Spring is just around the corner, and the snowpack in Utah is at between 150% - 200% in most of the state. If temperatures warm up too quickly we could be looking at some spring run off flooding. There could also be issues if the melting snowpack is combined with heavy spring rain. Below is a list of what the city is doing to prepare along with what residents can do to prepare, including information on sandbags and where they can be filled and picked up.
What the City is doing to Mitigate Spring Run Off Flooding Issues
- Checking that drainage ditches and other flooding mitigation measures along the Lake Mountain range and Knolls fire burn scar are clear of garbage and debris.
- Checking that the storm drains and the storm drain system is clear of debris, so water can move through the system quickly and efficiently.
- Clearing debris and burning weeds along canals and other ditches to ensure water can move freely along the system.
- Working with volunteers to Increase the stock of filled sandbags.
What Residents Can do to Protect Their Homes
- Ensure all storm gutter drain pipes are connected properly to their homes and are free from cracks or other issues.
- Check any drainage systems placed on their property to ensure they are clean of debris to allow water to move freely through the system.
- Check any storm drains near their home to ensure they are clear of debris to allow storm water or spring run off water to quickly enter and move through the storm drain system.
- Ensure that any sump or other type of pumps used on their property are working properly.
- Follow the DNR Weekly Watering Guide. Residents might want to hold off on watering until after the spring thaw, as saturated earth can increase flooding potential.
- Have all yard improvement deliveries such as rock, mulch and dirt placed on the residents property and not along the gutter or the street. These types of supplies can cause several issues when placed in the road including:
- Blocking water from flowing along the gutter and entering the storm drain system, possibly causing flooding in the street.
- Portions of the rock, mulch or dirt can wash down to the storm drain entering and clogging the storm drain system, causing flooding due to back ups in the system.
- Blocking traffic from safely traversing the street.
- It's the law. City code states that items such as this must not be placed along a public right of way.
Flood Safety
- Put important papers in a waterproof container.
- Have a 72 hour kit or and other emergency kits.
- Audit an existing kit to ensure nothing is expired.
- information on creating an emergency kit and other disaster preparedness information can be found by going to the Emergency Preparedness Page.
- Keep a safe distance from Canals and other waterways, as they could be fuller than normal.
Additional Resources
Sandbag Availability and Guidelines
Sandbags and sandbag supplies are available on the northeast side of the Patriot Park Parking Lot. Please follow the instructions and guidelines below when filling and picking up sandbags. See amps below for exact location.
Filling Sandbags
- Wear gloves
- Bags should only be filled 1/2 - 2/3 of the way full.
- The person holding the bag should be kneeling or sitting down.
- The person filling the bag should make sure to only fill the shovel with the amount of sand they can handle.
- Volunteers understand that there is inherent risk in filling and lifting sandbags. Those volunteering to fill sandbags volunteer at their own risk.
Moving Sandbags
- Sandbags can weigh up to 75 lbs. Use proper lifting techniques to move bags.
- Ensure your vehicle can handle the weight of the bags you are taking.
Placing Sandbags
- Filled sandbags and sandbag supplies are available for residents to pick up and use. See the Maps below for location.
- Residents will be allowed to take 10 sandbags per home.
- Residents are responsible for the sandbags after they are picked up, including disposal of the bags after use.
- Place a plastic tarp under the sandbags.
- Sandbags should be held perpendicular to the ground then dropped into place to allow sand to settle.
- Sandbags should be placed in a staggered brick pattern.
