Flood teams from the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are assisting communities in Okanogan County Washington and Sanders County Montana to strengthen local levees.
One team is assisting Okanogan County to reduce the risk of scour on the Elmway levee on the Okanogan River near the town of Okanogan. The temporary work started May 7 and is estimated to conclude May 14. A second team is assisting the City of Plains and Sanders County, Montana, with implementing emergency protective measures to reduce the risk of scour on the 1948 levee at Plains. The temporary work started May 7 and is estimated to conclude May 14. The second team is also providing technical assistance in Missoula at the request of Missoula County, Montana.
The Seattle District has provided 20,000 sandbags to Okanogan County, 5,000 to Tonasket and 25,000 sandbags to Missoula. An additional 75,000 sandbags will be delivered to Missoula County and a supply of 15,000 sandbags will be delivered to the Colville Confederated Tribes today and tomorrow.
Agency officials are also working with Bonner County Idaho and Pend Oreille County Washington to prepare for anticipated flooding in the Pend Oreille River basin.
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.
Private citizens seeking sandbags should contact their local government offices.
The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.
Release no. 18-029