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City declares flood disaster
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June 26, 2012 |
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Looking at
the Kootenai River from the Bonners
Ferry overpass, this is what's left of
the island that's the usual spot for
signs lauding the graduating class at
Bonners Ferry High School. The little
white fleck below the copse of trees is
all that remains visible of the sign
placed by the Class of 2012. Just a few
days ago, it was high and dry. |
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Jack Flinn
photo |
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Bonners Ferry Mayor Dave Anderson and the city
council met in emergency session earlier today
and signed a declaration of disaster as the
Kootenai River has risen nearly one foot above
flood stage.
The city says the flooding problems have
exceeded the city's ability to provide adequate
flood fighting capability and to provide levy
repair.
In the declaration, the city says that there is
currently under cutting of the levees protecting
Bonners Ferry and that the city's storm drains
are backing up, requiring the use of pumps to
clear water from downtown.
As is usual in Boundary County during trying
times, multiple entities and agencies have come
together to work through the dilemma, including
county commissioners, the Kootenai Tribe, the
Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and the Army
Corps of Engineers working together and
coordinating efforts.
"At this time," said city administrator Stephen
Boorman, "it is important for our community to
know that the drinking water and sewage
treatment plants have not been compromised.
The Army Corps has deployed a flood team to
provide technical assisance in both Boundary
County and Lincoln County, Montana.
As of 4 p.m. today, inflow at Libby Dam was
approximately 75,000 cubic feet per second and
outflow was 40,000 cfs. Elevation in Koocanusa
Reservoir stood at 2,453.7 feet and rising by
one to one and a half feet per day,
continuing a six-day trend. The water is
expected to continue rising through the end of
the month, and could reach2,458 feet, which is
one foot of full pool. Total June inflow at
Libby Dam is the third highest volume in the
past 50 years at approximately 3.3-million acre
feet.
Outflow at the dam are continuously being
modified to reduce flood damage and to keep the
river elevation at Bonners Ferry as low as
possible. The Kootenai River surpassed flood
stage of 1,764 feet early this morning and stood
at 1,764.8 as of 4p.m. County emergency
management doesn't predict that sandbagging will
be necessary unless the river reaches 1,765
feet, and they encourage property owners along
the river to keep an eye out for potential
problems.
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.
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. |
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