Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
THERMOPOLIS — Hot Springs County Emergency Management would like to ask that residents on western streams, particularly Owl Creek, to please be aware that the State Engineer’s Office and Bureau of Reclamation feel there is potential for very high spring snow melt runoff this year.
In a press release, HSC Emergency Management Director Bill Gordon said, “Though a lot of snow below 9000 feet has already melted, a large snowpack remains in the high-altitude peaks at the far west end of our county. Those peaks stretch over 12,000 feet so the melt is not expected to begin for two to three weeks.”
He added that despite all planning and management efforts the runoff may well exceed stream capacity and there is potential for flooding of low areas along the creeks. The situation will be monitored and further announcements will be made. In the meantime, it is recommended you move vehicles, farm equipment, campers and livestock away from the immediate area of the Big Horn River and creeks.
In Hot Springs County, if you wish to discuss obtaining sandbags and sand, please call Dispatch at 864-2622 and your information will be passed along to HSC Emergency Management, Gordon said.
Gordon said, “As we head into this runoff season, the Big Horn River flow has been increased to 7,000 cubic feet per second and will increase to 8,000 cfs next week. Many streams will be high. They will be dangerous. Keep children and pets away from high water. High flows leave no room for mistakes. If you come upon water on a roadway, turn around, don’t drown.”