Search continues for missing man

The search for a man who fell into the lower Flathead River below the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam Overlook Wednesday afternoon has entered its second day.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said specialized dog teams are leading search efforts today along an approximately 40-mile stretch of river between the dam and Dixon.

The subject of the search reportedly fell into a stretch of turbulent water after climbing into a closed section of cliffs beyond the overlook railing, despite multiple signs warning of swift currents and steep, dangerous slopes.

A bystander who wished to remain anonymous told the Lake County Leader that they were visiting the overlook just downstream of the dam around noon Wednesday when two individuals came running up the cliffs and asked them to call 911.

The man was estimated to have fallen into the water between five and 10 minutes before.

The name of the man has not been released but Bell said his family members have been contacted and are traveling out from Nebraska. Bell declined to speculate on the man’s chances of survival after more than 48 hours in the water.

According to a Facebook post from dam operating company Energy Keepers Inc., engineers temporarily reduced discharge rates to help with search efforts. After two hours the river was returned to a rapid pace of 43,000 cubic feet per second, about 150 percent of the average rate for this time of year. The overlook area remains closed to help with search efforts, according to the post.

“Our thoughts are with the missing person and their family,” the post states. “We would like to remind all our visitors to follow all posted placards and stay within the designated visiting area.”

Bell said the combined response effort includes teams from Lake County Search and Rescue and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Fish and Game.