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| 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 |
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.