|
Spring flooding expected to worsen over
weekend |
|
March 30, 2012 |
 |
|
Deep Creek
Loop was closed to small cars early this
morning due to flooding ... the only
problem area thus far ... but the
National Weather Service is warning that
conditions will worsen through the
weekend. |
|
Stacy
Frederickson photo |
|
Boundary County Emergency Management incident
commander Bob Graham was out early this morning,
checking various areas around the county for
flooding. Shortly after 8 a.m., he closed a
portion of Deep Creek Loop just north of the
Welco Mill to small cars, though larger cars,
pickups and trucks can still make it through the
approximately nine inches of water over the
roadway.
Water has also crossed Cow Creek Road just of
School House Hill, but that section is, for now,
still passable, though the creek alongside the
road is running fast and high, and ready to more
heavily inundate Cow Creek Road at any time.
At about 1 p.m., a mudslide was reported on Ruby
Creek Road, covering about three-quarters of the
roadway.
According to Sheriff's dispatchers, these are
the only two problem areas as yet ... reports
that Highland Flats Road was flooded, they said,
are unfounded. But the National Weather Service
has extended a flood warning that had been set
to expire at 11 a.m. today until 11 a.m. Sunday,
as warmer temperatures combined with up to an
additional half to one inch of rain over the
next 48 hours, with the area hardest hit
expected to lie north of I-90 to the Canadian
border.
Significant flooding has also been reported in
Bonner, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, as well
as several mudslides and power outages. Road
washouts have been reported in Pend Orielle
County, Washington.
Several area residents have already reported
property damage from flooding around their
homes, but, as yet, nothing significant. Those
whose homes are in areas susceptible to flooding
are encouraged to take action on their own to
protect their propery ... sandbags being placed
outside the fence at County Road and Bridge and
are being taken to the county landfill where you
can also get the sand to fill them, available
for free to all Boundary County residents and
property owners willing to pick them up.
In addition to the danger of flooding, there is
also heightened concern for the potential of
damaging mud-slides on slopes throughout the
county. None have been reported as yet. Winds
gusting to 28 miles-per-hour are expected
through the rest of the day today, which,
combined with high ground saturation levels,
makes the potential for trees being uprooted an
area of concern as well, which also heightens
the potential for power outages.
At about 12:45 p.m. today, a tree was reported
downed over a power line on Dusty Lane south of
Bonners Ferry.
According to the National Weather Service, an
additional quarter-inch of rain is possible by
the end of the day today, but up to an
additional half-inch of rain is likely overnight
and into tomorrow, with winds calming overnight.
Above 3,500 feet, up to five inches of snow
could fall.
Chance of precipitation on Saturday and Saturday
night is 100-percent. While the chance of rain
diminishes to 70-percent on Sunday, an
additional one-tenth to quarter inch of rain in
the valleys and additional snow above 3,000-feet
will only add to the problem. In addition, winds
are expected to pick up again on Sunday, with
gusts up to 25 miles-per-hour expected. Gray
skies and continued rain are expected through
the end of next week.
In Weather Service lingo, a flood warning means
that flooding is imminent of has already been
reported. The rise of area creeks, rivers and
streams has been steady, and flash flooding,
while possible, is not expected.
Anyone in Boundary County experiencing flooding
problems or who see a mud-slide, downed trees or
flooded road are asked to call the Boundary
County Sheriffs Office, (208) 267-3151, to
report the problem; due to the heavy volume of
calls, people are being asked to refrain from
calling 911 unless an actual emergency exists.
If you know of situations where problems exist,
News Bonners Ferry would also appreciate being
notified, either by email,
publisher@newsbf.com, or by phone, (208)
267-5885, that we may assist in getting word out
to our local readers in time to make a
difference. |
|
|
|
|
