Spring runoff concerns in Salt Lake County

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with accurate contact information for if you experience flooding.

SALT LAKE CITY — As we head into summer, spring runoff will increase. Contrary to last year, there will not be damaging floods this year, according to one Salt Lake County employee. 

Kade Moncur, Director of Public Works Engineering with Salt Lake County discusses the latest on spring runoff concerns in the area with KSL NewsRadio.

“As far as the potential for damage, this year’s damaging flood is a lot less damaging than last year. I mean, last [year we had] a massive amount of snow with the potential to cause a problem,” Moncur said. “This year is about 1.3% of normal and so we are going to see a lot of water like we always do, but we don’t see a real problem heading our way this year with what we have on the mountains.”

Moncur also said that the Jordan River will be flowing a little bit higher this year.

“All of our reservoirs are currently full so, really no ability to take a lot more water,” he said. “Everything that comes to the Utah Lake from the upstream reservoir is going to pass into the Jordan River keeping that system quite high throughout the entire summer.”

Related: The spring season leads to increased cases of canine parvovirus

As temperatures rise, Moncur advises people going outside to give “healthy respect” and keep their distance between themselves and fast-flowing water. He also said to keep children and pets away.

Who should I contact if I see flooding?

Contact your city first. If you see areas of overland flooding along rivers, creeks, streams, canals, or areas of stream channel erosion, contact Salt Lake County Flood Control at (385) 468-6600. If you see flooding within local roadways, intersections, or parking lots, this is the responsibility of your municipality.

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