Residents Sue Great Falls Over Gibson Flats Flooding

Three Gibson Flats residents have filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Great Falls over chronic stormwater flooding.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Utilities

Residents Sue Great Falls Over Gibson Flats Flooding

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Plaintiffs Jason Lehman, John Remy, and Dan Sanger filed a class action complaint on November 10, 2026, against the City of Great Falls, claiming their property has suffered chronic flooding and groundwater incursion from city stormwater. The plaintiffs are represented by Attorney Raph Graybill.

Why it matters

The suit alleges the city approved development that increased stormwater runoff into the area without addressing the resulting flood damage. If certified, the class action could extend claims to other Gibson Flats property owners affected by the same drainage problems.

The complaint names three plaintiffs and seeks to certify a class of affected Gibson Flats property owners, with the plaintiffs demanding a jury trial. The total size of the affected class and the damages amount have not been specified in the available information.

The players

City of Great Falls

The city government of Great Falls, Montana, is the defendant in the lawsuit and operates the stormwater infrastructure at issue, including Russell Pond.

The details

The plaintiffs allege that Russell Pond, the city's stormwater facility meant to manage runoff, has been inoperable for years and recently breached, worsening flooding. They claim the city's stormwater infrastructure is inadequate and, in some cases, broken, and they are seeking compensation for flood damage.

Years before 2026: City approved development that increased stormwater runoff; Russell Pond became inoperable.
Recently, before November 2026: Russell Pond breached, causing more flooding.
November 10, 2026: Plaintiffs filed the class action complaint against the City of Great Falls.

Utility Accountability

The complaint challenges a city that approved development increasing stormwater runoff while its own drainage infrastructure failed, a pattern that puts municipal stormwater systems under legal scrutiny. A ruling on class certification would shape how far such claims can extend across affected neighborhoods.

Gibson Flats property owners dealing with recurring flooding may be affected if the class action is certified, since it could cover others with similar damage. Residents in the area should watch for updates on the case as the court considers certification and the city responds to the complaint.

The takeaway

Stormwater decisions made during development approvals can carry long-term consequences for nearby property owners. Residents facing repeated flooding may want to document damage and track the case as it moves through court.