Winter Poses Many Flooding Risks

While for some areas it may feel like winter is almost over, there are many parts of the country where winter is still a big deal. One of the deadliest winter weather hazards is flooding. Slippery roads can cause car accidents and heavy snow cover can take a toll on our home, but flooding is something many people don’t prepare for during the winter. The tricky part of winter is the temperature fluctuations, the unseasonable warmth can bring rain, which could also cause any snow that may have accumulated to melt. Unfortunately, ever region in the US is at risk for winter flooding, and while most are focused on ice and snow this time of year, it’s still important to consider winter flood risks. Thankfully, Big Bags USA flood barriers come in handy this time of year!


Flooding from Snow and Rain Mix

Many of the worst Winter floods in the US are caused by a combination of heavy rains and melting snow. These events are tough to forecast, but they will become more common as the planet warms and more winter precipitation falls as rain rather than snow. Rain falling on already accumulated snow is how most of the largest floods on record in the Western US are caused. Moisture in the air actually condenses on the cold snow, similar to when water droplets form on a cold drink. The energy released from the condensation is then absorbed by the snow. Another way that the snow can melt is from the warmer air that accompanies rain, blowing across the surface of the snow. Because the ground is hard and frozen, the excess water cannot be reabsorbed. The water then runs off the surface and flows into lakes, streams, and rivers, causing excess water to spill over their banks.

Other Flooding Risks

Long cold spells can cause the surface of rivers to freeze and since the ice covering the river is lighter than water, it will tend to float. Under pressure, the ice will often break into huge slabs that move downstream and cause an ice jam at man-made and natural obstructions. When the flow of a river is blocked by an ice jam, the water can overflow the river banks, resulting in severe flooding. As the water rises, the excess pressure can break the jam and release a sudden surge of water and ice down the river. While ice jams often form in the same spots year after year, it is nearly impossible to predict exactly when or where a jam will form, or when one will break. Some ice jams will stay put for most of the Winter season. Winter storms generate high winds that can cause wide-spread tidal flooding and severe beach erosion along with coastal areas. In the Great Lakes, for example, winter storms can bring strong winds that push water levels up at one end of the lake, causing a storm surge. As the water levels return to normal, a pendulum effect takes place causing high water levels on alternating sides of the lake until a balance returns.

Expensive Damage from Flooding

While the entire US is at risk for Winter flooding, some areas are more likely to experience Winter flooding than others. Cities on rivers that begin in the mountains, such as Sacramento, California, and Centralia, Washington are more likely to experience flooding from the rain or snow. Melting snow exacerbated flooding in the 1997 New Year's Day flood in Northern California. The flood broke levees and caused millions of dollars in damage. The 2009 flood in the Snoqualmie basin of Washington and the Calgary flood in the Summer of 2013 were both huge rain-on-snow events.

By recreating the 10 worst rain-on-snow flooding events on the West coast, in the Snoqualmie Basin, San Joaquin basin and the East North Fork of the Feather River basin, researchers have developed a model for gauging the risk of incoming storms. The research determined three key factors affecting the risk, which includes the shape of the basin, the elevation of the rain-to-snow transition before and during the storm, and the amount of tree cover. It was found that trees actually reduce the risk of flooding because they slow the storm's winds.

Preparing for Winter and Spring Floods

Now is the time to prepare for the flooding that may happen as the snow melts and the spring rains come. Last year was one of the worst years we’ve seen in a while, and many predictors are pointing towards the same thing this year. Take some time to arm your community with the tools it needs. Big Bags USA makes it easy for your community and business to stock up on the supplies you need by utilizing Schedule 84. You can find the links below in our footer!

MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN  

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.


ALWAYS READY TO HELP LOCAL, STATE, & FEDERAL AGENCIES ... BE PREPARED!

Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ways to Use Big Bags USA® - Part 1

Image
Big Bags USA Flood Barriers are an innovative solution to a huge problem. Flooding occurs every single year across the nation. It’s caused by many different types of occurrences, both weather-related, and often times from failures due to man-made sources. The devastation that can be caused from a single flood is incredible, but it’s also heartbreaking to watch. This is what drove us to create the Big Bags Flood Barrier. Our system was made to be easy to afford, fast to deploy, and easy to save for the next time. Here are several ways you can use Big Bags flood barriers , and how they can make all of the difference in your situation. Flood Control This is one of the most common and popular uses for our easy deploy flood barriers . From the 2019 spring floods to the hurricanes on the East coast, our barriers are seen across the nation helping to control floodwaters. This could mean that we are protecting buildings from the water with these barriers, or even roads. Flood control ca...
Read more

Understanding Hydrophobic Soils

Image
Last year, California saw what has been considered the worst wildfire season on record! Unfortunately, those wildfires aren't the only thing people in those areas of California need to be concerned with. Those wildfires lead to what is known as "hydrophobic soils," which can lead to flooding and mud flows. Keep reading to learn more about hyrophobic soils and why people in California and other wildfire prone areas need to be prepared and have flood protection on hand. Hydrophobic Soils  Hydrophoic soils are just what they sound like, soils that "fear" water. This condition causes water to collect on the surface rather than infiltrate into the ground. The main cause of hydrophobic soils is wildfires. These soils are created when hydrocarbon residue is created after organic material is burnt. That then soaks into empty pore spaces in the soils, making it impervious to water. While this condition is temporary, it can increase water repellency, surface runof...
Read more

The Game Plan if it Floods at Your Business.

Image
  Unexpected floods can be caused by snow, excessive rain, thunderstorms, and many other natural causes. It can quickly happen and catch your business by surprise. It is important to keep in mind a few key flood control practices to keep you and your business as safe as possible. No building is completely waterproof, so it is necessary to have your ducks in a row if you are in a flood zone. Be sure to stock up on  Big Bags USA flood-control systems.  There are a variety of flood control products offered based on the nature of the flood. We will deploy based on your needs with a quick call to  Bigs Bags USA . Read on for a checklist of actions to take if your business or building floods. 1)  Shut Down all Utilities . Immediately turn off electricity and gas lines to your building. Also, shut off the water. If you are unsure where these are located, call your service provider.  2)  Contact Your Insurance . You should call your insurance company right awa...
Read more