...Snow Melt Impacts Continue into the Workweek... Recent warm temperatures have increased low elevation snow melt across the area. With the ground still frozen in most locations, this melt water can not soak in and is running off, filling creeks, streams, and culverts. Water flowing overland and accumulating in low lying areas has and will continue to result in low land flooding, water on roadways, and basement flooding. Water flowing into creeks and streams will increase the potential for ice jam formation and flooding. Ice jam flooding has already been reported. As the ground thaws, muddy roads may strand vehicles and impede or cut off travel in some rural areas. If you have not already done so, now is the time to move equipment and livestock out of low lying areas and away from waterways. Move heavy accumulations of snow away from home foundations, and take steps to prevent water from making it into basements. Impacts will depend upon how fast the snow melts. Stay tuned to the forecast for the latest details on temperatures and additional precipitation that may impact the rate of snow melt, along with any flood warnings. Please report any flooding or ice jam development to local law enforcement, and ask them to pass the report on to the National Weather Service.
