PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (ID) corrected phone number

Date: Tue, 09 May 2017 12:50:24 EDT

Summary: Re: Flooding in Idaho - wrong phone number included in the original statement.

Flooding continues as Idaho's record or near record snowpack continues to melt (150-200%) keeping several rivers and streams above, at, or near flood stage and are under a NWS flood warning. Most impacted, the Big Wood River, Boise River and Payette River remain above, at, or near flood stage. In the Big Wood River basin, the cities of Ketchum, Hailey, and Bellevue are experiencing moderate to severe flooding causing inundation of houses along the river, flow over roads and trails, and extensive erosion. Voluntary evacuations are underway with the possibility of mandatory evacuations if flows continue to increase. Multiple high flow measurements have been made and ratings have been extended at multiple gages along the Big Wood and it’s tributaries. One gage is near the upper operational limits and has potential to be inundated. We are monitoring this site closely and will install an alternate gage if needed.

The Payette River and Boise River continue at or above flood stage causing minor to moderate flooding and erosion to low lying property and structures including multiple bridges, businesses, warehouses and residence near the rivers. Three Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are installed at bridge locations along the Boise River to monitor water levels in the vicinity of the most threatened bridges, levies and property.

In Eastern Idaho the Portneuf River, and Salt River remains above flood stage affecting the city of Pocatello and Etna. The Snake River, Blackfoot River, and Henry's Fork Rivers are expected to break flood stage later this week.

In Northern Idaho, The Kootenai River and contributing tributaries are expected to approach flood stage this week along with portions of the Salmon River affecting communities along those river systems.

Temperatures are expected to increase this week with rain possibly on Friday adding to the threat for new and continued flooding by next weekend.

Currently:

11 gages are at or near flood stage
2 gages are currently above the rating (cannot compute discharge)
All gages are transmitting
0 gages damaged

USGS is maintaining direct contact with USACE, USBR, NWS to insure adequate data collection is underway for flood support.