While the floods of 2018 have hit and retreated from their highest levels in a hundred years, another danger buried for over half a century near the former Smurfit mill site sits waiting.
One of the most significant effects of the Clark Fork River flooding is the danger of toxic materials stored for the last half-century in the old Smurfit settling ponds that are separated from the swollen river by only a series of earthen berms, being released into the river.
Hydrologists say the Clark Fork is on track for record flooding. According to the National Weather Service, the latest projection is for it to reach the 13-and-a-half foot range in Missoula, and some of the high country weather stations show 60-to-70 inches of water has yet to melt out...
The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management called an unusual Sunday afternoon press conference to announce historic flood levels headed for western Montana in the next few days that could extend into the summer
The Clark Fork River has dropped below flood stage for the time being. The National Weather Service says the river has dropped to 9.7 feet, but is expected to rise again.
The National Weather Service reports that the Clark Fork River has dropped below 10 feet into what is called 'action stage', at 9.6 feet, but is expected to rise again as warm temperatures and rain are expected over the weekend
On Thursday, the Missoula Fire Department will be receiving swift water rescue training on the swollen Clark Fork River between East Missoula and the downtown area from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Waters of the Clark Fork River continue to flood their banks today. Meteorologist Luke Robinson said even though levels have receded slightly, more water is coming