May 30, 2023 |
Photo – North Platte River Graph – Courtesy National Weather Service
Carbon County’s Office of Emergency Management, headed by Lenny Layman, held its bi-weekly online flood update meeting Friday afternoon.
The National Weather Service forecast was a major component of the meeting. Meteorologist Lauren Kubelka said rain could elevate rivers, but Carbon County may experience only minor flooding despite the big snowpack when the spring melt began. Kubelka also said she did not expect any surprises from the Little Snake or North Platter Rivers this weekend.
However, Kubelka said to expect water to pool in low lying areas. The National Weather Service meteorologist reported on the condition of the county’s flood prone waterways.
Kubelka said forecasts show sporadic rain chances for heavier precipitation this week. Kubelka said the expected warmer weather combined with rain will increase snowmelt in the mountains.
Kubelka said thunderstorms are most likely to occur between 1:00 and 10:00pm each day. The meteorologist said the National Weather Service’s seven-day precipitation forecast calls for a small amount of rain.
Kubelka said the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Baggs, Dixon, and Savery until further notice. She said the Little Snake River is expected to reach minor flood stage of seven and a half feet above average this weekend. The meteorologist said the flood warning will continue until the river shows signs of returning to its normal state.
Kubelka shifted to the forecast for Saratoga and Sinclair. She said the North Platte River isn’t predicted to rise above seven and a half feet. The National Weather Service meteorologist said this week’s potential rainfall could change the flood forecast.
According to Kubelka, the Medicine Bow River is not expected to pose any threat to Elk Mountain or Hanna.
Following the National Weather Service presentation, Emergency Manager Layman asked each municipality on the call for their boots-on-the-ground reports.
The Baggs and Dixon emergency manager, Jared Wille, wasn’t present during the online meeting. Layman said Wille informed him that the Little Snake River was lower than earlier in the week. Layman said Baggs and Dixon did not require additional sandbags or outside assistance.
Mayor Irene Morgan of Elk Mountain said things were looking good in his community. The mayor said the Medicine Bow River was at its highest point but would lower substantially once upstream ranchers begin irrigating their fields. Layman asked if the ranchers would open their ditches sooner if it would prevent flooding in the town. Mayor Irene said the town has made that request in the past, but the ranchers have refused to do so, saying the possibility of damaging their irrigation equipment was too high. The mayor said he wasn’t worried, though.
Sergeant Tyler Christen is the emergency manager for Saratoga. Sgt. Christen said the National Weather Service’s forecast for the North Platte River is accurate. He said Saratoga has filled sandbags for anyone in need.
County residents should call the Saratoga Town Hall at 326-8335 to request sandbags.
The Hobo Hot Pools have been closed since last Friday and the gate will remain locked until the river water recedes. Sgt. Christen explained why the hot pools were closed.
Sgt. Christen said communities along the river are adequately prepared for potential flooding. He said barriers installed during the floods of 2011 are still in place and additional sandbags are being used to shore up weak spots in the town’s defenses. Sgt. Christen advised residents living near the North Platte River to keep an eye on their crawl spaces and ensure their sump pumps are in working order. Saratoga’s emergency manager also advised boaters to be careful on the river during the holiday weekend.
Emergency Manager Laymen said the Office of Emergency Management provides support and coordination to the towns. Layman said the county’s towns are doing a great job of keeping him up-to-date on what’s going on with the river and if additional assistance is required.
Layman said people living in flood danger zones should have an evacuation plan already prepared. The emergency manager suggested residents place two physical markers by the water: one close to the shore and one farther back. Layman said if the water reaches the marker near the river people should pack their vehicles. If flood waters reach the higher mark, Layman said people should enact their evacuation plan immediately.
According to the National Weather Service, Carbon County appears safe from serious flooding at the moment. This week’s predicted rain may change the forecast. Residents are advised to watch the rivers and take action at the appropriate time.
