PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (ID) Continued Flooding

Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:35:12 EST

Summary: Continued flooding in southern Idaho.

Continued flooding is occurring along the southern border of Idaho. Additional rain and warmer temperatures are melting low-lying snowpack causing swollen rivers and streams in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon to rise above flood stage. Local flooding of the Raft River has 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. Currently, the Owyhee, Little Salmon Falls Creek, Bruneau River, Raft River, and Weiser River (due to an ice jam) are above flood stage. One gage on Little Salmon and one on the East Fork of the Owyhee are in danger of being submerged. Many gages along the Payette and Boise River are showing increased flows and will be measured today and this weekend. The Malheur River, Bruneau River, Weiser River, Little Salmon Falls Creek and other streams in the area are rising with expected peaks to occur today and tomorrow 2 to 5 ft above flood stage which could impact multiple communities along these river systems. Reaches on Raft River, Goose Ck and Trapper Creek are being flagged for possible indirects where measurements are not possible. A flood warning currently exists for the mountains northeast of Boise and along the southern boundary of Idaho. Rivers and streams are expected to recede this weekend as the system leaves the area and temperatures drop below freezing.

The Idaho Water Science Center has deployed two 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 measuring high flows on multiple river in southern Idaho. A rapid deployment gage is being installed on Sheep Creek, a tributary of the Bruneau River, and another is on reserve and available to assist other agencies with flooding concerns. Localized flooding is occurring and expected to continue along smaller streams and tributaries through the remainder of this week and weekend. All gaging stations seem to be working properly. 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.