Temperatures this winter have been pretty inconsistent so far.
Due to the inconsistencies over the past few weeks, the Missouri River has been freezing, melting, and then re-freezing.
Due to the this process, when ice chunks unfreeze and break apart and start moving down the river, sometimes they all congregate in one area. This is called an ice jam.
Ice jams can be unpredictable at times, with water levels in the rivers rising or falling with practically no notice.
When all the water is held back in the river or if the ice jam suddenly breaks up, this is when we can get areas of flooding.
According to the National Weather Service, the Missouri River in Great Falls has risen approximately 5 feet since Tuesday morning.
Due to this rise, we have seen some flooding along Lower River Road, which continues to be closed Friday evening.
Due to this flooding, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the Missouri River in Great Falls between 1st Ave North and 10th Ave South.
This Flood Advisory is in effect through Saturday at 10:15 p.m.
