Don’t be fooled by the appearance that East Idaho’s winter was less severe than last year’s.
Flooding along the Portneuf River in the Bannock County area could be worse than expected this weekend after the National Weather Service increased the severity level on Monday for local flooding from the minor to moderate level, with a high potential for flooding in lowland areas along the river.
The most serious flooding is forecast to be along the Portneuf River in the Pocatello area and along Marsh Creek, a Portneuf tributary near Inkom, according to a flood warning issued by the weather service for the Portneuf River area of Bannock County.
Currently, the Portneuf River is sitting at 8.4 feet, just below the flood stage of 8.5 feet, but the river could reach 10.2 feet by Sunday, the weather service said.
For comparison, the Portneuf River in the Bannock County area last year hit the 8-foot mark on April 27, the 8.5-foot minor flooding stage on May 3 and peaked at 10.53 feet on May 30.
The weather service said that when the Portneuf River reaches 8.5 feet, sections of Sacajawea Park in Pocatello will be underwater and the park’s trail will likely be closed for safety reasons.
The Idaho State Journal on Sunday did observe flooding at Sacajawea Park.
Hannah Sanger, Pocatello’s science and environment administrator, said Sacajawea Park is located in the floodplain, which is where rivers flood.
“All that land between Inkom and Pocatello is also in the floodplain,” she said. “Usually the city will put up a sign advising that the trail at Sacajawea Park is closed.”
The weather service says that flooding of low-lying agricultural land and pastures will occur in the Inkom and Blackrock areas and that lowland flooding is likely along sections of the Portneuf River between the Portneuf Gap and the Cheyenne Avenue Bridge in Pocatello when the river reaches 9.2 feet.
“At 9.4 feet, water will encroach around sitting benches near the river at the Pacific Recycling Trailhead,” the weather service said. “At 10 feet, significant flooding of agricultural land will occur in the Inkom and Blackrock area. Lowland flooding will occur along sections of the river in Pocatello from Portneuf Gap to the Cheyenne Avenue Bridge and downstream of the concrete channel beginning at Sacajawea Park.”
Flooding is observed at Sacajawea Park in Pocatello in this photo taken this past weekend.
Kyle Riley/For the Journal
The weather service said the cooler temperatures during the beginning part of this week will begin to warm over the next few days, reaching about 70 degrees by Friday, resulting in the Portneuf River rising above the 8.5 feet minor flood stage by Thursday evening. The river will continue to rise above the moderate flood stage of 10 feet to a crest of 10.2 feet Sunday evening, the weather service said.
In 2023, East Idaho was coming off a drought year and a lot of moisture from one of the snowiest winter seasons on record was being absorbed into the ground. But this year, the region’s soil is already saturated, creating more potential for flooding, the weather service said.
Additionally, a low pressure system from the Pacific Northwest could bring additional precipitation to East Idaho starting this weekend and exacerbate the flooding concerns, the weather service said.
“Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks,” the weather service said in its flood warning for the Portneuf River area of Bannock County. “Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.”
To help prevent property damage due to flooding, the Bannock County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with area agencies to distribute free sandbags to residents.
“We hope people will take advantage of this free service and prepare their property for potential flooding. Meanwhile, we’ve activated the Emergency Operations Center to monitor the situation and work with our partners to make sure we’re ready if flooding potential rises,” said Wes Jones, Bannock County’s emergency director.
Similar levels of impact are expected this year compared to last year.
Jones encourages everyone to be aware of flood hazards, especially those living in low-lying areas, near water and natural drainage areas.
Bannock County residents can pick up free empty sandbags from the following locations during regular business hours:
— Bannock County Road & Bridge Office (5500 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello).
— Fort Hall Mine Landfill Office (1500 N. Fort Hall Mine Road, Pocatello).
— Inkom City Office (365 N. Rapid Creek Road, Inkom).
— McCammon City Office (802 Front St., McCammon).
— Lava Hot Springs City Hall (115 Elm St., Lava Hot Springs).
— Downey City Office (15 S. Main St., Downey).
— Downey Swan Lake Highway District (211 US-91, Downey).
— Arimo City Office (115 Henderson Road, Arimo).
Bannock County residents can fill their sandbags for free at the following locations at any time:
— Bannock County Road & Bridge Office (5500 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello).
— Fort Hall Mine Landfill Stockpile Yard (Below Gate, 1500 N. Fort Hall Mine Road, Pocatello).
— County yard on Old Highway 91, east side of I-15, Inkom.
— County yard on 200 N. Front Street, McCammon.
— County yard on the east side of Blazer Highway/US 30 Intersection, Lava Hot Springs.
— Downey City Office (15 S. Main St., Downey).
— Downey Swan Lake Highway District (211 US-91, Downey).
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