Warm weather ushers flooding season
Photo by CHANSE WATSON Water bursts from the seams of a storm water pipe access point near Kellogg during the 2017 flooding season. Lift stations and sewer pipes were pushed to their maximum capacity, giving the water nowhere to go but up.
WALLACE — The spring thaw in Shoshone County is once again on the horizon. As with every thaw around this time of the year, increased water levels in local rivers, streams, ponds and lakes set the stage for potential flooding.
Shoshone County emergency manager Dan Martinsen stresses that while this year’s flooding season isn’t expected to be as extreme as in previous years, residents should still keep an eye out and be cautious if they live in an area that is prone to flooding.
“Probably on the lower side, but you never want to act like there’s no concern because there’s always some opportunity,” he said of this year’s flood season. “Some of our smaller streams may actually flood or get a little out of hand depending on the situation. Especially our south facing stream side — Moon Gulch, Elk Creek and areas like that may thaw out quicker and run a little harder.”
Shoshone County snow pack is currently measured on the lower side, so massive flooding events are not expected, but round-the-clock warm temperatures and rain could throw a wrench into the assessment.
“Generally, the temperatures have been low enough that the soils throughout the region should accept more water,” Martinsen said.
It is anticipated that temperatures will stay cold at night, which will significantly slow the thaw process.
The smaller flooding events that are more likely to occur will be within cities. As piled up lowland snow along streets and in yards melts, water could accumulate in certain areas that don’t have access to drains. “Make sure your water can get to the gutters, streets and drains,” Martinsen said. “The cities and public works departments ought to be working diligently to keep those drains open so the water can get into the streams and river.”
Down in the Avery/Calder region of the county, residents should also be on the lookout for flooding as the St. Joe has had a history of getting blocked up with ice dams. These dams hinder the flow of the river and force the water to go into areas it wouldn’t normally go.
In the Silver Valley, residents in the Cataldo/Kingston area can also expect some higher than normal water levels — as they do almost every year.
The previous two flooding seasons in Shoshone County were particularly tough and saw river levels (particularly the Coeur d’Alene North Fork) get incredibly high.
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation this week designating March 18-23 as Flood Awareness Week in Idaho. The proclamation underscores the importance of Idahoans understanding the risks posed by spring flooding.
“Spring snow melt fills our reservoirs for irrigation needs and helps keep our forests and rangelands healthy, but when the snow melts too quickly, it causes dangerous flooding,” Little said. “That’s why Idahoans need to remain prepared for the flood risk every year.”
In the event of a major incident, residents are asked to stay informed by listening to media sources for current information.
Kootenai County emergency manager Sandy Von Behren warns those that live in or around a flood plain or flood way to prepare for flooding ahead of time by clearing snow around drainages and the foundation of your home.
“Secure, put away or elevate any belongings that are susceptible to flooding. Know where to purchase sand and sandbags if you need them. Also, alert city/county officials to blocked culverts, rock slides or flooding.”
If needed, the local fire districts and certain county buildings will have sandbags available to people should an emergency situation arise.
For more information or to contact Shoshone County emergency manager Dan Martinsen, call 208-752-8891.
Other flood related information can be found at www.floodsmart.org or www.fema.gov.