Levels on the rise in Granite County Waterways
GRANITE COUNTY – While the waters flowing through Granite County are not at the flood stage levels they were last year, they are rising and may be an issue for local ranches.
As of 9:30 p.m. Friday night, levels in the Clark Fork River had surpassed 5.75 feet and were expected to crest over six by Saturday afternoon.
The Flint Creek is checked at two points locally. The southern-most point is just west of Montana Highway 1 in Maxville and registered just below 3.5 feet Friday night. It is projected to near 3.9 feet over the weekend. The second site, located near Mullan Road in Drummond, was just over 4.0 feet Friday and headed for 4.5 by Saturday.
Both waterways have risen more than 20% since Monday.
The county is set for cooler weather over the weekend and into next week. Drummond is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday, with possible showers on and off until Monday.
Philipsburg’s higher elevation has it expecting possible snow showers daily through Tuesday night.
According to the National Weather Service, the wet weather will aid to the river flows, is expected that the cooler temperatures should prevent a heavy runoff from the remaining snow pack. This combination should allow the river levels to recede after cresting Monday.
