Thoughts on flooding

A few days ago, the North Fork River and its tributaries were running bank full and muddy. Today, Trail Creek is still high, but mostly clear. The river is still high and while not clear, neither is it really muddy. There are hints of green and it is dropping slowly. As a result, some locals were convinced that any flood danger is over.

Not so! Current high water is caused by recent rains and low elevation snowmelt. The high mountains still have 141 percent of normal snowpack for this time of year. Peak river flows will come in the next few weeks. Typically, our highest water is in the first week of June and that is when I expect this year. How high it will get is dependent on how fast the snow melts and how much rain we get to speed up the melting. I do believe in taking some precautions. Most obvious are moving vehicles, lawn mowers, AVTs and snowmobiles to high ground before the river peaks. Likewise, your gold bars, weapons and other valuables are more easily protected now when you aren’t in a panic to save pets and family lives. At least have an evacuation plan so you don’t end up like the guy who threw the family crystal out the window and carried out the pillows when his house caught fire.

The NFLA spring cleaning at Sondreson Hall took place last Saturday, so the building is spic and span for the swift-approaching summer season. The fence has been propped up again with a few new rails and metal posts. It serves to show our borders and, luckily, would not keep anything in or out. At some point – soon – it needs to be completely rebuilt or it will cease to exist.

Also, there is a new solar-powered light at the back door. This will allow folks to reach the outhouses and generator shed with it is dark, even if it doesn’t scare off potential burglars. All that, plus freshly cut firewood stacked in the shed, freshly washed windows, clean floors and dusted logs.

The first Hall event is May 29 at 9 a.m. when Bob Lee will teach CPR and a First Aid class with certification.

This will lost most of the day, costs $35 and is limited to 10 students. To sign up, contact Bill Walker at 406-407-2764 or at wkwalker@nvdi.com to register.

A memorial for John Frederick will be held at the Polebridge Hostel at 1 p.m. on May 19. Burgers and Dogs provided – bring a side dish to share and a chair to sit in.

Church services at Sondreson Hall will begin on June 3 at 10:30 a.m. Bring a snack to share after the service.

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