Montana’s current water year is expected to be the best in recent years, with minimal drought concerns for the growing season.
Water supplies are expected to be above normal, with all river basins receiving their full supply of water through the summer.
Montague said staff will continue to monitor conditions in the Sun, Judith and Smith river sub-basins, along with Hyalite Creek and the Upper Clark Fork, for any signals of returning drought.
Montague said flooding is a concern for some areas.
Here is the latest on the potential for flooding from a press release from the DWSAC: The May – July forecast for Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River is 278% of average flows.
As a result, 13,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) are being released from Yellowtail Dam in hopes of controlling flooding; Montague said those high flows will likely continue through July.
The Bureau of Reclamation is monitoring both upstream and downstream conditions in its management of Yellowtail Dam and is holding weekly stakeholder calls to ensure coordination.
Flooding on the Flathead River is also likely this spring and early summer.
Since then, Flathead Lake has filled to 2,890.5 feet, just under three feet from full.
However, localized flooding is anticipated this season and water users should be prepared.