Locals should be prepared for spring flooding
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It’s springtime in Montana. While the warmer temperatures and sunny days can lead to a lot of fun activities, they can also lead to flooding as the winter snowpack melts.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. In the past 10 years alone, more than $27 billion was paid by insurance companies to flood victims.
Higher than normal snowpack accumulations in the area this winter mean that 2011 may be a year with significant spring flooding in the Mission Valley area.
“The best indicator for flooding in your area is to look and see what the snowpack is doing up in the Mission Mountains,” the National Weather Service’s Ray Nickless said. “When we take a look at the snowpack in the Missions right now we are looking at readings quite a bit above average.”
According to Nickless, those high snowpack accumulations generally translate into an extremely wet melting season with a high potential for flooding.
“One of the locations that has been a big concern to us is the Bisson Creek site,” Nickless said. “As of right now, the SNOTEL (short for snowpack telemetry) data shows the snowpack at 183 percent of average. The station is at 4,900 feet with 18.1 inches of water in the snowpack there as opposed to the usual 9.9.”
Bisson Creek is a major concern for the NWS, but it is not the only area in the region that worries them. Moss Peak, an area near Bisson creek at an elevation of 6,700 feet, also has an unusually high snowpack. According to Nickless, Moss Peak currently has 55 inches of water in its snowpack as opposed to its usual 37 inches, an increase of 148 percent.
“Both of those locations haven’t seen snow like that since 1997 and that year was one of our bigger snowpack years on record,” Nickless said. “So, you should expect to see significant flooding of the creeks that come out of the Mission Mountains as the snow melts. The creeks will continue to rise until they overflow their banks, probably sometime in May or June.”
Nickless said there was widespread flooding along Mission Valley creeks in 1997 and along the Little Bitterroot River, which also has a significant snowpack above it this winter.
According to NWS records, Bisson Creek had a snowpack of 18.6 inches in 1997 while Moss Peak had 63 inches, numbers very similar to what is being seen in 2011.
So, why is the snowpack so high? Nickless says it is because of a phenomenon known as La Nina, a weather condition that is caused by the cooling of the ocean’s surface in the Pacific.
“This has been one of the stronger La Ninas as far as sea surface temperatures being cooler than normal,” he said. “When that happens, it changes the weather patterns that come in off the Pacific Northwest. It brings in more moisture, which translates into more snow.”
More snow can easily translate into flooding. When flooding does occur it is important to know what to do.
“Probably, the most important thing to do in the case of flooding is to make sure you have a safe route out of the flood area,” according to Lake County flood plain administrator Tiffany Lyden. “Sometimes, houses are located where there is just one road in and out and that can be a problem if the road can flood. It is also important to make sure that you have copies of all of your important documents and papers either somewhere off-site or in some sort of waterproof container. Moving things from the lower parts of the house, like a basement, to an elevated location is also a good idea.”
According to Lyden, it is always good to be prepared for flooding if you live in a flood-prone area, but no one can say for certain where flooding might occur.
“It’s always hard to tell where the flooding is going to occur because you never know what part of the mountains is going to warm up first,” she said. “From what we have heard from the National Weather Service, we have a pretty high snowpack in the Mission Mountains in the Ronan and St. Ignatius area. That certainly looks like an area for potential flooding along those creeks.”
“There are places that are mapped by FEMA as hundred-year flood plains, but they have not mapped all of the creeks around here. Even if you live on a creek that is not mapped as a flood plain, that doesn’t mean that it cannot flood. It’s best to be prepared. If you live anywhere near a water source, there is a potential for flooding,” she added.
Lyden also said that one of the best things that can be done to prepare for flooding season is to make sure you have flood insurance.
“It is important to have flood insurance, which you can get even if you are not in a mapped flood plain,” she said. “Insurance can cover some of the losses so that you are not left having to pay for everything on your own. There is a 30-day wait period for people buying flood insurance, so it is important to get coverage before the flood season begins.”
According to FEMA there are many important things to know before, during and after a flood event.
Before a Flood
Educate Yourself
After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety.
1. Safeguard your possessions.
•Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have a copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
•Conduct a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
•Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receiptHeas of major purchases.
2. Prepare your house.
•First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
•Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
•Anchor any fuel tanks.
•Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.
•Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
•Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
3. Develop a family emergency plan.
•Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
•Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
•Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
•Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
•Have a plan to protect your pets.
During a Flood
•If flooding occurs, go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
•Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
•If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
•Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
•Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
•If you’ve come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
After a Flood
•If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
•Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
•Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
•Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
•Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
•Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
•Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
•Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.
If you do suffer flood damage and have insurance, FEMA suggests you follow these steps to file a claim.
STEP ONE:
After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again. Make sure you have the following information handy:
• The name of your insurance company
• Your policy number
• A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times
STEP TWO:
Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.
Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.
Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.
Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.
STEP THREE:
Your adjuster will provide you a Proof of Loss form for your official claim for damages. You’ll need to file this claim with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.
You’ll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss form. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.
