Jasmine Augustine from Parmenter Creek, near Libby, Montana, witnessed severe flooding that hit Lincoln County this week. The creek overflowed, engulfing a trail near her home. Augustine spent Thursday hearing boulders tumbling in the water, worried that the rocky waterfall she once enjoyed might be gone. “I got a suspicion that it’s probably not there anymore,” she said.
Lincoln County experienced flooding due to an intense “atmospheric river” bringing heavy rains and melting snow from warm temperatures. This led to road and bridge washouts, prompting a boil order for city water and an emergency declaration by Gov. Greg Gianforte on Thursday. This declaration enables the deployment of additional state resources and funding.
Emergency teams, including local agencies and the American Red Cross, are actively responding. Upcoming rain and another Pacific weather system are expected, posing further challenges. Meteorologist Trent Parker foresees relief once a cold front arrives Wednesday, potentially reducing snowmelt runoff.
No injuries have been reported, but officials find it hard to assess the flood’s full impact. “It’s just the force of water — the sheer force of water — is able to wipe out bridges,” said Zach Sherbo, Lincoln County’s public health manager. Road closures have caused 40-mile detours in some areas.
The Fisher River rose nearly 4 feet, and the Yaak River about 5 feet. County updates and road closures are available on the Lincoln County Health Department Facebook page and a map maintained by first responders.
Lt. Col. Thomas Figarelle stated that the Montana National Guard is on standby but not yet activated. The Department of Emergency Services lacks a damage cost estimate, but flathead power infrastructure remains mostly unaffected. Jason Williams, COO of Flathead Electric Cooperative, reported no flood-induced power outages, though some repairs required temporary power cuts. Downed trees from softened ground also posed challenges.
Local residents are helping, with Dallas Bowe opening a rodeo arena for displaced livestock. This December weather pattern is rare for northwest Montana, according to Parker, as such conditions are more typical of spring. He described it as a “recipe for disaster.”
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