The 411 on Winter Flooding
The winter season is upon us, and along with it comes snow. While several parts of the country have yet to experience winter weather this season, forecasts are showing it could be on its way. Many areas of the United States, particularly the Midwest, have been experiencing some varying temperatures. There's no telling what mother nature is going to throw at us this year, but it's important we're prepared for anything, including winter flooding.
While snow may not be one of the main causes you think of when it comes to flooding, it's something you should be mindful of. Flooding by snowmelt can cause serious damage, just like flooding associated with a hurricane or heavy rainstorm. Keep reading to learn more about snowmelt and how it relates to flooding:
The effects of snowmelt on potential flooding is something that causes concern for many people around the world. Snowmelt flooding occurs when the major sourse of water involved in a flood is caused by melting snow. The northern states and mountainous areas are particularly susceptible to this type of flooding. High soil moisture conditions prior to snowmelt can also contribute to excess flooding. Rainfall during the late fall is important because there's less time for the soil to drain and dry before it freezes. Frost is another contributor to snowmelt flooding, as deep, hard ground frost prevents snowmelt from infiltrating into the soil. Deep snow cover can worsen snowmelt flooding since there's more water stored and available to melt. Also, widespread snow coverage usually keeps air temperatures cooler, delaying spring warming, which increases the potential for more rapid snowmelt. Most often, snowmelt is a relatively slow phenomenon. The rates are usually comparable to light or moderate rainfall. However, snowmelt rates can be much higher during unusually warm periods with high dew point temperatures and when nighttime temperatures remain above freezing.In addition, rain falling on top of snow packs can contribute to major flooding. Runoff from these types of events has been associated with mass-wasting of hill slopes, damage to riparian zones, downstream flooding, property damage and loss of life.
While flooding by snowmelt is generally a concern in the spring, it can happen sooner. If your area experiences a "mid-winter thaw," you could see some flooding occur. The middle of January has long been associated with the proverbial "January Thaw," when winter briefly loosens its icy grip. Annual averages really do show a slight temperature increase in mid-January, with a subsequent dip during the final week of the month. Though it's called a thaw, the increase in temperatures doesn't necessarily melt away snow and ice, but it could. While weather is predictable to some degree, it always keeps us guessing. When actual "thawing" does occur, runoff can swell streams, rivers and lakes, leading to flooding in those areas.
Big Bags USA® flood barriers are the perfect solution to all your winter flood risks! Our barrier systems can handle the highest demand at a fraction of the costs normally associated with rapid deployed systems. Use them for water control to prevent runoff on roads or keep flood waters from impacting property. Contact Big Bags USA® today at 800-337-0537 for help with all your flood control needs!
Winter Flooding
While snow may not be one of the main causes you think of when it comes to flooding, it's something you should be mindful of. Flooding by snowmelt can cause serious damage, just like flooding associated with a hurricane or heavy rainstorm. Keep reading to learn more about snowmelt and how it relates to flooding:
Snowmelt
The effects of snowmelt on potential flooding is something that causes concern for many people around the world. Snowmelt flooding occurs when the major sourse of water involved in a flood is caused by melting snow. The northern states and mountainous areas are particularly susceptible to this type of flooding. High soil moisture conditions prior to snowmelt can also contribute to excess flooding. Rainfall during the late fall is important because there's less time for the soil to drain and dry before it freezes. Frost is another contributor to snowmelt flooding, as deep, hard ground frost prevents snowmelt from infiltrating into the soil. Deep snow cover can worsen snowmelt flooding since there's more water stored and available to melt. Also, widespread snow coverage usually keeps air temperatures cooler, delaying spring warming, which increases the potential for more rapid snowmelt. Most often, snowmelt is a relatively slow phenomenon. The rates are usually comparable to light or moderate rainfall. However, snowmelt rates can be much higher during unusually warm periods with high dew point temperatures and when nighttime temperatures remain above freezing.In addition, rain falling on top of snow packs can contribute to major flooding. Runoff from these types of events has been associated with mass-wasting of hill slopes, damage to riparian zones, downstream flooding, property damage and loss of life.
Mid-Winter Thaw
While flooding by snowmelt is generally a concern in the spring, it can happen sooner. If your area experiences a "mid-winter thaw," you could see some flooding occur. The middle of January has long been associated with the proverbial "January Thaw," when winter briefly loosens its icy grip. Annual averages really do show a slight temperature increase in mid-January, with a subsequent dip during the final week of the month. Though it's called a thaw, the increase in temperatures doesn't necessarily melt away snow and ice, but it could. While weather is predictable to some degree, it always keeps us guessing. When actual "thawing" does occur, runoff can swell streams, rivers and lakes, leading to flooding in those areas.
Flood Barrier Protection
Big Bags USA® flood barriers are the perfect solution to all your winter flood risks! Our barrier systems can handle the highest demand at a fraction of the costs normally associated with rapid deployed systems. Use them for water control to prevent runoff on roads or keep flood waters from impacting property. Contact Big Bags USA® today at 800-337-0537 for help with all your flood control needs!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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