Flood Watch [ Back to department ]
Canyon Ferry has been releasing additional water to keep up with the increased inflows. Likewise, outflows from Gibson Reservoir fluctuate with the rapidity of the snowmelt . Downstream tributaries below the reservoirs exacerbate the situation. Please continue to take precautions to protect your family, personal property, household goods, pets and vehicles/campers by monitoring these websites:
- NOAA's National Weather Service
- Reclamation: Great Plains Region
- NOAA's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
- National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center
- Move ranch and farm equipment to high ground before soils are saturated
- Remove fertilizers, pesticides and all chemicals out of flood zones
- Move livestock to high ground before flooding occurs
- Remove treasured household items to save them from water damage
- Secure your essential medications with family or friends who are out of the flood zone or carry them with you at all times
Flood Cleanup Kits
A limited number of flood cleanup kits are available to Cascade County Residents whose homes have been damaged by floods. The kits are available at the Sun River Rural Fire Department and the Disaster and Emergency Services Office at 521 1st Avenue NW.
THANK YOU
Many thanks to the Sun River Rural Fire Department and members of the Sun River Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their assistance during the flooding in Sun River. The Sun River Rural Fire Department served their neighbors in evacuation, road safety, property protection, and cleanup. Church members served many meals to the firemen and woman and families impacted by the floods. Many thanks to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Great Falls Food Bank for their assistance providing drinking water, food, clothing, and cleanup materials.
Road/Trail/Fishing Access Site Closures
Please visit closures to learn more about areas closed by flood damage or water.
Don't Make Waves
Broadwater Bay Boat launch is closed to limit the number of motorized boats on the Missouri River during high water. Those who choose to launch from private ramps, please keep in mind that your wake may cause waves to overlap your neighbor's sandbags. Please protect the fortifications installed by your neighbors by waiting for lower water conditions to boat or by slowing speeds to avoid excessive wake.
Roads Travel Safety... for your safety
- Do not travel into flooded areas that have been closed by local officials. If authorized by a public official to travel through flood waters to reach your home, drive 5 mph to avoid create a wake that pushes flood waters into yards and over sandbagged areas.
- Do not travel through unmarked or unmanned flood waters. Water depths are uncertain and can cause vehicles to stall or worse, be swept by the currents. ALSO, road surfaces may be damaged beneath the water and vehicles could become submerged.
CLEANUP
When re-entering affected areas, watch for hazards and wear protective footwear and gloves if residual water persists in your yard, basement, crawl space or home. Often water is contaminated with fecal material and can cause infection and illnesses. Visit Environmental Health for safe cleanup ideas.
Many physical hazards exist. Steel fence posts may be uprooted and wire stretched unnaturally across waterways, fields or walking areas. Take care to avoid walking into wires or having them spring back and cause injury. Trees, shrubs and rocks may have been dislodged by flood waters or super saturated soils. Take care to avoid footfalls or rolling material.
Drinking Wells and Septic Systems
If your water well has been contaminated, cease using it immediately. You can disinfect your drinking water well and system following the instructions provided on the Environmental Health.
If your septic system has been compromised, stop use immediately. DO NOT pump your system, as supersaturated soils may cause it to pop from the ground and rupture sewer lines into your home. For instructions on what to do, visit Environmental Health.
Dumpsters
Dumpsters are available in the Sun River community to assist with cleanup. Please separate hazardous materials (paints, solvents, etc.) and place outside the dumpsters. These materials must be disposed of separately than household garbage and construction materials (wood, carpet, sheetrock).
Utilities
- Residents with concern about electrical system should contact NorthWestern Energy’s Operation Call Center, 1-888-467-2669.
- Do not dig trenches or holes to divert water without first calling locator service to make sure utilities will not be compromised. Locator services are available by calling 8-1-1.
- Flooding may create electrical hazards. If you suspect damage to your electrical system (ie. wiring has been underwater, wires are visibly frayed, or you see sparks), turn off the electrical system in the building. Do not turn it back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
Sand and Sandbags
Sand is available free at Home Depot 1500 Market Place Drive or Dickman Excavation 130 Gibson Flats Road. You must fill your own sandbags - sandbags can be purchased at Home Depot, Fagenstroms (2101 Northwest Bypass) and Steel Etc. (1408 52nd Street North).
| Quick Flood Closure List | |
| Great Falls | BOAT LAUNCH CLOSED
|
| Sun River Area | ROADS RE-OPENED
|
| Little Belts and Belt Creek Area | ROADS RE-OPENED
|
| Smith River Area | ROADS RE-OPENED
|
| Missouri River | FISHING ACCESS CLOSED
|
To report flood damages...
Please complete one of the following forms and send them to DES:
- For businesses: Economic Injury Worksheet
- For individuals: Estimated Damages Incurred by Individual Homeowners
P.O. Box 3127
Great Falls, MT 59403
1 (406) 454-6900
vkolar@cascadecountymt.gov