Record Floods Cripple Yellowstone National Park Infrastructure
Abstract
The hardest hit areas are in the Wyoming park’s northern section, where aerial surveys revealed major damage to multiple sections of road. Electric, water and wastewater systems in those areas have also been disrupted by the flooding. The Park Service has yet to determine the full extent of damage and repair needs but said it is ‘probable’ some road sections will not reopen this season. The National Weather Service estimates that up to 5 in. of rain fell across parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming during June 10-13, combined with 2 in. to 5 to 5.. of concurrent snow melt to bring the Yellowstone, Stillwater and Clarks Fork Rivers to record levels. More flooding could be on the way.
