By Shannon Lukens.
The heavy deep snow is melting and spring runoff is starting to flow. Sand is out for residents of the City of Steamboat Springs who might need it. A pile of sand is by Stehley Park for the Butcherknife flood station. Sand is also at Short and James Streets. Contact the streets department if you need to pick up some sandbags. 970-879-1807 or 970-819-2291. Call 911 if you have a flooding emergency. The city recommends flood insurance if your property is located outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Here’s more from the City of Steamboat Springs; April 7, 2023.
Warming Temperatures Signal Spring Runoff Approaching
What You Can Do to Prepare for High Water, Manage Stormwater & Construction Sites
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 7, 2023-With significant snow this winter and forecasts for warming temperatures this weekend into next week, the community should be ready for rising water levels as melting snowpack and spring runoff starts to flow.
“While peak flows can vary, the Yampa River generally peaks in late May to early June, while other neighboring creeks can peak significantly earlier in the year,” said Stormwater Specialist & Engineering Inspector Scott Slamal. “While it might seem early, residents and construction sites should take precautions now because once the water is flowing, it’ll be too late.”
The potential for flooding is due to fluctuating water flow within the Yampa River Basin. Major flooding events have been the result of snowmelt augmented by rain in spring or early summer. The highest runoff on record was due to heavy rain falling on a melting snowpack.
With numerous construction projects around the city, the following is recommended to minimize pollutants entering our drainageways, creeks, and the river:
- Monitor runoff from site daily as weather conditions continue to warm and runoff increases.
- Check all erosion and sediment control measures (CMs) daily for adequacy. Maintain CMs as needed.
- Add additional CMs as needed to minimize sediment from leaving site.
- Refresh and install new vehicle tracking pads, to reduce mud tracking onto roadways, and sweep/scrape areas in front of your site as needed.
- Pick up newly exposed trash daily.
A few additional tips for residents:
- It is recommended that you obtain flood insurance even if your property is located outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area. Please be advised that there is typically a 30-day waiting period from when flood insurance is purchased to when it goes into effect.
- Clear or report drainage ways and creeks clogged with debris.
- Sign up for Routt County Alerts to receive important emergency notifications like flooding.
- Review FEMA designated floodplain or floodway and Routt County Office of Emergency Management’s High Water Preparedness Info Guide.
- Follow weather forecasts and take precautions during heavy spring storms.
- If you live in a frequently flooded area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting on hand to help protect your property.
The Streets Division supplies sand and sandbags for residential properties that need them on a case-by-case basis. which need to be filled and placed by the homeowner. The Butcherknife flood station was put out yesterday ahead of the warming temperatures. Commercial properties and residential neighborhoods with frequent needs must acquire their own sandbags.
Contact Streets at 970.879.1807 during office hours, or dispatch at 970.879.1144 after hours to access materials. If calling Dispatch, it’s important to leave your name, address, and callback number. If you are experiencing a flooding emergency, call 9-1-1
A USGS monitoring site on the Yampa River at the 5th Street Bridge tracks water temperature, discharge, and gage height among other data. Visit the city’s Floodplain Management webpage for information, resources, and programs.