City declares flood disaster
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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. |
| Jack Flinn photo |
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.