JACKSON HOLE, WYO — With temperatures forecasted to be in 40s and topping 50 this week the potential for flooding will rise, especially with the lingering low-elevation snowpack from a record-setting February in Jackson.
The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Hydrologic Outlook stating that snowmelt below the 8,000’ elevation is expected to increase steadily Tuesday through Thursday of this week.
“Although this isn’t a Flood Watch or Flood Warning, it is something that property owners should take heed of,” said Rich Ochs, Coordinator for Teton County Emergency Management. “This will likely be the first of several rounds of warm-up that will accelerate snowmelt and may cause flooding.”
NOAA hydrologist Jim Fahey issued his March version of Wyoming Spring 2019 Snowmelt Flood Potential Outlook just today. Statewide, Fahey is calling for:
- …Moderate potential for snowmelt runoff flooding is forecasted along lower portions of the Upper North Platte River Basin (near Saratoga) and along the lower portions of the Laramie Watershed (near Laramie)…
- … Moderate potential for flooding due to snowmelt is also expected over a few tributary basins along the Snake River Drainage…
- …All other of headwater basins across Wyoming can expect a generally Low potential for flooding due to springtime snowmelt runoff…
“Sandbagging is hard work. If you don’t know what you’re doing, we recommend consulting with an excavation contractor or landscape company for advice,” Ochs advised. Visit the US Army Corps of Engineers to access sandbagging and other flood fight information.
On the tail of a historic February, this first warm-up could cause some areas to see flooding that haven’t before. Those that live near active or abandoned irrigation ditches, ephemeral streams, or other low-lying areas are advised to remain vigilant through next week and any subsequent warm-ups. With the ground still frozen, overland sheet flooding that isn’t near any waterway is also a possibility.
“My best advice to people in regard to this year’s runoff is to not let your guard down,” Ochs added.
Teton County Emergency Management recommends that residents and businesses consider the following as we head into our first warm-up of the spring:
Have a plan: Look at your property for low lying areas and piles of snow that could melt and cause problems and mitigate those issues now. Talk with your neighbors and develop a neighborhood plan for responding to flooding such as sandbagging.- Clear culverts, ditches, and storm drains now:Common culprits in overland sheet flooding are blocked culverts, overflowing ditches, and plugged storm drains. Clear ice jams from culverts, remove debris from ditches, and make sure storm drains are free of ice and snow.
- Get financially prepared: Flooding is the most common and destructive natural disaster in the United States. Sometimes there is absolutely nothing you can do in the face of rising flood waters. Talk with your insurance agent now about your coverage and ask about flood insurance. Teton County and the Town of Jackson both participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, allowing residents and businesses to purchase flood insurance in our area. Even if you aren’t required to buy flood insurance, you can still get a policy, and usually at a much-reduced premium. Policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so now is the time to talk to your agent. Learn more about flood insurance by visiting www.floodsmart.gov.
