Winter of 2017-18 ends with Flooding throughout Blaine County, Flooding believed to have stabilized at present

 

April 25, 2018

After six months of Fire, Snow and extreme cold, flooding was the next natural disaster to hit Blaine County hard. Extensive flooding could be found throughout the area.

Three weeks ago Blaine County Commissioners and county Emergency Manager Haley Velk were sharing ideas about the potential for spring flooding. Velk said, "...I don't have a crystal ball to tell if, when and where a flood might occur." A "winter briefing" from the National Weather Service (NWS) showed the worst case scenario for flooding was "rapidly warming temperatures and overnight lows above freezing." About a week ago the worst case scenario happened and so did flooding.

Wednesday, April 18 was when flooding in north central Montana and the Milk River valley in particular, became a real threat. Governor Bullock declared a flooding emergency in seven counties, including Blaine, and Fort Belknap. That afternoon Blaine County Commissioners passed a Declaration of Emergency citing, in part, "...heavy snowfall along with melting snow and rain continuing until April 18, 2018, (is) causing small stream flooding and continues to cause damage to roads and potentially endangers residents within Blaine County."

That same afternoon officials from Blaine County, the towns of Chinook and Harlem and Fort Belknap met with NWS specialists and learned that flood conditions would worsen and "remain high for the next seven to 10 days (as late as Wednesday, April 25 and the following weekend)." Blaine Countians were warned to "prepare to take immediate action" to save property and protect people. Harlem's mayor issued a mandatory evacuation for north of the tracks in light of rising waters.

By Thursday reports of road and highway closures were posted. The evacuation order in Harlem was lifted. Relying on social media many residents followed events, literally, in real time. Rumors also had begun to circulate and the official county website for emergency information (Blaine County Health Department on Facebook) had to counter the rumors and false posts on other sites with the message, "The Milk River will not rise 4-6 feet."

Friday, April 20, there was a long list of closed county roads, state highways and water across Highway 2 east of Fort Belknap. Reports of ranchers moving livestock to higher ground and farmers relocating equipment were common. Water flow measurement for Lodge Creek at the border suggested prolonged flooding as Lodge Creek tried to enter the Milk River, especially around Harlem. An earlier flood warning issued by the NWS for Harlem was forecast to be in effect through Sunday, April 29.

One way of measuring the water depth was this truck, which became a common gage as to if it was rising or falling.

Early Monday morning, the 23rd, things had stabilized according to Blaine County's emergency website on Facebook. Reduced outflow at Fresno Reservoir should help downstream flood waters drain. Around Chinook flood waters were beginning to recede slowly but flood conditions will remain as fields and ditches continue to drain.

Lodge Creek readings at the border dropped, but still indicated minor flooding potential. At Harlem the Milk River remains at 24.5 feet meaning, "Confidence is high that no further level increase will take place as all tributaries continue to fall." Projections suggest the river will remain at the current stage until about Wednesday, April 25, then drop at the gauge location in Harlem.

Conditions can change and more flooding could occur. NWS forecasters note that the snowmelt has not begun in earnest in the Rockies. It's all about conditions and what sorts of scenarios play out. Check the official site on Facebook and remember to "make safe and practical responses" when dealing with flooding situations.

 
 

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