Governor declares disaster for flooding

Gov. Greg Gianforte today declared a statewide disaster due to severe flooding in Carbon, Park, and Stillwater counties, as well as flood warnings in other parts of the state.

“With rapid snowmelt and recent heavy rains, communities in south-central Montana are experiencing severe flooding that is destroying homes, washing away roads and bridges, and leaving Montanans without power and water services,” Gianforte said in a press release. “Today’s disaster declaration will help impacted communities get back on their feet as soon as possible, and I have asked state agencies to bring their resources to bear in support of these communities.”

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services continues to support local authorities in Carbon, Park, and Stillwater counties, as well as work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on next steps, the release said.

The flooding in Montana and Wyomong forced the indefinite closure of Yellowstone National Park just as a summer tourist season that draws millions of visitors annually was ramping up.

The flooding also has led to recreational closures off the park.

Following conversations with officials in Park County, FWP closed the Yellowstone River in Park County to all recreational use due to public safety risks caused by extremely high water levels, endangered and failing infrastructure, flooded and impassible access roads, and limited availability of search and rescue resources, the agency said in a press release Monday.

All fishing access sites on the Yellowstone River in Park County are also closed from the Yellowstone National Park boundary to Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Site.

Most fishing access sites below Springdale Bridge downstream to Captain Clark Fishing Access Site near the Bighorn River confluence are closed to motorized vehicle access. The situation is evolving so please observe all posted closures. People can refer to the FWP website at https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/allRestrictions for current list of closures.

Closures will be strictly enforced, FWP said in the release.

Closures are also in effect for several other sites managed by FWP:

• All Jefferson River fishing access sites from Cardwell Bridge down to Missouri Headwaters State Park

• Portions of Missouri Headwaters State Park

• All Gallatin River fishing access sites

• All East Gallatin River fishing access sites

Many of the fishing access sites on these waters are closed to motorized access:

• Boulder River

• Rock Creek (tributary to the Yellowstone River)

• Stillwater River

• Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River

Refer to the FWP website for current list of closures and restrictions. Site closures in other areas of the state may be put in place as flooding occurs. FWP will work to reopen closed areas as soon as conditions allow.

Flooding poses significant safety hazards, especially to recreationists. High water levels and related river hazards can appear and evolve without warning. Recreationists can avoid accidents and injury to themselves and others by observing all safety closures and avoiding other areas with high flows.

  The Montana Department of Transportation is regularly updating road conditions at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/alerts.aspx , the governor’s office release said.

Montana’s U.S. senators have offered their support in dealing with the disaster.

“I fully support Gov. Gianforte’s statewide disaster declaration to help impacted communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and I stand ready to facilitate recovery efforts at the federal level,” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said in a statement.

“I am closely monitoring the severe flooding happening in Montana, and I encourage every Montanan to stay safe by following local precautions and avoiding flooded areas,” Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a release. I’m in touch with local, state and federal officials to make sure that folks on the ground are getting the help they need as swiftly as possible, and I appreciate the work of our first responders in keeping folks safe.”

Watch for more in Thursday’s edition of Havre Daily News.