Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
A warning sign was placed near the entrance of the 6th Avenue Bridge for water on the roadway however there was enough flooding past the bridge and around the bridge, that it was inadvisable for drivers to pass through.
Access to Sullivan Park was barricaded off this past weekend due to flooding on the Milk River. As of April 17, the Milk River is at 31.5 feet, with the 2011 record still standing at 34.1 feet.
As of press time, the Milk River was measuring 31.5 feet and with nowhere for the water to go, visible flooding can be seen from the Fort Peck Highway (MT 42 and MT 24) impacting residents' homes and ranch/farm lands. Sullivan Park has been barricaded off from entry due to the high water and sump pumps are present at the 6th Avenue Bridge as well as Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, in addition to visible flooding.
The National Weather Service in Glasgow held a briefing on April 13 to key stakeholders throughout Valley County with presence also from Senator Tester's office and the Fort Peck Tribes. During the meeting, meteorologist Brandon Bigelbach provided up-to-date information on river levels, the forecast and how those changes would impact the current flooding. Another meeting is scheduled for April 18 to provide further information.
As a result of the continued conditions, the City of Glasgow activated the Emergency Operations Center on April 12 to coordinate levy protection. Two days later, on April 14, the city filed an emergency declaration where the city is currently engaged in emergency protective and flood mitigation measures to protect life safety, property and responding to the threat of flooding. As a precautionary measure the City of Glasgow has instituted Levee patrols and are receiving support from the police department to enforce the Levee closures. The City is also asking the public to stay away and off the Levee for crews to do their work as well as to save the integrity of the Levee structure.
According to Bigelbach, the area will not get a reprieve from the flooding anytime soon as there is rain and snow in the forecast across most of northeast Montana. After a few days of spring like conditions, rain was expected on Tuesday with snow making its way on Wednesday. As of press time, the additional moisture won't make conditions much worse, but will keep the rivers high for longer periods of time, with the potential of high water into the month of May.
The public should monitor local news media and Emergency Alert System (EAS), especially those in the flood plain areas (south of Highway 2). Now is the time to prepare homes, gather supplies, review plans and prepare for any possible evacuation.
For any questions or concerns about the flooding contact 406-228-2476 or email [email protected]. If anyone would like to volunteer or have donations please contact Rod Dees at 406-263-3886.
For the latest forecast updates, visit weather.gov/glasgow. If you have questions or would like to submit weather reports or photos email [email protected] or call 406-228-9622.
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