(US Bureau of Reclamation & KRTV.com) At around 8:45am Monday, June 17th, the St. Mary Canal Siphon near Babb breached, causing isolated flooding in the surrounding area.
According to a release from the US Bureau of Reclamation, the breach caused local flooding and erosion, with some areas experiencing 30- to 50-foot-deep washout areas.
At the time of failure, 600 cubic feet per second of water was being diverted. According to the Milk River Project, the siphons are over a hundred years old, and the power of the water flow caused them to break apart, washing away the concrete supports holding the pipes.
The diversions have stopped, but flows are expected until Tuesday afternoon. Residents in surrounding communities are affected, whether directly or indirectly.
Residents in the impacted area are advised to avoid the area and comply with any evacuation or safety orders from local authorities.
Emergency response teams, including the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, the Blackfeet Tribe, National Park Service, Glacier County Sheriff’s office, and Glacier Electric are coordinating with the Bureau to help minimize impact and ensure public safety. Traffic cones and caution tape mark areas with high potential danger risk.
US Senator Jon Tester, and Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale are all monitoring the situation.
Residents in the impacted area are advised to avoid the area and comply with any evacuation or safety orders from local authorities.
