Record Rainfall Floods Libby, Troy as Governor Declares Disaster

HELENA, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte issued an executive order Wednesday declaring a flooding disaster in northwestern Montana after an atmospheric river dumped historic rainfall across the region, forcing major highway closures and prompting a boil water advisory in Libby.

The declaration came as the Fisher and Yaak Rivers reached flood stage following 5 to 6.5 inches of rain in 24 hours — the third wettest 24-hour period in 44 years at Bear Mountain SNOTEL, according to the National Weather Service. Since December 6, 12 to 13 inches of water equivalent has fallen in western Lincoln and eastern Boundary Counties.

“Continued rainfall across northwestern Montana has flooded some of our communities, including the town of Libby,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This order will ensure resources are deployed quickly and effectively to protect Montanans and their property.”

The Yaak River near Troy has risen roughly five feet since December 9, putting it above the eight-foot flood stage. The Fisher River near Libby has risen nearly four feet and was expected to hit minor flood stage of 7.6 feet by Thursday afternoon.

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services warned that flooding has affected several key bridges and led to closures on Highway 2 between Libby and Kalispell, as well as Highway 56 between Libby and Noxon, due to water across the roads. Multiple bridges washed out, including the Granite Creek bridge, the Farm to Market Road bridge over Libby Creek, and the Keeler Creek Bridge^1, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The National Weather Service advised residents to avoid driving across flooded streets and watch for rock and mudslides along steep terrain.

Lincoln, Sanders, and Flathead Counties have enacted emergency or disaster declarations and activated applicable emergency management plans. Several counties, cities, and towns have already reported emergency costs and damage to critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, and culverts.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued a boil advisory for the town of Libby due to impacts from floodwaters on the city water supply.

The Montana Disaster & Emergency Services State Emergency Coordination Center is activated and coordinating with state, local, and federal agencies to provide resource and information management support to affected communities.

Forecasters warn that continued rainfall of 1 to 4 inches across western and south central Montana is expected to cause rivers, streams, and tributaries to continue rising out of their banks, in addition to causing rapid snowmelt at mid-level and high elevations.

The governor’s executive order authorizes the use of general funds to meet contingencies and needs arising from the flooding conditions. The full executive order may be viewed here.