Flooding is a “major concern” Weber County officials say
Feb 23, 2023, 2:00 PM
Heavy snow can be concerning for areas near a burn scar. (Wayne County Sheriff's Office)
(Wayne County Sheriff's Office)
WEBER, Utah — All the recent snow is good for Utah’s snowpack, but rising temperatures increase the possibility of flooding. Weber County is working to prevent the water from affecting its residents.
Crews are clearing the county’s culverts and drainage systems of debris and vegetation to guarantee a smooth flow of snowmelt.
Weber County Engineer Gary Myers said drones are also being utilized, working as an overhead view to monitor hard-to-reach areas.
“It’s definitely quicker a lot of times they can get in and out of areas faster than we can get on foot or even drive to with vehicles,” said Myers.
The snowpack is another source of worry, as it’s already over 30-year averages along the Wasatch Front.
The Weber River Basin is at 142% of the 30-year average. And the Tooele Valley Creek is at 176% of the 30-year average, and with the 2,000-acre burn scar, chances of flooding increase.
Back in 1983, the state faced severe flooding and its snowpack was at similar levels.
“It all is going to come down to what Mother Nature does to us,” said Myers. “If it warms up super fast in the course of a couple days, we might have some concerns. If it warms up gradually and keeps it under control with some intermittent days that helps us melt off some of the snow that would be a huge relief to our mind.”
