Thoughts on flooding

Every year at this time, folks like to start worrying about the possibility of a flood. This is especially true when the snowpack is 130 percent of normal or more, like it is now.

My comments are the same as every other year. While the snowpack is a factor in possible flooding, it is not the only one. More important than snowpack is the weather. A slow runoff caused by a cool spring can set us up for more trouble.

If we have a slow runoff (like we are having this year) and it is followed by a warmer than usual weather pattern, then flooding is more likely. If we have a cold spring, followed by warm/hot weather, accompanied by heavy rain, it is time to caulk the boat and head for high ground.

The worst flood in my memory was in 1964, when all of the above factors combined to provide an epic flood on both sides of the divide. Locally, roads, bridges and homes were destroyed and there were lives lost on the east side. That flood was described as a 500-year flood. Of course, it is always possible to get 1,000 years of flooding in two years.

Although it is obviously not possible to predict with certainty whether there will be no flood, minor flooding or a real gully washer, I think this year’s worries are fueled mostly by the long, dreary period of gray skies and shot of rain and snow that have gone on, and on, and on. I am sick of winter, sick of snow and sick of gray skies.

Sure, the lower North Fork Road is in great shape and the Upper North Fork is passable, but there is a definite shortage of bare ground and green grass. What we need is a shot of blue sky, warm sun and the hope of spring and summer to follow. We need it to lift our spirits and reduce the amount of mud our dog tracks in.

So far, the only sign of spring is scattered rumors that the Home Ranch will be preparing meals soon and that The Merc is open on weekends. There are also some signs that bears are starting to wake up, but just when they are about to get hungry, another snowstorm puts them back in their dens.

Maybe next week the weather will be nicer, which will improve my disposition – and maybe yours too?

Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.