Record Temperatures Speed Melt Of Snow, Flood Worries

The watching and waiting continued Saturday as the heavy high mountain snowpack melted under record temperatures, adding to flood fears over a wide area of southern and western Montana.

Sweetgrass County Undersheriff Tyler Molzahn said the Yellowstone River was rising rapidly Saturday afternoon, “but we’re more worried about Monday than today.”

The National Weather Service said temperatures might cool somewhat in coming days but would remain higher than normal.

A record 93 degrees was reported at Great Falls, breaking a 70-year-old weather mark. Other record highs were 91 at Helena and 88 at Belgrade. The 81 at West Yellowstone tied a mark set in 1986.

High water warnings remained in many areas.

Flood warnings through Wednesday were out for the Bitterroot River from Darby to Florence; the Flathead River at Columbia Falls; and the North and Middle forks of the Flathead.

A flood warning was posted through today for the Yellowstone River from Yellowstone National Park to near Laurel; the Big Hole near Melrose; Jefferson and headwaters of the Missouri River to near Toston.

And flood watches were posted through Wednesday for the Bitterroot at Missoula and Rock Creek near Clinton.

A small stream flood advisory also was issued for Warm Springs Creek near Anaconda, and forecasters said some sandbagging operations were under way.

The muddy Yellowstone was out of its banks in many areas, but the flooding generally was limited to pastures and no major property damage was reported.

“Emigrant seems to be getting hit the hardest,” said Park County Sheriff Charley Johnson in Livingston.

The community in the Paradise Valley between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park had numerous newer homes imperiled, officials said.