Dam outflow decreased as more rain looms
June 6, 2012
With the Kootenai River level less than half an inch below flood stage and more rain looming, the Army Corps of Engineers scaled back outflow from Libby Dam early this morning.

"Another very intense rainstorm is developing tonight and should cause river levels to rise fast in the Moyie, Yaak and Fisher Rivers," said Corps engineer Joel Fenolio yesterday. "In response, we are decreasing outflow from Libby Dam tonight from 15kcfs to 12 kcfs over three hours starting at 1 a.m. Mountain Standard Time."

The decrease is expected to lower the level on the Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry from its current 1,763.57 feet to just over 1,762.5 feet, through the coming week, thought tonight's expected rainfall could raise the river level to flood stage of 1,764 feet.

"The upcoming storm is forecasted to be more intense and have longer duratyion than last night's storm," Fenolio said. "We will monitor this storm event through the night and make additional flow reductions as necessary."

At 9:53 a.m. today, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch and flash flood warning for the Moyie River at Eastport.

Flood stage there is nine feet, and the current level at Eastport is 8.71 feet. That level is expected to reach 9.2 feet by 5 a.m. June 7. At that level, lowland flooding can occur between Eastport and Addie.

The National Weather Service, Spokane, predicts up to half an inch of rain possible by tonight, accompanied by winds steady at about 11 to 16 miles per hour, gusting to about 25 miles per hour. The rain should taper off into tomorrow, though the forecast continues to call for more showers through the weekend before partly sunny skies return on Monday.

Property owners throughout the area are encouraged to keep an eye out for rising water and to take steps to protect their property before damage occurs. Sandbags and sand are available for free to property owners at the Hall Mountain Fire Station, at Copper Creek and at the county road and bridge shop on U.S. 95 just south of Three Mile.

Boundary County Emergency Management incident commander Bob Graham is keeping an eye on the situation as it develops, but the county will only step in to help in an emergency.

"A lot of this is up to the homeowners and their neighbors," Graham said. "They know the area and what to look out for, and know the steps that need to be taken to protect their homes and property."

Those concerned about imminent flooding can call the sheriff's office at (208) 267-3151, extension 0. If it appears that flooding is going to threaten property in the Eastport area, you can also call Hall Mountain Fire, (208) 267-7375.

If an emergency develops, call 911.