National Weather Service Issues Flood Warning For Missoula

Press release from the City of Missoula:

May 20, 2020

The National Weather Service has issued a Clark Fork River flood warning for Missoula County. According to the Weather Service, the river is above flood stage and will continue to rise to 10.7 feet Friday morning. It will then fall to around 8.5 feet and remain above flood stage.

For county-wide flood information, visit the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management webpage.

The City of Missoula is experiencing minor, isolated flooding. Please take note of the following closures and reminders:

Tower Street Conservation Area, 199 Channel Dr. - Tower Street parking lot and open space areas are closed due to flooding. Facilities will reopen when floodwaters recede and Park Operations has completed any necessary repairs. Missoula County Emergency Management officials warn residents to avoid contact with floodwater as it may contain contaminates. Flooding can also destabilize trails and trees, making them unsafe for people and pets. Call 721-PARK for more information.

South Shore Riverfront Trail, adjacent to Civic Stadium (700 Cregg Ln.) - Floodwaters are threatening to destabilize a small section of the riverbank directly behind the baseball stadium. The Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring the situation, and a short segment of the south shore trail may be closed without prior notice. Commuters may encounter a detour around the stadium and into McCormick Park if the trail is closed. Visit this site for updates. Call 721-PARK for more information.

West Broadway Islands trails (east of 1151 W. Broadway) - Trails near the Broadway Islands have seen mild flooding in sections; users should avoid flooded areas and use caution near rivers and streams during high water.

Flood Water Removal Reminder - Please do not pump flood water into your home’s bathtub, toilet, shower, or any other drain connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system. This excess water does not belong in the sewer system, and it could overwhelm the wastewater treatment plant.

Blocked Storm Drains - Residents who encounter a clogged storm drain inlet and are concerned about water encroaching onto their property may contact the City’s Storm Water Utility at 406-552-6358.

This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author’s own.