Citing rising rivers, Sandy Mayor issues emergency declaration

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:

• Warning signs posted after kneeboarder seen on swift runoff
• Record Utah winter makes up for years-long water shortfall
• Public comment period approved for quarry in Parley’s Canyon

 

Follow @SimoneSeikaly