Flood fighters deploy to Madison and Jefferson Counties
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) will deploy two flood specialists to eastern Idaho Sunday to help Madison and Jefferson County emergency managers prepare for potential flooding. Warmer weather is expected to bring seasonal runoff to a peak in the upper Snake River area.
US ACE flood-fight specialists Kevan Schneidmiller and Joy Hartl, of the Walla-Walla Emergency Operations Center, will help assess levee conditions in both counties and identify areas that may be at risk from high river flows.
A number of eastern Idaho rivers and creeks are experiencing near bank-full conditions this weekend. The National Weather Service said seepage and ponding will continue in low-lying areas due to runoff of snow melt. Many waterways could reach flood stage over the weekend.
A flood warning continues this weekend for the Portneuf River at Pocatello. Minor flooding is occurring. The river is expected to fall below flood stage by Tuesday night. The river measured 9.2 feet Friday. Flood stage is 8.5 feet. Low lying agricultural and pasture land, particularly near Inkom and Blackrock is expected. Lowland flooding is likely along sections of the river between Portneuf Gap and the Cheyenne Avenue Bridge in Pocatello.
A flood advisory is posted for the Snake River near Menan.
The National Weather Service reported Friday that the Snake River measured 8.4 feet at Menan. The flood stage is 8.5 feet. At that level, flooding could be expected in low lying fields near the river between the confluence of the Snake River and Henry’s Fork, downstream to the Roberts area.
According to the Weather Service, the Roberts area will have mior flooding of pnding, while the Menan boat launch will be flooded.
Anyone near active waterways should be cautious. Waterways can be deceptively cold and swift. Keep children and pets away from rivers and streams because they could easily be swept downstream.
