07/26/2024
In addition to avoiding streets with downed powerlines, FWP and the Sheriff's Office are advising us to stay off the river, because power lines could be charging the water. Stay safe neighbors!
EMERGENCY CLOSURES: FWP has closed portions of the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers due to safety concerns resulting from power lines that are in the water after Wednesday’s severe storm.
The Clark Fork River is closed from Milltown State Park, just east of Missoula, to Petty Creek FAS, about 20 miles west of Missoula. The Bitterroot River is closed from Chief Looking Glass FAS near Florence to the confluence with the Clark Fork River near Missoula.
A July 24 severe thunderstorm in the Missoula area caused extensive damage to power lines, trees and property in the west-central Montana area.
Recreationists should use caution and stay at home when at all possible. If you are out, expect that you might encounter power lines on roadways and potentially across waterways that have not yet been identified, as well as downed trees and other debris that could be blocking recreation sites and creating safety hazards.
The river closure will stay in place until safety concerns have been resolved. For more information on closures and restrictions, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions
