GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Great Falls Police department announced the Missouri River was closed between the Broadwater Bay boat ramp to Black Eagle Dam due to dangerous river conditions.

In a video shared by the department, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said the Fish and Game had issued an emergency rule to close the river, prompting the announcement.

He said the closure affected all access, including motorized and non-motorized water craft, paddleboards, hiking, metal detecting and everything else.

He also said a person violating the rule who found themselves in an emergency at the river would put first responders in danger too due to the river’s conditions.

The closure was prompted by “extremely dangerous” river conditions, including hidden sediment shelves or loose sand bars that could leave people or animals trapped by the “high-velocity” river.

“Please stay off the river and river bed, for your safety and the safety of Great Falls’ first responders,” the Department wrote in its post.

The department said people who violate the closure could be subject to a $500 fine and loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges.

The Department said the closure is expected to last until September.