2017 NOAA Spring Outlook
North Dakota and Idaho
If you live in northern North Dakota, or in the Snake River basin in Idaho, prepare for moderate to major flooding this spring. The snowpack is heavy in the West and northern plains. If the long term warm-up coincides with spring showers, already saturated soils won't be able to absorb the excess water. This would lead to increased runoff and potential flooding. As for the rest of the country, warmer than average weather is ahead. Above average temperatures are favored for much of the United States this spring, with the south-central Plains and eastern U.S. having the highest chance for warmer than average conditions.
Spring Flood Risk
As mentioned above, northern North Dakota should be concerned with major flooding due to the extensive snowpack, containing up to four inches of liquid water that could increase with the coming storms in April. When the snow melts, the already saturated and frozen soil won't be able to absorb it. The location of greatest concern is Devils Lake, where forecasters are projecting a near record runoff that could cause the lake to rise three to four feet. Central and southeastern Idaho in the Snake River basin, which received its second highest snowfall on record this winter, has a moderate flood risk. Rapid snowmelt from rain storms on top of snowpack has already caused flooding in the region. Future flooding is all dependent upon future precipitation and temperatures.
California and Nevada may also experience snowmelt flooding this spring. Numerous winter storms brought record-breaking rain and snow to this region. Snowpack is currently above normal, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains having the heaviest snowpack in more than 20 years. Rivers in the area have already experienced elevated stream flows and flooding. Most reservoirs are at or above capacity already. Snowpack is expected to build, making it difficult for forecasters to determine spring snowmelt flooding severity at this time.
Other areas where minor flooding is possible include parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin southward to eastern Texas, in a narrow band across the Southeast up the coast to southern Virginia, and across Maine and parts of New Hampshire. Due to below-normal precipitation this winter, the flood threat is low in southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic.
Temperature and Precipitation
For April through June, above-average temperatures are favored for a large area stretching from the Southwest eastward to include the central and southern Plains, Great Lakes, Southeast and Northeast. Most of Alaska and Hawaii are also favored to see above-average temperatures. As for precipitation, odds favor wetter-than-average conditions for the northern Rockies, northern Plains and along the Gulf Coast from Texas to the western Florida Panhandle. Below-average precipitation is favored for the western half of Alaska and eastern Hawaii.
Take a look at the 2017 Spring Flood Risk Map from the NOAA above. If you fall into one of the flood risk areas, now's the time to start preparing for spring flooding! By having a flood mitigation plan in place, you can greatly reduce the impact of flooding on your community, your family and your property.
Big Bags USA® flood barriers are designed to handle the highest demands at a fraction of the costs typically associated with rapid deployed systems. Our systems are the perfect flood mitigation tool to have on hand for when an emergency situation arises. Our barriers can be used in a variety of water control and flood control situations. They are durable, flexible and cost effective when compared to other products on the market. Give us a call at 800-337-0537 to learn more and/or request a quote!
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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