The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-02-09
THE FLOOD TN THE TETON.
Houses Surrounded by Water and Ice, and
Families Driven to the Bluffs,
[From the River Press Extra of the 5th.l

for another day Of excitement, for the events
Of the previous day had left its people tired
out, and not in a condition for further de-
velopments from ice gorges and o%yer-dowed
rivers. But we were to have more, although
not to actively participate in il.
Early this morning was heard the dull roar
of rushing waters and grinding ice, coming
three miles and a half away from the Teton,
and soon after came intelligence that the flood
had covered the valley, and that aItremendous
ice gorge had formed for miles above the res
idence Of MIR. Stockings. Starting up rather
late, we found, indeed, the water flowing
over the valley, and indications that it had
been at least ten feet higher about three hours
before.
Our first tangible intimation Of disaster was
O. couple of teams loaded with the families of
Messrs. Neubert, Hammond and O'Fallon
coming into Benton for refuge. The first
sight of the valley disclosed the house Of Mr..
O'Fallon surrounded by a muddy looking
stream, but still holding its own against the
falling current. Above was Mr.. Hammond's
partly out Of water, and the people were
giving some signs Of occupancy, but every
thing showing a state of extreme disorganl-
cation. Wagons, containing goods and pro-
visions were on the side of the hill in safety
from the element. Others were loaded with
oats, and everything had been prepared with
a view to q hasty departure. But the supreme
necessity had not come, as yet, and the fall
ing water had coaxed the inhabitants back to
their homes. Higher up, the existence OF
the gorge was perceptible in a dense, closely
packed mass Of ice-a field which extended
from Mr.. Stockings ranch, up the main
channel Of the river, to where 1t was lost IN
q bend Of the canyon. This was motionless
and resembled the path q of glacier. We
learned that up in the canyon the ice was
gorged in a f~rightful manner, and that the
water was running around close to the bluff
covering the road, making it impossible TOR
teams. AT five o'clock in the morning
part of the engorged ice gave away and water
which had been accumulated above came
down and rapidly filled the narrow valley:
Nc fear had been felt by its inhabitants Of
danger, and apparently no preparation made
for il, for the first intimation below the can
Won was at the house Of Mr.. Duntley, who
was awakened by the rushing Of the water
and the Earring of the house. He and his
wife had scarce time to dress, when the wa
ter was in the house, and picking up the lady
he made a rush for high ground, which he
reached. The water rapidly raised, and only
q few minutes had elapsed, before s feet OF
the destructive element was around the house.
Further down, Mr.. Stockings residence was
reached, but the water did not attain sufficient
HIGHT around it to drive the inhabitants
away, they taking refuge in an upper story.
A few believed Cat noon today that.the
danger had passed, and that nothing further
need be feared; but the river is engorged for
miles up the stream, and the falling water
NAV have been due more to engagement
than to deficiency. Should it give way al
once. an event which, though possible, is
hardly probable, unless more water comes
to drive it, nothing could save the valley
from utter devastation; and even When view
ed with the present current, it did not pre-
sent q very inviting appearance, with va
Ter TuuulUS Ill OVOiy
length and isolating numerous houses iron
the high ground IN each side.
The new residence Of Mr.. hubert was still
surrounded by water, but not deep, ana II
the short while we were present the waite
fell at least a foot.
There is not so much water running int
the river as there has been for some day
past, and it is possible that the trouble which
is likely to occur when the gorge breaks ma.
be postponed till another thaW, when tn
greatest danger is to be apprehended.
Taking the highest point heard from, OIL
Agency creek, there existed on the 80 INST,
tremendous ice gorge, which extended iron
that point up as far as the eye could reach
a distance OF not less than Ill miles. ID
first installment broke at 3 o'clock p. NJ, an
passed down the creek about 4 miles DeloY
the crossing, when it gorged again, at u
mouth of Big Coulee. Ia the evening aDou
g o'clock it broke again and went down, th
water falling and rising by 9 pulsating move
ment, but each time falling lower. a heaV..
gorge was evidently forming above. At !
D. b. the river began to rise again, and con
tinued, gradually, until 2 o'clock p. NJ, Whe'
it arose with alarming rapidity, rising 81
feet in less than twenty minutes, soon TOW
inc over the top of Mr.. Rutherford's tent
The water continued rising and falling at II
tervals, but his time rising higher and hlghe