JACKSON, Wyo. — With warming temperatures and snowmelt occurring this spring, Teton County Emergency Management (TCEM) shared tips for preparedness during flooding season.
“Flooding happens here, and it can be damaging,” TCEM wrote in a statement.
According to TCEM, Teton County has experienced seasonal flooding, flash floods, flooding due to ice jams and flooding after a natural dam failure, like the flood that destroyed the town of Kelly in 1927. Similarly, the Teton Pass landslide in 2024 was caused by above-average soil moisture, heavy late-season snow and above-average temperatures, as reported by Buckrail’s Meteorologist Alan Smith.
TCEM states that the potential for flooding in spring and early summer has two major phases: snowmelt and seasonal precipitation.
“This year, valley snowpack has already disappeared and with it most of the risk of lowland and nuisance flooding,” TCEM wrote via press release. “Now, as temperatures warm and mid-to-high-elevation snow melt accelerates, we look at the potential for stream and riverine flooding. This type of flooding can also be triggered by notable precipitation events like rain-on-snow. It is further influenced by water table levels, soil saturation and other factors.”
TCEM wrote that it can be difficult to pinpoint the location, timing and magnitude of flooding due to numerous variables involved in hydrologic forecasting. Additionally, surprise flooding caused by overflowing, poorly maintained or damaged irrigation ditches or dams can happen at any time.
Since flooding can occur anywhere, and with little to no warning, everyone should know how to stay safe if they encounter flood waters:
- Never drive or walk into flood waters: Just 6 inches of moving water can knock over an adult and 2 feet of water can carry away most vehicles. Water could be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires and chemicals. Remember: “Turn around don’t drown.”
- Keep away from downed power lines and any other electrical wires: Do not enter any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
- Get to higher ground: Know the fastest way to get to higher ground near a home, school or workplace.
- Protect property beforehand:
- Insurance: Flood damages are not typically covered in most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies. Understand the risk and learn more about flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, visit the Wyoming Department of Insurance online or call 1-800-438-5768.
- Sandbagging: Know where to find sandbagging materials to protect property. Sandbags should be used as a preventative measure and are not as effective after flooding has already occurred. Limited numbers of sandbags are available from the County for flood fighting. Call Emergency Management for more information: 307-733-9572.
To view flood hazards, waterways, precipitation forecasts, stream gauges and more go to the Teton County Flood Planning App. National Weather Service tips and resources for flood safety can be seen here. Go to ready.gov to learn what to do before, during and after a flood: ready.gov/floods.
