Every newspaper headline and news broadcast in Utah currently leads with dire predictions of and information on spring flooding. Persistent moist weather patterns on top of amazing snow totals have lead to rising waters in virtually every drainage across the state. Flooding is not just a possibility, it is happening and if the moisture patterns continue, as forecasts suggest they will, it will only get worse. On top of that, we are on high alert over the potential for rapid warming resulting in snow melt that will just make the problem worse.
Yesterday, waters in several rivers and canals in northern Utah overflowed and flooded a number of areas. Ruth’s Diner in Emigration Canyon had to close because of flooding across the patios behind the restaurant. A dozen summer structures in Blacksmith Fork Canyon (Cache County) were consumed by water that could not be fended off with sand bags. State Road 101 in the same canyon was closed as water undercut the road base. The bottom line is that flooding is here and the end is not yet in sight.
According to the Red Cross website:
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.
Flooding cannot be prevented in many instances, but cautionary steps can be taken to protect life and property. The following succinct listing of tips can be found on the National Geographic website:
Before a Flood
When a Flood is Imminent
During a Flood
After a Flood
Source: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
You can’t change the weather, but you can hedge your bets against the consequences.
