Ice jam flooding expected
Warming temperatures causing ice breakup in rivers
March 7, 2012
The National Weather Service is warning of an expected increased chance for ice jam flooding Saturday through Tuesday (March 10-13, 2012).
Afternoon temperatures are expected to warm into the 50s to lower 60s across basins east of the Continental Divide Saturday through Tuesday and into the 40s to near 50 across basins west of the Continental Divide. Increased snowmelt runoff below 8000 feet expected Sunday through Tuesday.
Rivers that are still iced over across the region are expected to show significant ice breakup this weekend and into early next week. As the ice breaks up and moves downstream, there will be an increased chance of ice jamming that may result in flooding. Bridges and areas where the river makes a sharp turn or bend are most susceptible to ice jamming.
Snowmelt runoff below 8000 feet is expected to increase significantly by early next week. As the excess runoff moves over frozen and saturated ground, there will be an increased chance for minor flooding. Low-lying areas such as road crossings will be most susceptible to flooding.
Report any significant ice jam flooding and or low lying flooding to emergency officials.
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