National Weather Service
Flood Watch Issued for Western Montana
Feb 20, 2025
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for several counties in western Montana, including Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties. This alert is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon, February 24, due to anticipated flooding caused by rain, snowmelt, and possible ice jams.
Excessive runoff is expected, which may lead to flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying flood-prone areas. Notably, creeks and streams may overflow their banks as ice jams are released. Urban areas with poor drainage, including basements and crawlspaces, are also at risk.
An atmospheric river is forecasted to bring substantial warmth and widespread rain during this period, with high temperatures reaching the 40s and overnight temperatures staying above freezing. This will accelerate snowmelt and runoff, increasing the chances of ice jam releases.
| What | Flooding caused by rain, snowmelt, and ice jam is possible. |
| Where | Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties. |
| When | From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. |
| Impacts | Excessive runoff may flood creeks, streams, and low-lying areas. |
| Additional Details | An atmospheric river will bring a significant warm-up and widespread rain. |
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