Gallatin and Broadwater counties are prone to Flood Advisories with all of our fantastic waterways. An advisory has been issued for our area through Friday evening.

Did you know that Montana has the HIGHEST number of reported ice jams in the lower 48 states? We also have the highest number of ice jam flooding related deaths. It's crucial to take flooding very seriously and "Turn Around...Don't Drown."

Ice jams on rivers and streams can form quickly and disappear quickly. Obviously, they form due to fluctuating temperatures and other weather conditions.

According to the National Weather Service:

  • WHAT: A Flood Advisory has been issued for an Ice Jam in Northwestern Gallatin County in south central Montana and Southern Broadwater County in southwestern Montana.
  • WHEN: Until 645 PM MST Friday.
  • DETAILS ON THIS ICE JAM: "Gauge reports indicated an ice jam. No flooding has been reported at this time. However, law enforcement has reported the river channel is nearly full of ice and water levels near bank full."
  • Some locations that will experience flooding include.
  • Low lying areas west of Three Forks. Ice Jams are unpredictable.
  • River levels may rise or fall quickly with little notice.
  • Livestock or equipment near the river should be moved to higher ground but only if it's safe to do so.
  • PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
  • If you encounter ice jams or river/stream flooding, please report it to local emergency services or law enforcement but don't get too close and keep yourself safe!
  • Request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely. (Often, ice jams are spotted in pretty rural areas and reporting of their location by us ordinary folks is important!)

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