The National Weather Service and county Disaster and Emergency Services officials have issued a small-stream advisory for Lewis and Clark County and the Helena area.

A cool spring and additional snow in recent weeks have left the area's mountain snowpack relatively intact, with levels between 84 percent and 102 percent of average in the Missouri River Basin.

And with temperatures pushing into the high 80s and low 90s beginning today, the melting snow could cause some small streams to rise over their banks.

"Some of those could flow out of their banks and cause some minor flooding," meteorologist Scott Coulston said, adding that the Weather Service doesn't expect widespread flooding.

County DES coordinator Paul Spengler asked residents who live near streams to clean out culverts and natural drainages on their properties to allow the water to flow without obstruction.

If flooding becomes serious, landowners can buy sandbags at Helena Sand & Gravel, Argi-Feeds and the CAT Rental Store. Plywood and plastic sheeting can also be used to divert water.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com