UTAH FLOOD WATCH

Citing rising rivers, Sandy Mayor issues emergency declaration

May 31, 2023, 10:12 AM | Updated: 2:26 pm

Record snowpack and increasing temperatures have prompted Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski to issu...

FILE: Runoff water from the Wasatch Mountains flows down Little Cottonwood Creek in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. The creek is running faster in 2023, prompting Sandy City officials to issue an emergency declaration (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

SANDY, Utah — Record snowpack and increasing temperatures have prompted Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski to issue a proclamation declaring a local emergency for flood mitigation and response.

The proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days.

An announcement from the city said the declaration is in effect “for the primary waterways in Sandy”. This would be Little Cottonwood Creek, Dry Creek from Bell Canyon through Dimple Dell, Little Willow Creek, and Big Willow Creek.

Angela Faver lives right next to Little Cottonwood Creek. She told KSL NewsRadio that her and her family have been preparing for this and, at least for now, they’re not worrying. 

“We’ve got to just do the best we can with what we’ve got, but the weather seems to be cooperating,” said Favor.

Faver said they have moved some valuables upstairs and they have flood insurance.  

The KSL River Flow Tracker currently shows that Little Cottonwood Creek is expected to significantly increase in volume beginning on June 2. 

In the announcement, Sandy City said its workers have been preparing for the possibility of flooding since February — namely by clearing debris. This work will continue throughout the emergency declaration.

“Most flood events in Salt Lake County this year have been the result of debris dams,” said Sandy Public Utilities Director Tom Ward.

“Our flood prevention team and community volunteers have been proactively working over the past few months to clear our stream channels to prevent debris flow dams and flooding,” said Ward. “It is our hope that these mitigation efforts along with a favorable runoff cycle will alleviate any potential for flooding.”

Adam Short and Aubri Wuthridge contributed.

Related reading:

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah Flood Watch

Flash flood warning issued for parts of Utah....

Derrick Jones

Flash flood warnings issued in 3 Utah counties

SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Garfield, Wayne, and Duchesne Counties. NWS says to avoid walking or driving through flood waters. If you see flooding, NWS says to move to higher ground immediately. Check the NWS website to learn about flood safety. Duchesne flooding The Duchesne […]

1 month ago

The St. George Regional Airport has closed due to flooding on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Photo credi...

Mark Jones

Flooding forces closure of St. George Airport.

Flooding in the area has forced the closure of the St. George Regional Airport.

1 month ago

Sept. 2015, in Zion National Park, flood that left 3 dead and four missing in Zion National Park in...

Derrick Jones

NWS warns of probable flooding in southern Utah

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a statement warning people of probable flooding in most national parks,

1 month ago

The Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives just received a $2 million co...

Mark Jones

Salt Lake County mayor ends flooding state of emergency

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced the end of the flooding state of emergency on Monday.

3 months ago

Provo residents conserved 700 million gallons of water last year. Combine that with the runoff from...

Allessandra Harris

Provo is going underground to store millions of gallons of water

Provo's underground solution to store water saved from conservation and the spring runoff lies in a system of aquifers.

3 months ago

Sweetwater County officials have a request of those who use their campers or RVs to save a good cam...

Adam Small and Simone Seikaly

Parking RV near Flaming Gorge to save a camping spot discouraged

Flaming Gorge water levels have risen by eight feet since 2022, and continued runoff could equal a flooded camper.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Citing rising rivers, Sandy Mayor issues emergency declaration