Thu Sep 12 03:37:00 UTC 2024: ## Heavy Rains Cause Flooding at Canyon Ferry Campground, Stranding Campers
**Helena, MT -** Heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening led to flooding at the Riverside Campground near Canyon Ferry Lake, stranding campers and prompting the closure of Jimtown Road.
According to Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton, emergency dispatchers received a call around 6:15 p.m. from a camper reporting flooding at the campground. Deputies, firefighters from the Tri-Lakes Fire Department, and Search and Rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Approximately 12 camping vehicles were stranded by rising floodwaters. The flooding was attributed to the recent Horse Gulch fire, which burned over 15,000 acres in July and August. The burn scar, unable to absorb the heavy rainfall, caused runoff and debris to flow down Jimtown Road, rendering it impassable.
Sheriff Dutton confirmed that authorities were able to contact the stranded campers and assure them of their safety. Fortunately, the water subsided within an hour, allowing most campers to drive out through the mud and debris. However, the campground remained littered with debris, prompting the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to close it.
Lewis and Clark County Public Works also closed Jimtown Road at Canyon Ferry Village and York Road.
No injuries or property damage were reported. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for the Horse Gulch fire area, describing it as a “life-threatening situation”. The agency also issued a flash flood watch for the region, warning residents near the burn scar to be prepared for potential flooding impacts.
The Helena Regional Airport reported 0.59 inches of rain Wednesday night, while a remote weather station near the campground measured 0.24 inches. This highlights the localized nature of the heavy rainfall events, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about weather forecasts and potential hazards.
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