PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (ID) Continued flooding in southern Idaho

Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2017 12:15:01 EST

Summary: Lower elevation snowmelt and additional precipitation is causing flooding along the southeast Idaho border.

Additional fronts are expected to move through much of Idaho this week and weekend with the potential to cause locally heavy precipitation in the form of snow and rain in Southern Idaho. Snow levels are expected to rise to 7000 to 8000 ft. Additional rain falling on already substantial and above normal low-lying snowpack is likely to cause further flooding of already swollen rivers and streams in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon with the potential to raise a number of smaller rivers above flood stage. Local flooding of the Raft River has already caused closures of Interstate 86 from the I-84 junction to the Rockland interchange near American Falls, ID. Water is noted as being over the roadway. The Malheur River, Bruneau River, Weiser River, Little Salmon Falls Creek and other streams in the area are rising with expected peaks to occur Thursday through the weekend, some potentially above flood stage which could impact multiple communities along these river systems. Multiple flood watches, warnings, and advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service for low lying areas in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon.

The Idaho Water Science Center has deployed one crew to the Raft River which is the source of flooding on the interstate. Multiple additional crews from the Boise and Idaho Falls Field Office are currently on call or out in the field for potential flooding for the remainder of the week and this weekend. Larger river systems are not expected to near flood stage at this time. Localized flooding is occurring and expected to continue along smaller streams and tributaries through the remainder of this week. All gaging stations seem to be working properly. IDWSC is requesting a rapid deployment gage from MT/WY and two additional units from the hydrologic instrumentation facility. IDWSC is also in communication with the National Weather Service, USBR, and Idaho Department of Transportation to insure critical un-gaged river and stream reaches are monitored for public safety.