Date: August 16, 2006
Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406 888-7895

WEST GLACIER, MONT. –The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood warning for the Red Eagle burn area and the town of St. Mary. In response to this warning, officials from Glacier National Park have issued a mandatory evacuation for employees in the St. Mary National Park Service housing and compound areas.

The Glacier County sheriff’s office coordinates the emergency response for the town of St. Mary.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. However, the park is limiting vehicular access and no oversized vehicles can enter at St. Mary; oversized vehicles currently at Rising Sun and at the St. Mary campground are being relocated to other areas of the park. Loop A of the St. Mary Campground is closed. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also closed and the Native America Speaks program scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight has been cancelled.

According to the NWS, a flash flood warning means that flooding or mud and debris flows are imminent or are already occurring. Residents living along streams and creeks are advised by the NWS to move to higher ground and to take immediate precautions to protect life and property.