SEATTLE -- The Emergency Operations Center at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, partially activated May 19 in response to the St. Joe and Clark Fork rivers exceeding flood stage. The states of Idaho and Montana requested technical assistance and six USACE flood responders have deployed to the area to provide support.
Moderate to heavy rain is expected across the Idaho Panhandle and Northwestern Montana this week. A combination of heavy rain and snow melt has pushed the St. Joe and Clark Fork rivers to exceed flood stage. High river flows in the area are forecasted for the remainder of this week.
Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. The purpose is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage associated with severe weather.
Private citizens seeking sandbags or other flood assistance should contact their local government offices.
The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.
Release no. 20-022