High winter temps create flood concerns, expected to continue

A stretch of unseasonably warm days coupled with copious rainfall on top of a deep valley snowpack had meteorologists concerned about flooding potential last week.

A flood watch was issued Thursday for all of Northwest Montana, including Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral and Sanders counties. The watch began Saturday afternoon and lasted through Monday afternoon.

An atmospheric river brought a significant warm up along with widespread rain Saturday into this week, the National Weather Service in Missoula warned. As the system arrived in Western Montana, the snow level was expected to rise above 5,000 feet with some mountain locations predicted to see more than an inch of rain.

In the valleys, excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks or flood-prone locations. Ice jams are also possible.

Poor drainage could also create urban flooding.

People are advised to clear gutters and downspouts to reduce the risk of ice dams and leaks around homes, and to remove snow from roofs and away from foundations and window wells.

High temperatures in the Flathead Valley in the 40s are expected to continue this week.