This year’s massive spring runoff claimed several more victims over the holiday weekend, this time in Eastern Montana.
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, continued warm weather over the weekend resulted in the flooding of many FAS locations in Region 7.
As of Tuesday morning, Rosebud East and Rosebud West Fishing Access Sites near Forsyth were closed by order of the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office due to flooding. FWP Region 7 Fishing Access Site Manager Jamie Hould anticipates that nearby Far West FAS could also be under water by Wednesday.
Amelia Island FAS and Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area near Hysham also were closed by the Treasure County Sheriff’s Office and Disaster and Emergency Services. Myers Bridge FAS is also flooded, Hould said.
A flood warning is in effect for the Yellowstone River at Miles City, according to the National Weather Service. At 11 a.m. on Monday, the river was at 12.6 feet. Flood stage is 13 feet, and NWS forecasts that the river will rise above flood stage by 6 p.m. on Tuesday. It is expected to continue to rise to near 14.2 feet by noon Friday, with minor flooding forecast.
FWP is urging recreationists to use extreme caution near rivers and other waterbodies. Crews continue to assess the extent of flooding, but visitors should be prepared to find road barricades to prevent resource or road damage, closures by local emergency officials, or walk-in-only access at some sites. FWP will continue to provide updates on flooding and any changes to access.