Montana. Melting of low-elevation snowpack has resulted in streamflows exceeding National Weather Service (NWS) flood stages at 13 USGS streamgages in the basin since April 11. Currently, flood stage is being exceeded at 7 USGS streamgages in the basin.

Provisional instantaneous discharges have exceeded the peak of record at one USGS streamgage and rank 2nd or 3rd at three other sites. Number of annual peak observations range from 34 to 57.

At this time, all streamgages are providing timely, high-quality data.

One crew of 2 USGS hydrographers will return today to streamgages upstream where streamflows are receding to define rating shifts and verify station datum. A second crew of 2 USGS hydrographers will prepare for measuring peak streamflows at downstream streamgages throughout the week.

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. USGS might participate in a flood briefing Tue Apr 24 related to flooding on the Fort Belknap Reservation.

Social media: Twitter and Instagram --> @USGS_MT

Map: Flood and High-Flow Conditions - Milk River, Montana
Table: Current Conditions - Milk River, Montana