Rains return; east side under flood watch

Heavy rain expected today and tonight has prompted a flood watch for the east side of the Continental Divide.

The National Weather Service predicts up to an inch of rain with 1.5 inches possible in places.

Since that rain will fall on soils saturated from record downpours last week, small streams and creeks may rise rapidly and mudslides or debris flows are possible on steeper terrain, according to the Weather Service.

The flood watch covers the mountains of Glacier Park and the Rocky Mountain Front as well as the communities of Browning, Cut Bank, Augusta and Choteau.

Many of these areas received 4 to 8 inches in last week’s deluge, while up to 36 inches of new snow fell on the Continental Divide.

The flood watch is in effect through Friday afternoon.

The Flathead Valley and areas west of the Continental Divide also are expected to receive heavy rain today and tonight.

The Flathead River at Columbia Falls is expected to rise half a foot. The river is forecast to reach 11.52 feet Friday before dropping. Minor flood stage is 13 feet.

Other rivers also are expected to rise briefly following the latest influx of precipitation.