Ice jam flooding risk continues
Warming temperatures causing ice break-up
March 9, 2012
The National Weather Service in Riverton advises there is an increased potential for snowmelt runoff flooding below 8000 feet Saturday through Tuesday. As the excess runoff moves over frozen and saturated ground, there will be an increased potential for minor flooding. Low lying areas that include road crossings will be most susceptible to flooding.
Afternoon temperatures are expected to warm into the 50s to lower 60s across basins east of the Continental Divide Saturday through Tuesday. Across basins west of the Continental Divide, afternoon temperatures are expected to warm to near 50 Saturday and Sunday, cooling into the 40s by Monday.
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.
Report any significant ice jam flooding and or low land flooding to emergency officials.
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