The Melrose area will continue to be in minor flood stage until Thursday, May 24th. Starting Friday, May 25th, and extending through Monday, May 28th, the Big Hole River is expected to rise to moderate flood stage, which is approximately 7.5 feet at Melrose. Water levels are expected to drop back down to minor flood stage by Tuesday, May 29th. The City-County of Butte-Silver Bow recommends the public be EXTREMELY careful around flood areas especially if you are planning on camping in the Big Hole area during the Memorial Day weekend. The public is also reminded not to drive into roads and areas covered in high water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!!
Sand and sandbags will be available to the public at no charge and can be found at the Melrose Firehall. The City-County of Butte-Silver Bow recommends that the sand and sandbags be used in protecting structures from possible flood waters. It is also recommended that residents move stock, farm equipment, and feed from low-lying areas. For more information on sand and sandbags please call 406-497-6565. For emergency flooding issues please contact the 911 Dispatch. The City-County of Butte-Silver Bow also encourages all Melrose resident to visit http://mt-buttesilverbow2.civicplus.com/724/Floods to find information about preparing for a flood.
If you have any questions call Dan Dennehy at 406-497-6295.