NWS advises residents in southeast Idaho to prepare for potential ‘rapid lowland snowmelt’

POCATELLO – Weather officials are advising residents in lower elevations to prepare for “rapid” snowmelt as temperatures increase over the weekend.

As temperatures warm to the 40s and 50s next week, people who live on the Snake River Plain and Eastern Magic Valley could see “rapid lowland snowmelt,” according to a Friday news release from the National Weather Service. This could lead to some minor flooding impacts, like ponding in some areas and increased localized street runoffs.

“We’re advising (to make) sure your storm drains are cleared, (move) heavy snow accumulations away from structures such that it doesn’t pond and cause any impacts towards where you live,” explained Carter MacKay, an NWS meteorologist.

MacKay also advised people to move any equipment they have out of low-lying areas in the field where standing water could pool, or the ground could get muddy.

While temperatures are expected to rise over the week, most of the ground is still frozen, MacKay said, and the NWS is tracking “how much of that’s able to perturbate through the surface, as opposed to just ponding on top.”

At this point in time, MacKay said NWS isn’t expecting any big river flood events due to the increased temperatures. Larger rivers typically require more snowmelt from the snowpack in the mountains to reach flood levels.

MacKay said that it would be beneficial for people who live in more flood prone low-lying areas to use sandbags to protect structures that could be damaged by flooding.

RELATED | Bannock County begins early distribution of sandbags to protect against potential flooding

Bannock County began distributing sandbags earlier this month due to minor flooding impacts seen in January, and Emma Iannacone, public information officer for the county, said they still have “plenty” to offer.

MacKay said he advises people to, “reach out to their local officials (for) any additional guidance or resources that are available in their local communities.”