The Milk River in north-central Montana has been impacted by rainfall and rapid snowmelt. This combination has caused minor to major flooding across Meagher, Valley, Hill, Blaine, and Park Counties and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Water for irrigators is conveyed through the St Mary Canal on the Milk River. However, the canal is currently inoperable due to flooding.
What is the Milk River?
The Milk River gets its name from its whitish appearance, which Merriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame noted in his 1805 journal as “the color of a cup of tea with a teaspoon of milk.” That unique whitish hue is attributed to the mixture of clays, silts, and shale that pass through its waters.
Rising on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation near Browning, the Milk River is one of the Missouri River’s longest tributaries. After flowing northeast into Canada via the international border with Alberta, it makes a remarkable twist back into Montana near Fort Peck Dam.
Topographic map evidence shows that the deep Milk River valley and tributary valleys eroded headward to capture massive south-oriented flood flows. The resulting river cuts through the low mountains of Whitlash and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation before sweeping past the community of Malta and the town of Havre, where it is a source of local pride.
The Milk River provides a variety of recreational opportunities to the communities it serves, such as fishing and rafting. It is also a good hunting destination for whitetail deer and birds. The Milk River is part of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and non-tribal members need a special permit to fish here. For more information, visit the Blackfeet Reservation’s website. Non-tribal fishermen are advised to try their luck below the various dams along the Milk River.
What is the Flood Warning?
The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings on a county-by-county basis. A flood watch indicates that flooding is possible over a large area and may occur within a few hours. A flood warning signals that flooding is occurring or will soon begin and usually requires immediate action.
The river levels are expected to continue to rise, particularly in the western Hi-Line. Melting snow is adding to the already saturated situation. Water is flowing over several roads in eastern Petroleum County near Winnett and has begun to flood a number of farms. In addition, the Milk River at Malta dipped below flood stage Sunday evening but is likely to rebound this weekend.
In other areas, the North Platte River is experiencing minor flooding, and the Big Sioux River may also see moderate levels of flooding. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is urging motorists to avoid the affected areas and consider using alternate routes if possible.
As the river rises, residents in the affected areas are encouraged to check local forecasts and monitor river levels. They should prepare for potential flooding by disconnecting appliances and removing valuables. They should also stay informed by tuning in to local media for the latest information. It is also important to remember that flooding can happen quickly and unexpectedly, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan in place ahead of time.
What is the Flood Advisory?
A flood advisory is the lowest level of flood alert. It means that flooding is possible in your area, and you should take precautions to protect your property. Floods are the second leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Most of those deaths are from people driving into or walking into flooded areas. It is essential to keep up to date with local flood watches, warnings, and advisories and to know what they mean so you can be safe and prepared.
A Flood Watch means that the conditions are favorable for flooding. A flood watch does not necessarily imply that flooding will occur, but it is an excellent time to start taking steps to protect yourself and your property. A Flood Warning is a more severe warning that indicates that flooding is occurring or will happen soon. This warning can be issued on a county-by-county basis or for specific rivers.
A Flood Warning is in effect for a portion of the Milk River in Blaine, Liberty, and Hill counties, as well as Beaver Creek near Hinsdale and Big Sandy Creek south of Havre. Moderate to severe flooding from melt and recent rain is expected in these areas. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has closed multiple fishing access sites and a wildlife management area along the Hi-Line. If you are traveling on these roads, it is best to turn around and find an alternate route.
What is the Flood Warning Alert?
A flood warning is issued when large-scale, gradual river flooding is expected or occurring. It can be published on a county-by-county basis or for specific points along a river. When flooding is accompanied by heavy rain, a flash flood watch may also be issued.
Heavy rainfall and melting snow have swollen the Milk River to near flood stage in parts of Toole, Liberty, and Hill counties. The river is expected to crest at Sullivan Park in Glasgow at about 6 p.m. Monday, meteorologists said. Sullivan Park is at an evacuation level, and residents have been warned to evacuate if they can.
Flooding in the region is expected to affect highways and communities, as well as wildlife and recreational areas. The National Weather Service is monitoring conditions in the area and will issue additional flood advisories and warnings as necessary.
The flooding is the result of a wet spring and the melting of mountain and plains snowpack. The forecast agency warns that the flood risk will likely remain high for this spring, and even some locations that do not usually experience floods this time of year are at risk of experiencing moderate to severe flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for most of New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, as well as western Connecticut and southern New Jersey. The flood watch will be in effect through Wednesday. The NWS says the storm could produce widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding, with life-threatening inundation possible 3 ft or more above sea level within 48 hours.
