SEATTLE—Flood teams from the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have initiated erosion protection work in Okanogan, Washington, at the Mill Street Bridge, and have distributed 350,000 sandbags and 800 Supersacks to counties, cities and Tribes.
Seattle District’s Okanogan flood team is assisting Okanogan County with rock placement to combat erosion in the town of Okanogan along Salmon Creek. Crews concluded work yesterday in Plains, Montana, and at the Elmway Levee in Okanogan. Teams are providing technical assistance to Missoula County, Montana, St. Maries, Idaho, and Yakima County, Washington, and the Kalispel Tribe.
The Seattle District has provided about 350,000 sandbags to Okanogan County, Pend Oreille County and Tonasket in Washington; Missoula County in Montana; Bonner County, Idaho; and to the Kalispel and Colville Confederated Tribes. USACE has provided 400 Supersacks to Missoula County and 400 to Okanogan County. An additional 90,000 sandbags are scheduled for May 12 delivery to Omak, Washington.
Warm temperatures combined with above normal snow levels have created a situation where Pend Oreille River flows downstream of Albeni Falls Dam are likely to exceed flood stage this week. Flows on the Pend Oreille River and Lake Pend Oreille are now forecast to meet or possibly exceed 2011 flood levels.
Members of the public, elected officials, and stakeholders with an interest in Albeni Falls Dam and the Pend Oreille River are encouraged to attend a public meeting in Cusick May 11. Representatives from the Army Corps and National Weather Service will discuss water supply forecasts, Albeni Falls Dam operations, and flood risk for this spring and summer in the Pend Oreille River.
Public Information Meeting Details:
Friday, May 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Cusick High School Gym, 305 Monumental Way, Cusick, WA 99119
Flood fight teams are coordinating with the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana. Agency representatives will continue to coordinate with the counties and cities along the rivers, and the Colville Confederated Tribes.
Public Law 84-99 authorizes USACE to provide flood fight assistance at the request of local officials when rivers are at or above flood stage and local resources are fully used.
Private citizens seeking sandbags should contact their local government offices.
USACE coordinates closely with the National Weather Service. The Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.