Billings canal repaired and flowing Wednesday after weekend overflow
MTN News / Mitch Lagge
The Billings Bench Water Association canal that runs parallel to the Rimrocks near the North Side of town.
and last updated 2021-06-09 12:19:36-04
BILLINGS â Water flow to the Billings Bench Water Association canal was turned back on Wednesday morning after it had been dry since Sunday when it was shut off for an overflow emergency, said Jim Stott, president of the Billings Bench Water Association.
Water had been diverted at Canyon Creek since Sunday, when a tunnel blockage caused the canal to overflow into a North Side neighborhood and forced the evacuation of about 96 residences.
Evacuated Billings residents return home after Sunday canal overflow
Tunnel blockage sends water into streets
MTN News / Mitch Lagge
An excavator sits tipped on its side after its operator moved it near North 19th Street to try and reinforce the canal bank after it overflowed Sunday morning.
and last updated 2021-06-06 23:17:38-04
BILLINGS â Evacuated residents from a section of the Billings North Side were allowed to return to their homes around 6 p.m. Sunday after water depths in the canal located north of the homes lowered to a safe level.
Local officials held a press conference Sunday afternoon to update the community after water overflowed from the canal s banks on the 2000 block of Burnstead Drive around 7: 15 a.m.
Big Ditch has been shut off, breach between 19-22nd has been contained for now. Press conference at 3PM in the Yellowstone County board room today. Red Cross set up at Cedar Hall at MetraPark if residents need help.
That was the message shared by Yellowstone County Commissioner Denis Pitman Sunday afternoon. He also shared several photos showing the mud covered roads after water began leaking from the canal in Billings known as the Big Ditch.
According to KULR-8 TV, reports from residents started flowing in around 7:15 Sunday morning that water and mud from the canal was flooding nearby homes and apartments. A blockage of the tunnel near North 15th Street in Billings was reportedly the reason for the flooding. KULR-8 added: