By Shannon Lukens. (Elk River file photo)

 

Water levels on the Elk River are expected to reach the flood stage Wednesday night and through the weekend. Routt County Office of Emergency Management has issued a Flood Warning, saying to be alert and prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Routt County Road and Bridge has been putting up signs at different intersections that could flood, and county bridges that cross the Elk River are being checked daily.

Minor flooding is expected in the Yampa River in the Steamboat Springs flood zones.

 

Here’s more Flood Preparedness Information from the Routt County Office of Emergency Management/ June 5, 2024.

 

Routt County Office of Emergency Management shares Flooding Preparedness Information

 

Steamboat Springs, CO, June 5, 2024 – The Routt County Office of Emergency Management has been monitoring the Elk River and Yampa River as water levels have been rising.

 

According to the National Weather Prediction Services, the Elk River will be reaching Action Stage this week, steadily rising during the afternoons and evening due to rising temperatures, then decreasing during the morning. It is expected to rise above the Action Stage beginning tonight, Wednesday, June 5, and minor flooding is expected through Monday, June 10. The most up to date weather information can be found online at https://www.weather.gov/gjt/

 

The Yampa River is not forecasted to reach the Action Stage throughout the forecast period, with minor flooding in Steamboat Springs in the flood zones. Please contact Steamboat Springs Streets Department if you need sandbags at 970.819.2291.

 

The Routt County Road & Bridge Department has been checking the culverts along County Road 44. Road signs have been staged at the intersection of CR 44 and US 40 to be immediately available if necessary. Additional equipment has been staged at CR 56 and 129 to assist with any debris that may collect on the bridge. All County bridges that cross the Elk River are being checked daily.

 

Routt County’s Office of Emergency Management wants to remind residents to take the following precautions now, before any flooding may occur:

• Know your flood risk – view flood maps or contact your local Planning Department
• Obtain flood insurance – get coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program
• Sign up for Routt County Alerts – The Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radios also provide emergency alerts.
• Monitor weather and flooding forecasts
• Prepare a “Go Kit” with Emergency Supplies in case you are told to evacuate:
  • Prescription medication and eyeglasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food, water, and supplies
  • Important family documents: insurance policies, birth certificates, social security number cards, passports, marriage licenses, banking information, property deeds or lease agreements, medical records
  • Cash
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Clothing for each family member
  • Irreplaceable family heirlooms or sentimental items
• Collect and store supplies necessary to “Shelter in Place” if you are unable to leave your home or would not be able to re-enter due to access issues:
  • In addition to the items above, prepare to have the following for at least three days:
  • Water – one gallon of drinking water, per person, per day
  • Food – non-perishable food and dry goods
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Battery powered or hand crank radio and NOAA weather radio
  • Manual can opener and other food preparation tools
  • Sleeping bags or warm blankets
  • Cleaning supplies
  • N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Prepare or mitigate your property
  • Install and maintain a working sump pump. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case of power failure
  • Elevate or move furniture, appliances, and valuables
  • Ensure gutters, downspouts, storm drains, ditches, and culverts are free of debris
  • Check your home for water entry points such as crawl spaces, basement windows, basement stairwells, doors, dryer vents and protect them with low walls, temporary shields, or sandbags
  • Seal your foundation or basement walls
  • Install flood vents in a garage or crawl space

Additional resources about what to do during a flood and the recovery stage are available online at: http://www.co.routt.co.us/156/Flooding

Are you signed up for Routt County Alerts? This system allows us to contact you directly as the situation progresses. Sign up now at RouttCountyAlerts.com.