PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (ID) Minor flooding

Date: Tue, 09 Apr 2019 11:35:35 EDT

Summary: A rain event and increased releases from reservoirs are causing minor flooding in western Idaho

Heavy rain over the past several days, along with snowmelt, have
created rises on several streams and rivers in western and central Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Flood warnings have been issued for Adams and Washington counties where the Weiser River has risen to 1 ft above flood stage and is currently at the 99% percentile. The river is expected to crest approximately 2 ft above flood stage on Tuesday April 9. Flooding to low lying areas and farmland is expected. Multiple roads in Adams County have been closed due to water over the roadway.

Flood warnings have also been issued for the lower Payette River Valley where the Black Canyon Dam has increased releases to compensate for high tributary inflow and snow melt. As a result, the Payette River is currently 1 ft above flood stage below the dam. The river is expected to peak Wednesday April 10 approximately 2 ft above flood stage at the moderate flooding level. Low lying residential areas and farmlands below the dam are expected to experience minor to moderate flooding over the next several days.

Other rivers experiencing high flows are the Salmon, Little Salmon, N.F. Clearwater, Clearwater and Palouse Rivers, all are expected to crest near or at flood stage over the next few days potentially impacting multiple communities, residences, and farmlands in the river valleys.

Crews from the IDWSC Boise Field Office and Post Falls Field Office are out making high flow measurements, collecting sediment and water quality samples at key sites as well as repairing gages (not caused by flooding). No physical damage to gages is known at this time.