Montana
Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks
BOZEMAN — Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — and while that’s good news for fish, it poses serious risks for recreators.
Even with a lighter-than-average snowpack, river conditions across the state remain hazardous. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging anyone planning to get on the water to prepare carefully, know current conditions, and understand every hazard along the full length of their route before launching.
WATCH: Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — even with lighter snowpack. Before you hit the water, FWP says preparation could save your life
Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks
Morgan Jacobsen of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks pointed to specific locations as examples of the dangers that can catch people off guard.
“The Highway 89 Bridge has some, you know, particular dangers at that site with the pylons of the bridge, and that’s caused problems for people before, so knowing your trip and knowing what hazards exist as best you can, doing that research is always a good idea,” Jacobsen said.
Spring runoff serves an important ecological function for Montana’s fisheries, acting as a kind of seasonal reset for rivers and streams.
“Flooding plays an important ecological function. It washes out sediment and provides new, clean gravels that are important for fish spawning. Creates new habitat for a variety of species, and it’s a good thing, but when it comes to recreation, it’s something you’ve got to be careful with,” Jacobsen said.
FWP is not discouraging people from getting on the water, but the agency is emphasizing that safety planning must come first — especially during high water.
“We’re not saying people can’t come on the water by any means, and you know, especially in high flooding conditions, and because of those dangers, it’s not recommended, but if you are going to recreate, you know, you’re doing it at your own risk. Make sure that you take precautions so that you can make it home safely,” Jacobsen said.
Anyone heading out on Montana’s rivers this spring should check current conditions, know their route, carry and wear a personal flotation device, and be prepared for water that was snow just minutes before entering the river.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
BIGFORK, Mont. — Boaters on the Flathead River near Bigfork will face a temporary closure this week as crews continue work on the new Sportsman’s Bridge.
The Montana Department of Transportation and Sletten Construction will continue constructing the new bridge on Montana Highway 82 northwest of Bigfork by placing steel beams over the east side of the Flathead River. The beams will support the deck of the new bridge.
To safely complete the work, the river beneath the bridge will be temporarily closed from 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9.
No boat traffic will be allowed to travel under the bridge during that time.
The following was sent out by Montana Department of Transportation:
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Sletten Construction will continue constructing the new Sportsman’s Bridge on Montana Highway 82 (MT 82) northwest of Bigfork by placing steel beams over the east side of the Flathead River. These beams will support the deck of the new bridge.
To safely complete this work, the river beneath the bridge will be temporarily closed from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9.
No boat traffic will be allowed to travel under the bridge during this time.
This closure area includes approximately 20 feet upstream and 300 feet downstream of the bridge and applies to all motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, rafts, and paddleboards.
The Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site will remain open during this time for boaters traveling southbound (downstream) on the river toward Flathead Lake.
No traffic impacts are anticipated for motorists traveling on MT 82 during this work.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 5, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from July 5 drawing
01-02-12-14, Bonus: 08
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 5 drawing
08-40-41-46-51, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Montana
10-year-old Chicago boy killed, 7 others injured in 2 separate Gary shootings minutes apart: police
GARY, Ind. (WLS) — Two separate shootings that happened minutes apart overnight left a child dead and at least seven others injured in northwest Indiana, police said.
Gary police said officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of 19th Avenue and Hanley Street around 12:34 a.m. Sunday.
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While officers were responding, they were told multiple victims had arrived at Methodist Northlake Hospital. Six people self-transported to the hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known.
Minutes later, around 12:49 a.m., officers started heading to the 200-block of Chase Street, about 4 miles away from the first scene, for a report of a gunshot victim. While on their way, officers learned that a 10-year-old boy and a 50-year-old man had been shot and went to Methodist Northlake Hospital.
The 10-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Lake County, Indiana Coroner’s Office identified him as Montana Weathers, of Chicago.
The 50-year-old man was transported to another Chicago-area hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police asked anyone with information on the 19th Avenue and Hanley Street shooting to contact Detective Corporal Melendez at 219-881-1209.
Police asked anyone with information on the Chase Street shooting to contact Detective Salazar with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force at 219-755-3720.
Further information was not immediately available.
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