Officials warn about ice jams

With temperatures expected to climb this week, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation on Friday warned that the heavy ice covers on waterways could break apart in some areas, producing prime conditions for ice jams and associated flooding.

“Montana experiences the highest number of reported ice jams in the continental U.S., with most occurring in February and March” department director John Tubbs said in a press release. “Flooding can happen in any community and it can happen quickly. Residents in flood-prone areas should take steps to safeguard their families and property.”

More than 80 percent of ice jams and associated flooding in Montana take place between January and March, with the highest number occurring in March. The most ice jams ever recorded in a single season was 75 in 1996. In more recent years, 2004 saw 40 ice jams, 2006 produced 14, and 23 were recorded in 2011.

Michelle Phillips, a floodplain specialist with the department, said it’s important that residents living near a river or stream have a flood evacuation plan, and consider the following steps:

• Purchase flood insurance. In most cases flood insurance must be purchased 30 days before a flooding event.

• Keep extra drinking water on hand. Flooding can compromise local water systems.

• Shovel or plow snow away from homes and structures.

• Be ready to transport valuables; or, where practical, elevate them.

The Montana All-Hazards Weather Monitor website offers up-to-date information on stream flows and potential flood conditions: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/byz/state/current.php?wfo=tfx

To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.