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County hears of local flood potential
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 03/04/2010 |
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Lake County Commissioners were told Tuesday that there are potential areas where flooding is likely this spring. "Anything in the flood plain area will have high water," Emergency Management Director Don Thomson said.
According to a map distributed to commissioners, some of those areas where flooding is anticipated include property along Battle Creek (in the Rutland area), the southeast portion of Madison, property on the east side of Wentworth Slough, property northeast of Lake Madison, property south of Brant Lake and property between Orland and Franklin.
Thomson said the speed of the snowmelt will affect the severity of the flooding. Current conditions have allowed for melting during the day and freezing conditions at night.
"If we continue with this, I don't foresee any problems," he said. "If we have more moisture and heat, we could have issues."
Thomson said supplies are available in case problems do arise. An estimated 20,000 sandbags are on hand now, he said, and another 10,000 will be ordered. Barricades are available through the county and city offices; at least 26 pumps of varying sizes are available from different agencies; and 31 generators of varying capacity are on hand in case of power outages. Shelter equipment is also available, he said.
While most spring conditions are unknown, state officials are anticipating widespread flooding, he said, and he knows that the local lakes will be full.
"It all hinges on how fast it melts and additional moisture that comes," he said.
Thomson said Lake County's primary watershed is fairly independent from other systems.
According to the latest data from the National Weather Service only two areas are currently experiencing high water. In Parker, the west fork of the Vermillion River is about four inches above flood stage, which is 9 feet. In Springfield, the Missouri River is currently at 9.22 feet and rising toward flood stage, which is 10 feet.
Lake County Highway Superintendent Scott Mathison said conditions this spring could affect gravel roads.
"With our wet fall and the frost sinking deep into the roads, you can look for road problems this spring," he said.
If the frost comes out fast, he said, roads will firm up quicker.
Load limits have yet to go into effect but will be put in place later this spring.
Mathison said load limits will be in effect until the frost is completely out. Following the load limits, he said, will help reduce wear and tear on the roads.
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©Madison Daily Leader 2010
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