Ice jams not a concern in Mineral County

Ice on the Clark Fork River is breaking up as temperatures warm up, but there have been no reports of ice jams or severe flooding. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).

Ice is breaking up on the Clark Fork River as the weather gets warmer. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).

by Kathleen Woodford Mineral Independent
| February 21, 2017 12:40 PM

Ice is breaking up on the Clark Fork River as the weather gets warmer. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation warned residents of possible flooding and ice jams as a result of the warming temperatures.

Last week, several homeowners in the Bitterroot Valley reported some flooding. In particular, residents along Lolo Creek next to Highway 12 where a large ice jam developed near Lolo Hot Springs.

Increasing temperatures create the right conditions for flooding caused by ice jams. Montana has the highest number of reported ice jams in the U.S. mostly in February and March according to the DNRC.

It is recommended that people who live near a river or stream have a flood evacuation plan, keep extra drinking water on hand, and shovel snow away from homes.

Jim Ward with the Superior Ranger District said he has not heard of any flooding or ice jams in Mineral County so far this season.