Warm up coming next week, flooding possible

January 12, 2017

A change in the weather pattern next week will bring above freezing temperatures to much of the region and the potential for significant rainfall to far eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle. With widespread low elevation snow across the Inland Northwest, there is the possibility for small stream and urban flooding with this weather pattern. Temperatures are expected be above freezing from Tuesday through Thursday, with snow levels potentially rising above 4,000 feet for most of the northern Idaho Panhandle and northeastern Washington, and above 5,000 feet in southeast Washington and the central and southern Idaho Panhandle. While confidence is low on the exact location and amounts of rainfall, at this time it appears the Idaho Panhandle will receive the greatest amounts. The potential impacts from the snowmelt and rainfall runoff include ponding of water where storm drains or ditches are clogged with snow and ice, ponding of water in low lying areas with poor drainage or frozen ground, and possible ice jams on small creeks that have frozen over. While no major river flooding is forecast at this time, this is an evolving forecast and could change with additional meteorological data. Those living in flood-prone areas should take precautions to avoid flood damage and continue to monitor the latest weather conditions.